Dubbo has a few attractions of note, the most obvious being Taronga Western Plains Zoo, a major drawcard for the region. Opened in 1977 it was constructed to provide room for many of the grazing animals that required more space than available at the existing Taronga Zoo in Sydney. In addition to the large range and display of animals, the zoo also runs a successful breeding and conservation project.

So why did we choose not to visit when we’re only 2KM away? Well, we have both visited major wildlife parks recently with family, and the cost, $86. Admittedly the tickets are valid for two days but would you really need to spend two days wandering around a zoo?

Narromine

So, instead, we decided to head out of town through open farmland to Narromine 40KM west of Dubbo. The childhood home of former Australian and international cricketer Glenn McGrath. A couple of kilometres further on was our intended destination, the Narromine Aviation Museum.

The Wright Flyer

The museum is full of unexpected surprises. Recently expanded, the museum is home to the world’s first flying replica of the Wright Flyer of 1907 and local guides tell the story of its construction and first flight. Only a few variations from the original, for safety reasons are, a modern engine, radio, gearbox and a seatbelt! It is a work of art and an absolute tribute to Keith and Eric Hayden who laboured over it from just a set of plans.

The adjacent airfield goes back to the early 1900’s and was a major flight training site during World War II. The famous Mosquito flying 618 Squadron were briefly based here after leaving the UK on a secret mission to the Far East that never came to bear.

Following the end of the war the Mosquito aircraft were sold to local farmers who’s only interest were the nuts and bolts that could be re-used and, sadly, the rest of the airframes were buried. Fortunately several of the iconic Rolls Royce Merlin engines survived and a couple of examples are on display at the museum.

Since 1940 Narromine Aerodrome has been recognised as one of the world’s premier gliding destinations due to its location surrounded by an expansive flat landscape, ideal for generating thermals. In 2015 The Junior World Gliding Championships we held here and in 2022 it will host The World Gliding Championships.