12 things to do in Wagga Wagga, what to see — trip guide

Wagga Wagga is a must stop destination for culture buffs. Although Wagga Wagga has a mere 64,000 residents its status is boosted with the National Glass collection, heritage trails and significant historic sites. As the largest inland city in NSW Wagga Wagga is a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike. The area is well known for its gardens, Mararmbidya Wetlands and indigenous tours and an active arts scene, Wagga is a hub for your exploration of the Riverina region, a place to discover and forget the urban bustle of Sydney and Canberra.

The striking public art gallery was designed to attract temporary exhibitions with large spaces. The building is located in the architect-designed Civic Centre, and incorporates a stand-alone gallery to exhibit the National Art Glass Collection. The Wagga Wagga Art Glass Gallery exhibits a rotating range of touring shows and locally developed exhibitions from the Gallery’s extensive collections, as well as the work of Riverina based artists. It is also the home of the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection. The gallery has an excellent GIFT shop specialising in glass. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm, Closed Mondays.

Perhaps you have a yearning to check out vintage engines, machines and the industrial artefacts that build Australia. Wagga Wagga’s Steam and Vintage Engine Museum is a total time waster for industrial history buffs. Operated by volunteers of the Wagga Historic Engine Club there is a stupendous collection of working engines. From shearing equipment to stationary engines. The collection is housed in a 1876 freight store and depot. For avid fans of all things industrial history contact Wagga Historic Engine Club for opening hours.

• Open: Sunday 1st, 3rd week of the month from 10.30am or by appointment.
• Admission: Free with donations warmly welcome.

History fans rejoice, you are near the refurbished Greens Gunyah Museum. It is situated in the main street of Lockhart, a short distance from Wagga Wagga. Run by the Lockhart and District Historical Society, the museum operates the local Visitor Information Centre. There is a wealth of material in the Museum collection, with an extensive range of historical artefacts, photography and machinery on display, all with their own story to tell. Of note are the artefacts from Brookong Station, scene of the famous Shearers Strike in 1888. The Shearer’s Strike is a nationally important story illustrating changes in land tenure, land use and the character of rural settlements from the first settlements in the 1840s through to the 20th Century.

Discover a hidden gem of Wagga Wagga’s CBD. Cadell Place Murals are located between Fitzmaurice Street and the Murrumbidgee River. Drive down Cadell Place or park in the car park and walk along the Wiradjuri Walking Track to get a better view. From here take you best selfies/photos and share with #visitwagga. The six colourful murals were part of the 2018 and 2019 Lost Lanes Micro – Festival which is held in the city every June. The murals include works by Australian artists who are listed below.

• Like a Bull – by Keo Match
• Local People ft. Dane Simpson and Jada Whyman – by Reuben Broughtwood
• Dame Edna – by Ling
• Medusa – by Ignacio Querejeta
• Murrumbidgee Flow by David ‘Meggs’ Hooke
• Togetherness – by Creature Creature

Bird watchers bucket list is the Marrambidya Wetlands. The Murrumbidgee River, Marrambidya Wetland is only a few minutes from Wagga’s city centre. The wetland features a Wiradjuri Healing Place, with natural vegetation, seating areas and a hand-carved totem pole. It is a favourite for bird watchers and has picnic areas to relax in while you soak up the atmosphere of an area inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years. The name of this special place was chosen to reflect the importance of this site to the local Wiradjuri people and to acknowledge the traditional name of the Murrumbidgee River.

Wagga Wagga has a rich and diverse public art collection: discover sculptures, Wiradjuri weaving and beautiful little bronze art works right across the City. There are over 90 public installations, keep your eyes open while strolling or cycling the city streets and byways. For a location brochure visit the local visitor information centre or check out Wagga Wagga local government online information here Public Artworks – Wagga City Council.

The Art Studio and Gallery of the Wagga Wagga Art Society sits in an attractive area close to the levee bank of the Murrumbidgee River. Look for the Art Society sign. Every Saturday you can mingle with the artists, admire the artwork by local artists, and if a piece takes your fancy purchase it. A great shopping destination for impulse buying, every holiday or city break needs art therapy.

