Nestled in the heart of New South Wales, Dubbo is a thriving regional hub that strikes the perfect balance between city convenience and relaxed country living. With a population of around 38,943 residents and growing, Dubbo continues to attract individuals, families, and businesses in search of a more affordable, connected, and enriching lifestyle.
Every year, nearly 1.5 million visitors experience the charm of Dubbo—drawn by its open spaces, friendly locals, and incredible attractions. These include over 760,000 domestic day-trippers, more than 710,000 overnight guests, and almost 13,000 international travellers. Whether you’re visiting, planning to settle, or looking to invest, Dubbo offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle that is hard to match.
A Growing Economy with Big Ambitions
Dubbo’s economic landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic. The region is home to over 5,492 businesses, with nearly half reporting annual turnovers exceeding $200,000. With a total economic output of $9.5 billion and a Gross Regional Product of $4.85 billion, Dubbo is a serious player in regional development.
The city is a key contributor to Australia’s export sector, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and biosciences. This vibrant business ecosystem, combined with Dubbo’s strategic inland location, makes it a compelling destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
Attractions That Inspire
Dubbo is packed with unforgettable experiences. The internationally acclaimed Taronga Western Plains Zoo offers open-range wildlife adventures for all ages, while the Old Dubbo Gaol brings local history to life with immersive displays and tours. Just a short drive away, the Wellington Caves reveal stunning limestone formations and a glimpse into the region’s geological past.
Families and outdoor lovers enjoy weekends at Lake Burrendong, perfect for water sports, fishing, and camping. Meanwhile, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience provides a fascinating look at outback healthcare and aviation history.
The city’s cultural heartbeat can be found at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, which hosts rotating exhibitions, regional art, and historical collections. Nearby, the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) is a premier venue for the performing arts and major events. With a 500-seat tiered theatre and a 750-seat convention centre, it hosts everything from international touring productions to local theatre, weddings, trade shows, and conferences—welcoming over one million visitors since opening in 2010.
A City That Nurtures Learning and Growth
Dubbo offers outstanding education and childcare options, making it a smart choice for families. There are currently 35 childcare centres, 17 kindergartens and preschools, and a wide range of public and private schools providing excellent primary and secondary education.
For those pursuing further study, Dubbo is home to a Charles Sturt University campus, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a strong focus on rural development. The University of Sydney’s School of Rural Health trains future medical professionals right in the heart of the region.
Vocational and skills training is well catered for with TAFE NSW Dubbo, which operates two campuses specialising in industries such as agriculture, automotive, hair and beauty, construction, and nursing. The Yarradamarra Centre on the Myall Street campus also delivers Aboriginal cultural and language programs. Several private education providers complement this ecosystem, ensuring Dubbo delivers lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.
Healthcare That Cares
Dubbo’s health services are among the most comprehensive in regional Australia. At the core is Dubbo Health Service, a major rural referral hospital offering 24/7 emergency care, surgery, maternity, paediatrics, ICU, mental health, and outpatient clinics.
Co-located is the Western Cancer Centre Dubbo, a $35 million, state-of-the-art facility offering chemotherapy, radiation therapy, PET-CT scanning, and holistic wellness support. Its integration with the main hospital ensures that patients across western NSW can access life-saving care without needing to travel long distances.
For additional care, the Dubbo Private Hospital provides medical, surgical, and rehabilitation services, further enhancing the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
Comprehensive Aged Care Services
Dubbo offers a wide range of aged care services to support its growing senior population, ensuring high-quality care, comfort, and dignity for residents in their later years. The city is home to multiple residential aged care facilities, including well-established providers such as RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village, St Mary’s Villa, BaptistCare Orana Centre, and Kintyre Living, which offer everything from independent living units to high-care nursing services. In addition, home care providers such as KinCare, Anglicare, and Catholic Healthcare deliver in-home support, enabling older residents to maintain independence while receiving professional care. These services are complemented by allied health support, palliative care, and community programs that promote healthy, active ageing in Dubbo’s supportive and connected environment.
Strong Industries, Bright Futures
Dubbo’s economy is driven by a diverse mix of industries. The largest employment sector is public administration and safety, accounting for 18.6% of jobs. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing employ 17% of the workforce, while 11.5% work in healthcare and social assistance.
This diversity makes the city resilient and forward-looking, offering strong career opportunities in both traditional and emerging sectors. Dubbo’s central location and infrastructure continue to attract investment and innovation across all areas of business.
Why Move to Dubbo?
Relocating to Dubbo means enjoying the best of both worlds. Housing is significantly more affordable than in Sydney or Melbourne, allowing for home ownership or more space at a lower cost. Commutes are short, air quality is fresh, and natural beauty is all around—without sacrificing access to quality schools, healthcare, and lifestyle amenities.
Whether you’re looking to start a family, grow your career, or launch a business, Dubbo offers a community-minded atmosphere, modern services, and an enviable pace of life. It’s not just a great place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
Dubbo Tourism Information www.dubbo.com.au
Charles Sturt University www.csu.edu.au
Dubbo Regional Council www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Dubbo Chamber of Commerce & Industry www.dubbochamber.com.au
Regional Development Australia (Orana) www.rdaorana.com.au
NSW State & Regional Development www.business.nsw.gov.au/community
Dubbo Economic & Statistics Profile www.economicprofile.com.au/dubboregionalcouncil