Wagga Wagga combines the verdant beauty of the countryside with all the charm and varied delights you’d expect from New South Wales’ largest inland city, especially when it comes to unique accommodation. Whether your heart is set on a cosy winter escape spent sampling the region’s best wineries, soaking up local culture and fine dining; or seeing Wagga’s tree-lined streets burst into autumnal colours of orange, amber and yellow; or you’re in search of a road trip destination that delivers plenty of nature-rich activities to bask in throughout the heat of the summer months – the Riverina city will deliver all this and more.
Wagga Wagga is located just under five hours’ drive from both Sydney and Melbourne and three hours from Canberra – making it the perfect road trip destination from all three capitals.
Alternatively, fly into Wagga Wagga Airport (11 kilometres from the town centre) from Sydney and Melbourne and hire a car on arrival to explore the Riverina region. You can also take the six-hour journey via train from Sydney to Wagga.
Discover the city’s diverse arts culture starting with the collection of laneway murals in Cadell Place. Walk the laneway to appreciate the six murals up close, or walk along the levee bank for a unique view of the artworks from above. The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery displays a unique range of artworks from local Riverina artists as well as national and international exhibitions. The gallery is also home to the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection the National Art Glass Collection.
Pick your own farm-fresh strawberries at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream. Round out the experience with a serving of ice cream, sorbet or chocolate-coated strawberries while you’re there. Then stop by Wollundry Grove for a tasting of their locally-grown olives and award-winning olive oil.
Attend one of the many festivals, events and markets in Wagga Wagga throughout the year, including the Mardi Gras street parade in March, the Wagga Comedy Fest and Lost Lanes winter festival in June, the Spring Jam family festival in September and the Gears and Beers craft beer and cycling festival in October.
Visit the family-owned Borambola Wines charming cellar door to taste the range of award-winning red, white and sparkling wines, and Tuckerbox Hoppy Lager Beer and Tuckerbox Apple Cider. Accompany the tasting with a cheese platter overlooking the vines and ask about the property’s unique history – the names of the wines offer a few hints.
Cottontail Winery is situated on 40 hectares of land comprising of a vineyard, olive trees and a restaurant that boasts spectacular views of the Wagga countryside. Take your pick from the eight award-winning wines on offer and select a meal from the a la carte menu for the full indulgent experience.
Boutique Wines by CSU is set on the university campus and is part of Australia’s leading wine science school. The cellar door is open for tastings and cheese platters seven days a week.
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are set on 22 acres of parklands with a zoo, aviary, miniature railway, playgrounds and picturesque picnic spots to enjoy. Continue on to admire The Victory Memorial Gardens, located on the banks of the Wollundry lagoon in the heart of Wagga Wagga.
Laze on the sand at Wagga Beach on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, swim or kayak, enjoy a picnic or make use of the sheltered barbeque areas and playground. Wagga Beach featured in Tourism Australia’s Top 20 beaches of 2020, the first inland beach to ever be awarded the honour. It is also a great starting point for the 42-kilometre Wiradjuri Track that loops around the city. There is also a five-and-a-half kilometre circuit walking track around Lake Albert.
A swim in the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool is well worth the two hour drive from Wagga Wagga to Kosciuszko National Park. The spring-fed natural pool stays at a balmy 27 degrees all year round and is easily reached by a short walking trail. Bring a picnic and explore the caves while you’re there.
When it comes to accommodation in Wagga, you’ll find charming country stays in high supply. The Houston boutique hotel is situated in the centre of Wagga Wagga and within walking distance to the city’s main attractions and eateries. Housed inside the historic 1868 Belmore House, the property has been luxuriously converted into 10 self-contained suites with eight different types to choose from.
Belisi Farmstay Cottages is a unique boutique accommodation constructed out of recycled shipping containers set alongside an equestrian school. It comfortably sleeps six guests and features a private deck, kitchen and a beautifully appointed stone bath with views out over the property. Place a personal pantry order before your arrival to stock the kitchen with the best regional produce, beer and wine to be enjoyed throughout your stay.
For an off-the-grid country escape, stay at the architecturally-designed eco huts on Kimo Estate. Overlooking the Murrumbidgee River flats in nearby Gundagai, the huts feature an indoor fireplace, deck, outdoor hot tub, a rainfall shower and boast breathtaking views of the star-filled night sky from bed. A gourmet dinner basket for two is available to order and delivered directly to your door ready to cook on the barbeque.
There are a number of top-notch caravan parks to choose from in and around Wagga Wagga. The Carinya Caravan Park offers cabin and caravan style accommodation; Big4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park is located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and offers two-bedroom units and powered caravan and tent sites; Wagga Wagga Tourist Park is pet-friendly and offers self-contained accommodation and powered sites, and Horseshoe Tourist Park offers cabins, drive-thru powered and ensuite sites and is also pet-friendly and features a swimming pool.
Start your culinary journey through Wagga Wagga by sampling the best of the city’s café culture. Uneke Lounge is well-known for its extensive all-day breakfast menu – think stacked pancakes, shakshuka, and breakfast burritos – alongside barista-made coffee made with Bills Beans locally sourced coffee beans from Orange, NSW. They also serve lunch and refreshments.
Trail Street Coffee Shop is another local favourite; coffee is brewed on Premium Coffee Roasters coffee beans from Port Macquarie and the breakfast and lunch menu heroes locally sourced and seasonal produce. Try the coconut French toast for breakfast or salmon poke bowl for lunch.
Fitzmaurice Café has a delectable collection of vegan and gluten-free treats to choose from in the glass cabinet each day, in addition to specialty coffee and a well-rounded all-day breakfast menu that leans slightly more to the healthier side of brunch – try the super grain porridge, cacao waffles and a nourish bowl.
Don’t go past the family-owned and operated brewpub, Thirsty Crow Brewing Co., for a guaranteed good feed and locally-brewed beer. The founders are committed to focusing on creating community, supporting local and making really good indie beer.
For more great places to eat and drink read our foodies guide on where to eat in Wagga.
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With a thriving regional population and proximity to some of the best Riverina producers, Wagga Wagga has naturally developed a ca...
Learn about the oldest living culture on Earth on a Bundyi Cultural Tour with professional guide and Wiradjuri man, Mark Saddler. Expect an immersive experience into Aboriginal Wiradjuri culture as you traverse the Australian bush alongside the Murrumbidgee River. Each personal tour can be tailored to suit your needs and travel dates.
Learn new cooking techniques, how to balance exotic flavours and more at a Food I Am bespoke cooking class. The purpose-built cooking school is set up high on the southern edge of Wagga Wagga with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside – the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of wine at the end of the class. Choose between hands-on cooking classes, demonstrations and Chefs table events.
Visit the nearby rural township of Junee for a tour and tasting at the iconic Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory that’s housed within the restored Junee Flour Mill. The hour-long tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Green Grove Organics licorice and chocolates are made and the opportunity to make your own chocolate freckle or rocky road. Stay for a meal or treat at the onsite café and leave with a bag full of sweets from the gift store.
Let the skilled artisans at Coolamon Cheese teach you their craft at the Home Cheese Maker Workshop. The award-winning cheeses are produced from single source Riverina milk and a blend of native Australian ingredients, such as lemon myrtle, bush tomato, river mint, alpine pepper and more. Dine at the onsite restaurant, purchase from the range of cheeses and support the small rural community.
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