Communities and Justice

Explore the lifestyle benefits of Western NSW

Discover a role with DCJ in Western NSW.

Hot air balloons at golden hour in Mudgee


Western NSW, where career development meets tranquil living. Dubbo and surrounds offer a unique blend of professional opportunity at our Macquarie and Wellington Correctional Centres, and welcoming communities that will make you feel right at home. Make the move from the bustling streets of Sydney to the picturesque landscapes and warm communities of Dubbo, Mudgee, Orange and many more. These three regional hubs are all within driving distance of the Centres. Each of these regional gems offer enriched lifestyle opportunities, diverse communities, stunning landscapes and promise the harmonious work-life balance you and your family are seeking.

An image of the Mudgee countryside at golden hour
Mudgee countryside credit: Destination NSW

Dubbo and Wellington

Dubbo and Wellington lie in the heart of NSW. Dubbo is a dynamic regional centre that offers the dual benefits of lifestyle space with the amenities of a major city. Striking natural features and unique history combine in this area to create the idyllic country vibe you have been dreaming of. 123,000 people live in the broader Orana region, you could be next to join this vibrant community.

A car driving down a country road in Dubbo at dusk
Scenic drive in Dubbo credit: Destination NSW

Housing

A journey towards the perfect home awaits in the Dubbo region. Whether you’re seeking the perfect family home or tranquil escape, Dubbo and Wellington provide a range of housing options to suit your needs and budget. Explore the numbers and discover the key to unlocking your dream home in the heart of Western NSW.

Dubbo                               

Median house price

$550,000

Median house rent

$460 per week

Median unit prices

$352,500

Median unit rent

$320 per week

Wellington

Median house price

$277,444

Median house rent

$355 per week

Median unit rent

$260 per week

An aerial photo of Victoria Park in Dubbo
Victoria Park credit: Destination NSW

Amenities

Discover a lifestyle where convenience and community converge in Dubbo. Home to a plethora of facilities that enhance daily living in this electric regional centre. From lush parks and vibrant sporting clubs to diverse shopping precincts and educational institutions. Dubbo presents an abundance of amenities catering to various interests and needs. Explore the amenities that make Dubbo a place where comfort, recreation, and community spirit thrive.

Parks

24 local parks

Sporting clubs

Over 100 different sporting clubs

Sports grounds

22 sporting grounds

Golf clubs

2 golf clubs

Races

2 race courses

Swimming pools

3 public swimming pools

Shopping

3 shopping malls and 5 neighbourhood shopping precincts

Worship

43 places of worship

Education

57 educational facilities

Arts and culture

Over 40 arts and culture groups

An image of Dubbo Clock Tower against a blue sky
Dubbo Clock Tower credit: Destination NSW

Attractions

There are an array of attractions to explore in Dubbo, each painting a unique story of history, art, nature and vibrant community life. Discover the echoes of the past and the artistic vibrancy that defines Dubbo’s cultural landscape. Connect with the natural beauty that surrounds Dubbo, offering a diverse range of experiences. There’s something for the whole family to explore in Dubbo.

A family feeding a giraffe at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo credit: Destination NSW
A photo of a family having fun on the lawn at Old Dubbo Gaol
Old Dubbo Gaol credit: Destination NSW

History and art

  • Old Dubbo Gaol
  • Royal Flying Doctor
  • Service Visitor Experience
  • Dubbo Observatory
  • Western Plains Cultural Centre
  • Dundullimal Homestead 

Markets

  • Dubbo Farmers Market
  • Dubbo Riverside Market
  • Dubbo Rotunda Market

Nature

  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo
  • Shoyoen Japanese Garden
  • Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens Adventure Playground
  • Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum
  • Wellington Caves and Holiday Complex
  • Breelong National Park
  • Macquarie River

Community

In Dubbo, community isn’t just a word; it’s a lifestyle. Dubbo is an inclusive area to call home, with diversity in culture and tradition being celebrated. Families make up a large portion of the population in Dubbo, you will find and connect with like minded individuals and enjoy a community that rallies around its own.

Dubbo:

Population

74,084

Families

18,472

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

11,947

Median age

38

Most common countries of birth

Australia and India

Top three languages spoken

English, Nepali, Punjabi

A photo of two people at an orange stand at the Dubbo Farmers Market
Dubbo Farmers Market credit: Destination NSW

Learn more

Want to learn more about a new life in Dubbo and surrounds? You can find more information here.

