Tamworth to Dubbo (341 km)

Left Tamworth heading for Dubbo and passed through Gunnedah "Koala capital of Australia", didn't see a single koala. Onto Coonabarabran "astronomy capital of Australia" not a single telescope in sight, they are actually housed at Siding Spring Observatory. The area around Coonabarabran was severely burnt in summer bushfires, but the areas that we passed through are recovering quite well.

Crossed the Liverpool Plains south of Tamworth, views were amazing, the Great Dividing Range and Warrambungle Ranges surround rich and colourful agriculture fields.

Our planned trip to Western Plains Taronga Zoo didn't eventuate due to rain (and lots of it). There was a brief period where the rain stopped so we visited the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. The gardens contain four main areas but we spent most of our time wandering the Shoyoen (strolling) garden. This garden was a gift to the city of Dubbo from Dubbo's sister city of Minokamo in Japan. Gardeners from Minokama come to Dubbo annually to help with the upkeep of the gardens. While it was a bit bare on this rainy, winter's day, it was still an enjoyable visit.

Accommodation: Central Serviced Apartments, 21 Baird Street, Dubbo