Our tour so far has seen us mainly following a coastal path.We have both enjoyed this time and have made the most of it.There are many amazing places to see on the coast and the girls have had a ball with all the water play and good weather we have been lucky enough to strike.However as we headed west from Anna Bay and the coast gave way to the Hunter Valley both Kylz and I found ourselves relishing the change in direction.The drive west took us through the Hunter and once again over the Great Dividing Range and out into the "west". (according to anyone you talk to from Sydney that's anywhere more than 20mins from a Gloria Jeans!)We had an early start and made good time with a couple of stops for lunch and snacks and one to let Charli do a "bush piss"?She has been practising but even Kylz has gotten a bit soft on weeing in the bush since we left Mount Isa.The Big 4 in Dubbo gave us a large drive through site so setting up was a breeze and we were kicking back enjoying happy hour by about 4.30pm.

With our main aim being the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in search of Zebras, the Big 4 was a perfect base.Within easy riding distance we were up and loaded the very next morning for our first trip to the zoo.Kylz had already organised our tickets prior to telecast, and being able to ride your own bikes around the zoo meant we were through the gates in no time.Now we will spare you guys the details of every animal we saw, needless to say there is no shortage in such a world-class show as this one.However one of our closest encounters was feeding the Giraffes carrots on a feeding platform specially set up for these long necked freckly fellas.Apparently they love carrots like a reserve grade footy side likes free piss!Half a dozen long necks all after a carrot gets pretty daunting and it was a bit much for the girls at the start.

Now being a big show it took another hour before we located our target animal.Zebra!Judging by the look on Charli's face it was well overdue!They are a remarkable animal and quite amazing to see up close.The stripes are very curious.The photos don't do it justice.Many types of monkeys also entertained us through the day.All the animals were in very open enclosures that made viewing very simple.Being a very warm day (30 degrees) most of them were parked up in the shady parts of their pens.None did this better then the African Hunting Dogs.It was hard to tell if it was them or a pile of old seat covers thrown on the ground!The smaller animals especially the otters and meerkats appealed to both the girls, even Kylz spent plenty of time engrossed in their quirky behaviour.

With our passes allowing unlimited entry we decided early on that our time would be better spent over two days rather than one.Anyone who has spent time dragging kids around such places will agree it's like herding cats after a couple of hours!We gave ourselves a day's break before returning to the zoo and even hired a golf buggy that Chip Foose would be proud of!This pimped up ride allowed us to cover the ground a bit quicker.We both agreed that the second day was well worth it and would recommend a two day trip to anyone heading out that way.The Dubbo Zoo is a credit to all working there and provides up close interaction with animals we would never ever otherwise get to see.Who knew something that looks like a donkey is actually the fastest member of the horse family!?The Persian Onager!Need to get one ready for the cup.

While in Dubbo we toured the Dubbo Gaol (jail).This was a short tour of the old jail which is smack in the middle of town in the main street.The convicts of the day had a lot more to whinge about then the sooks we lock up today!Do the crime do the time takes on a whole new meaning when the chances of surviving are pretty slim.This was also a beautiful day and we took the girls to the Dubbo water park for a splash around.

Just to prove what a small world it really is, while in Dubbo Big 4 we were able to meet (and enjoy a night out at the local bowlo!) with Andrew and Tanya, a lovely couple from Boonah Queensland, on holiday with their three young children.As we found out after yarning for a few hours, ( and a couple of frothies ) Andrew is a work colleague of Nat's brother Paul!Yes he too is a Queensland walloper!Needless to say Kylz was on her best behaviour that night!The girls had a couple of real busy days with new friends to keep them running!

The warm weather in Dubbo was welcome as we both knew we would very soon be getting a taste of the cooler climates coldest months!However nice any of the places we have been to are, there always comes the inevitable packing up and moving on.This time we move off to hopefully answer one of the biggest questions of this region's history.... Why did they build a radio telescope in the middle of a sheep paddock?