Gears + Beers is fast becoming a must do event for cyclists around the country who enjoy a quality beer at the end of a ride. Craft beer and picturesque cycling routes, Gears & Beers is a unique festival experience for cycling enthusiasts. With 10 to 130km courses available, you can really test your grit or just go along for the ride. At the end of the course, you’ll be greeted by a local beer, cider or glass of wine, plus delicious regional food. And the profits are donated to local charities. For craft beer fans there is a local family owned brewery with a tasting room for you check out Thirsty Crow Brewing Co.

Food I Am Cooking Classes and Wedding Venue Wagga  – workshop for foodies. Rejoice, roll up your sleeves, pop on your favourite apron and have fun on an epicurean adventure or simply crafting everyday food into a tasting sensation. Cooking classes for all ages and skill levels. Delight yourself and enroll in a workshop while on holiday in Wagga Wagga. The weekend never looked so good as a plated dish ready to sample.

Borambola Wines, a family owned business  specialising in 100% locally grown and produced beer and wine including, red, white, sparkling, Tuckerbox Hoppy Lager beer and apple cider. There is an open cellar door for tastings

Lace up your walking shoes. The Wiradjuri Trail, perfect for walking and cycling, covers about 42 kilometres, circling much of the city and exploring riverbanks, valleys and hills surrounding Wagga Wagga. The Wollundry Loop – part of the trail – is 12.1 kilometres and a more leisurely walk, following part of the Murrumbidgee River and the perimeter of the Wollundry Lagoon. This loop winds through Birramal Conservation Area, Silvalite Reserve and Pomingalarna Reserve – perfect for wildlife spotting or taking pleasure from the rural views spread out before you.

City to Botanic Gardens trail is a shared road walking, jogging and cycling trail to the huge swathe of public gardens. The start and finish is the Visitor Centre. Suitable for: Walking, running and cycling. There are resident feathered peacocks in Botanic Garden. As well as the florals, the gardens are home to a free zoo and aviary, a miniature railway track and numerous playgrounds and picnic locations. The gardens are an open space which invites you to explore the area on foot or on two wheels. For details of location and how to get there check here for more information Botanic Gardens. Best viewing times for garden displays is spring or autumn. Year round it is an ideal picnic area for all ages groups.

EAT & DRINK

Plan a picnic with delicious treats from Knights Meats and Deli. Originally the site of The Golden Fleece Hotel in the 1880’s, the iconic Knights Meats building at 187 Fitzmaurice Street has a rich history that has shaped the business into what it is today. Picnic in the vast Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens is home to native plants and a mini zoo.

For an informal classic pub dinner in a magnificent heritage hotel you can’t look past Union Club Hotel: Home. The four dining areas offer alfresco options of street views or secluded dining nooks for a romantic dinner.

STAY

Holiday Park

BIG4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park | Book Direct & Save With BIG4

BIG4 Wagga Wagga is a great location on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. With easy access to all the great local attractions and services, this family-friendly park is a fantastic place to enjoy a relaxing break in one of NSW’s most diverse regions. Take your pick from a wide range of cabins and sites. The usual BIG4 standards are excelled with a family friendly approach to your holiday to ensure all ages enjoy their time in Wagga Wagga.

Pets are welcome to stay on caravan and camping sites (on management approval), along with selected accommodation. Relax as the kids play on the adventure playground, have a swim in the pool or enjoy a barbecue in their fully-equipped camp kitchen. Stroll down to the river, which is great for fishing and you can also launch your boat from their private boat ramp. Choose from a range of accommodation styles from two bedroom units, large shady drive-through powered caravan sites and well-grassed tent sites.

Premium

Charles Sturt Suites & Apartments offers a variety of suites and room configurations in addition to self-contained apartments near Wagga Wagga’s entertainment and business precinct. It is an excellent location as well as maintaining high hygiene standards. Teh suites and apartments make for an ideal romantic getaway in Wagga Wagga. The rooms are spacious with plenty of space to mull over your new purchases. To book or check details click here Wagga Wagga Accommodation | You’re Home again.