WEEKEND IN DUBBO 4/5 NOVEMBER 2006

With an overcast sky promising inclement weather, our group of 19 members and visitors set off for Dubbo at 6.30 am on Saturday 4 November.  As we headed through the Blue Mountains, light rain began to fall seemingly dashing our hopes of a fine weekend for our visit to the Western Plains Zoo.  However, we remained optimistic, keeping our fingers crossed for better weather, as we stopped at Lithgow for morning tea.  On the Mitchell Highway just after leaving Orange and still in light rain, our keen-eyed Coach Captain Peter brought the coach to an abrupt halt.  We watched in amazement as, in front of us, Mother Duck led her eight little ducklings across the four-lane highway safely to the other side.

Three kilometersighway between Orange and outside Dubbo, we stopped at the Tombstone Winery for lunch.  The drizzling rain, which still prevailed, did not stop some of our members inspecting the vines and rose garden, while the rest of us enjoyed a tour of the winery and a talk on winemaking by Proprietor Ian.  This was followed by a wine tasting and purchase of a suitable wine to accompany the delicious BBQ lunch served by our delightful hostess Judy. 

Leaving the vineyard we made our way to Old Dubbo Gaol.  The 1800s Gaol is enhanced with some of the latest technology in entertainment.  Animatronics and hologram exhibits bring to life the stories and atmosphere of this fascinating place and relic of pioneering Australia

After our sojourn at the gaol we moved on to afternoon tea at the Claypan Gallery.  Most of us, still feeling the effects of our leisurely lunch, ‘passed up' on any further refreshments and contented ourselves browsing the treasures of the Gallery.

At 4.30 pm we arrived at the Golden West Motel in time to refresh ourselves and prepare for our dinner.  At 7.00 pm we assembled at the bar for pre-dinner drinks and then proceeded to the dining room, where we enjoyed an excellent three-course meal, provided by our hostess Margaret.

Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny and in lovely sunshine we departed for the Western Plains Zoo.  We were allowed to drive around the Zoo in our coach, which was a blessing for the less agile amongst us, whilst the hardier travellers opted to hire bicycles and cycle around.  Our affable and helpful Coach Captain Peter stopped wherever and whenever we wished.  Thus, among others, we were able to see the antics of the Meerkats, surveying the horizon; the Hippos and Rhinos enjoying their feed; the drowsy Asian Otters sunning themselves in their glass sided enclosure, the unusual sight of a giraffe lying down and the ancient breed of Przewalski horse from which all horses are descended. The magnificent African Elephants showed us the routines they carry out, so that their keepers can perform health checks of their mouth, feet and backs.

After lunch we departed for Sydney.  One more stop at Lithgow for afternoon refreshments and then home to Sydney, replete, tired, but content with our weekend.

Doreen Sutcliffe

Organizer