Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

An open-range zoo in Dubbo where animals from Africa, Asia and Australia live in huge enclosures separated by moats rather than cages. It's one of the best places in the world to see rhinos, including black and white rhinos and greater one-horned rhinos, plus elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs and Przewalski's horses.

A 6 km circuit runs through the zoo. You can drive it in your own car, but the best way is to hire a bike or an electric cart: it's flat, easy riding, and you see much more. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days. You can also stay overnight in the zoo at the Zoofari Lodge or the Billabong Camp, with behind-the-scenes tours.

Dubbo is in central-west New South Wales, about 5 hours' drive west of Sydney, with flights and trains from Sydney.