Mudgee

The best of country living lies in the Mudgee region, with residents enjoying the magnificent landscape, as well as a varied range of amenities you would expect from a much larger town. Rich with history, all of the region’s towns have charming historical buildings and town centres, well-presented main streets and stunning natural beauty. Mudgee is the perfect regional hub to make your new home.

An aerial photo of a country drive in Mudgee
Scenic drive, Mudgee credit: Destination NSW

Housing

The Mudgee region — where the essence of country living meets modern comfort. From elegant homes in Mudgee itself to the charming abodes in Gulgong and Rylstone, discover a range of housing options that empathise the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious family home or a tranquil retreat, Mudgee offers the perfect blend of affordability and elegance.

Mudgee                           

Median house price

$688,000

Median house rent

$540 per week

Median unit prices

$495,000

Median unit rent

$420 per week

Gulgong

Median house price

$560,000

Median house rent

$485 per week

Rylstone

Median house price

$575,000

Median house rent

$350 per week

A photo of a streetscape in Rylstone in Autumn
Rylstone streetscape credit: Destination NSW

Amenities

Step into a world where convenience and community converge — the Mudgee region. From lush parks and lively sports grounds to diverse shopping precincts and cultural hubs, everything is on offer in Mudgee. Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of the community through numerous recreational, educational, and cultural offerings.

Parks

30 local parks

Sports grounds

11 sporting grounds

Races

1 race course

Swimming pools

3 public swimming pools

Shopping

2 shopping malls and various neighbourhood shopping precincts

Worship

Over 24 places of worship

Education

Over 12 educational facilities

Arts and culture

Over 14 arts and culture groups

Events

More than 80 major annual events, festivals and sporting games

A photo of the entrance to Mudgee Arts Precinct
Mudgee Arts Precinct credit: Destination NSW

Attractions

History, nature and cultural experiences converge in this unique region. From the honeyed landscapes of Mudgee, to the stargazing wonders at Mudgee Observatory, embark on a journey that promises to ignite your sense of wonder. Delve into the heart of Mudgee’s charm as we explore Robertson Park and the thriving Mudgee Arts Precinct. There are so many cultural gems and natural wonders that make the Mudgee region such a special place to live.

A photo of a couple in front of a shed at Lowe Wines
Lowe Wines credit: Destination NSW
A photo of people sharing a meal around a table at The Little Cooking School
The Little Cooking School, Mudgee credit: Destination NSW

History and art

  • Mudgee Museum
  • Mudgee Arts Precinct
  • Arts and Crafts Railway Gallery Mudgee

Markets

  • Church Markets in the grounds of St John’s Anglican Church
  • Lawson Park Markets
  • Rylstone Artisan and Produce Markets at Rylstone Memorial Hall
  • Mudgee Farmers’ Markets in Robertson Park
  • Kandos Markets in the grounds of St Laurence Anglican Church
  • Mudgee Makers’ Markets in Robertson Park
  • The Rylstone Sunday Morning Community Markets in The Globe Hotel Gardens
  • Capertee Good Earth Markets at The Royal Capertee Hotel

Wineries and distilleries

  • Aril Estate
  • Lazy Oak Wines
  • Baker Williams Distillery
  • Lowe Family Wine Co
  • Moothi Estate
  • The Cellar by Gilbert
  • Mudgee Brewing Company

Nature

  • Windamere Dam
  • Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve
  • Ferntree Gully
  • Wollemi National Park
  • Putta Bucca Wetlands
  • The Drip
  • Hands on Rock
  • Goulburn River National Park
  • Robertson Park

Community

From shared traditions to multicultural celebrations, Mudgee is a place where individuals and families come together to create a diverse blend of cultures and backgrounds. Explore the demographics, engage in community events, and discover the unique threads that make the social fabric of Mudgee so extraordinary.

Region Population

25,563

Mudgee Population

11,457

Families

2,998

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

864

Median age

36

Most common countries of birth

Australia and England

Top three languages spoken

English, Nepali, Punjabi

A photo of a couple enjoying a meal at Alby and Esthers
Alby and Esthers credit: Destination NSW

Learn more

Want to learn more about a new life in Mudgee and surrounds? You can find more information here.

