Fast facts
- Historic country towns, near the Murrumbidgee River
- Famous for its sporting history and arts community
- Five-and-a-half hours' drive south-west of Sydney
Why go there
Situated on the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, Wagga Wagga is a beguiling mix of natural and architectural beauty. A thriving arts community produces more than 80 live shows each year and runs six local arts organisations.
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery has an outstanding collection of works by some of the greats of Australian painting, and the National Art Glass Gallery, part of the main gallery, has a renowned collection of glass art.
The pursuit of sporting excellence seems to be in the blood of the locals, and the city is proud of its excellent sporting facilities. With a variety of wilderness areas in close proximity, the area is also a haven for bushwalkers, campers and birdwatchers.
Things to do
- Check out the Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai, a famous monument inspired by the ballad "Five Miles from Gundagai" by Jack Moses.
- Follow the 30-km Wiradjuri Walking Track, a loop trail starting from Wagga’s Visitor Centre and winding past Lake Albert, the Botanic Gardens and Zoo.
- Sample wines and farmhouse cheeses at Charles Sturt Winery, Wagga.
- Climb The Rock, a 360-m outcrop with views to Mt Kosciuszko. Watch out for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons, which nest in the rock face.
- Learn about Wagga’s home-grown sports stars at the Sporting Hall of Fame.
Don’t miss
- Bradman’s Birthplace, in Cootamundra, where you can pay your respects to The Don, Australia’s most famous cricketer.
- Monte Cristo Homestead, in Junee, said to be haunted by seven ghosts.
- The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, with its zoo, aviary and artificial lake.
- The National Art Glass Gallery, a purpose-built gallery housing a fine glass collection.
- Temora Aviation Museum, which has an impressive collection of historic aircraft.
- Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, known for its organic produce.
Events
- Wagga Wagga Gold Cup, Wagga Wagga, in May.
- Wagga Wagga Jazz Festival, Wagga Wagga, in September.
- Re:generate youth arts fest, Wagga Wagga, in July.
- National Horse Festival, Wagga Wagga, in March.
- Cootamundra Wattle Festival, Cootamundra, in August.
