DUBBO Dubbo is the ‘capitol’ of the central west of NSW. Dubbo is a small city by city terms, but is the growth centre of the region and has all essential services. Unfortunately Dubbo has adopted the growth for growth sake mantra, and this culture has rubbed off onto the people and institutions. Take away the Taranga Zoo, and then there is no reason to visit. The explorer, John Oxley, was the first European to report on the area now known as Dubbo in 1818. The first permanent settler in the area was Robert Dulhunty, described as one of the wealthiest citizens in the Australian colony at the time. There are records of squatters being given permission to set up large sheep and cattle stations in the area in 1824 but these were not maintained. In 1846, due to the number of settlers in the area, the government decided to establish a courthouse, police station and lock-up in the Dubbo area. A constables residence was completed in 1847 and a wooden slab construction courthouse and lock-up in early 1848. By this time, the settlement had only four buildings; the constable’s residence, courthouse (a really beautiful building) and lock-up, (now a museum) a store and an inn. The Museum is held in high regard and is the centre piece of down town tourism. The churches that followed, notably the Anglican and early Catholic were formidable buildings. The United and Presbyterian are turn of century but classic buildings. The Hotels is Dubbo are a mix of the very old, turn of century and modern. Other than the court house there are not many truly heritage buildings. The grand Post Office has been relegated to this (how can this be allowed ???). The Dubbo War Memorial is a very worthy and commanding acknowledgement. Dubbo is a must visit town because of the Taronga Western Plans Zoo and the integration of the Zoo with the city. Given the Zoo will take a couple days, allow a minimum three days when visiting Dubbo.