Orange

Winter or summer, Orange is a town that is perfect to live in year-round. This thriving country town is as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, glorious gardens and bustling markets. Famed for its rich produce-yielding soils, cool-climate wines and spectacular scenery, this is the ideal regional hub to raise a family.

A photo at golden hour of the Orange countryside
Orange countryside credit: Destination NSW

Housing

Uncover the housing landscape in Orange, where the promise of a family home ranges from cosy suburban retreats, hobby farm sanctuaries, to stately town homes. The lifestyle opportunities in Orange are varied, catering to your needs and the needs of your family. Orange has a range of properties that cater to different price points, allowing you accessibility and flexibility. You can explore the warmth and charm of Orange’s housing landscape.

Orange           

Median house price

$690,000

Median house rent

$520 per week

Median unit prices

$497,500

Median unit rent

$400 per week

A photo of a couple walking down a leafy street in Orange
Orange streetscape credit: Destination NSW
An aerial photo of Cook Park
Cook Park credit: Destination NSW

Amenities

Explore the rich amenities that make Orange a hub of activity and convenience. Orange is a city committed to enhancing the quality of daily life. You could be living amongst a network of well-resourced recreational facilities and sporting activities. Enjoy the convenience of Orange’s shopping precincts, offering unique local stores as well as the amenities you would expect to find in the city.

Parks and sports grounds

110 local parks and sports grounds

Sporting clubs

Over 56 different sporting clubs

Golf clubs

3 golf clubs

Races

1 race course

Swimming pools

2 public swimming pools

Shopping

3 shopping malls and various neighbourhood shopping precincts

Worship

Over 29 places of worship

Education

Over 39 educational facilities

Arts and culture

Over 25 arts and culture groups

A photo of a golfer at Duntryleague Golf Club
Duntryleague Golf Club credit: Destination NSW

Attractions

Orange is a captivating landscape of activity, from natural beauty, to its rich historical tapestry and cultural wonders. Wineries and Orange are synonymous. You can enjoy an array or spectacular local wines and distilleries, inviting you to savour the flavours of Orange. Surrounded by natural wonders, Lake Canobolas and Borenore Caves, you can experience the adventure of the Orange landscape.

A photo at sunset of Swinging Bridge Wines
Swinging Bridge Wines credit: Destination NSW
A photo of two people enjoying the Country Food Trails
Country Food Trails credit: Destination NSW

History and art

  • The Odd Sock Gallery
  • The Peisley Street Gallery
  • Thomas Keith Design Studio and Showroom
  • Age of Fishes Museum
  • Banjo Paterson — More than a Poet Museum
  • Canowindra Historical Society Museum
  • Orange Regional Gallery
  • Orange Regional Museum

Markets

  • Orange Farmers Market
  • Millthorpe Markets

Wineries and cider

  • Mortimers Wines Cellar Door
  • Rowlee Wines
  • Heifer Station Wines
  • Orange Mountain Wines
  • Philip Shaw Wines Cellar Door
  • Small Acres Cyder
  • Swinging Bridge Wines
  • Printhie Wines
  • Nashdale Lane Wines & Cellar Door
  • Parrot Distilling Co

Nature

  • Lake Canobolas
  • Cook Park
  • Pinnacle Lookout
  • Orange Botanic Gardens
  • Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
  • Ophir Reserve
  • Orange Adventure Playground
  • Borenore Caves

Community

Orange’s essence lies in its community — a vibrant mosaic of cultures, backgrounds and stories. The welcoming nature of the community sees Orange embrace a supportive network of families. Orange celebrates diversity of cultures and history. It’s a city that invites you to be part of something larger — a community that flourishes in the alluring country landscape.

Population

61,266

Families

16,061

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

4,228

Median age

38

Most common countries of birth

Australia and England

Top three languages spoken

English, Malayalam, Nepali

A photo of people riding bikes at Heifer Station
Heifer Station credit: Destination NSW

Learn more

Want to learn more about a new life in Orange and surrounds? You can find more information here.

You can download a Western NSW lifestyle brochure here.  

Last updated:

26 Sep 2024