Explore
WAGGA WAGGA & SURROUNDS
Below is a small collection of places in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding regions to Explore, See + Do. For a full list of things to see and do, head to www.visitwagga.com.au - and don't forget to tag #visitwagga when you share your happy snaps online next time you visit!
Details and descriptions below credited to Wagga Wagga City Council.
SEE & DO LOCALLY
Victory Memorial Gardens
Corner Morrow Street & Baylis Street
Wagga Wagga
Established in 1925, the Victory Memorial Gardens was created as a tribute to those who fought and died in the First World War. Located in the heart of downtown Wagga, on the banks of the Wollundry lagoon, the gardens were created and designed by Thomas Kerr, designer of the Sydney Botanic Gardens.
A popular pastime for visitors is to feed the ducks and various water birds.
National Art Glass Collection
Morrow Street
Wagga Wagga
The National Art Glass Gallery houses a world class, nationally significant collection of contemporary art glass, featuring approximately 400 pieces. As well as displaying the National Art Glass Collection, the gallery also exhibits a number of curated exhibitions which feature well known Australian and international glass artists throughout the year.
Museum of the Riverina
Cornor Morrow Street and Baylis Street
Wagga Wagga
Located in the historic 1881 Council Chambers, see locally curated and touring exhibitions on a range of themes throughout the year.
This site was originally the Town Hall and Municipal Offices as well as the seat of Local Government until 1999 when converted to the museum.
Wagga Beach
Cabarita Park
Johnson Street
Wagga Wagga
Wagga Beach is located on the banks of the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, in the centre of the Wagga Wagga. It is very popular during the summer months, when the temperature is climbing. You can relax on the shaded lawn, picnic on the banks of the river or go for a swim.
There are also barbecue facilities and a fantastic kids playground available.
Marrambidya Wetland
100 Narrung Street
Wagga Wagga
The Marrambidya Wetland is a valuable community resource for educational, cultural and passive recreational activities.
A stunning 20-hectare reserve located alongside the Murrumbidgee River only a few minutes from the Wagga Wagga city centre. The wetland features a Wiradjuri Healing Place, with natural vegetation, seating area and hand-carved totem pole.
Lake Albert
Eastlake Drive
Wagga Wagga
Lake Albert is one of Wagga's most popular recreational facilities. It caters for boating, fishing, swimming and other aquatic activities.
The five-and-a-half kilometre circuit walking track is commonly used by walkers, joggers and bike riders. Eight fitness stations have been installed in four locations along the walking track on the eastern side of Lake Albert. Set over 800 metres, the fitness stations are very popular with users of the lake.
RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre
Sturt Highway
Forest Hill | Wagga Wagga
The RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre showcases Air Force history, along with representing the significant involvement of the RAAF in the Riverina region of New South Wales.
The static display aircraft next to the Aviation Heritage Centre represent over 50 years of RAAF flying history and are completely accessible for the public to view and photograph.
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Macleay Street
Wagga Wagga
Located at the base of Willans Hill, the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are set over 22 acres.
Attractions within the gardens include the Tree Chapel and Chinese pavilion. Various garden areas showcase camellias, cacti and succulents, proteas, Australian natives and roses.
The Willans Hill Miniature Railway operates the first and third Sunday of each month. The track runs through woodlands, a tunnel and over a bridge. Train rides operate between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Covered footwear is essential to ride the trains.
Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary
Macleay Street
Wagga Wagga
Located within the grounds of the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, the Zoo contains a very diverse range of animals and exhibits many local animals as well as those not local to the region. Many of the animals in the park are free to roam. These include ducks, peacocks, chooks, black swans, geese and many other birds.
The public is welcome to feed the animals with approved, healthy food available for purchase from the cafe located near the zoo entrance.
Willans Hill Murals
Captain Cook Drive
Wagga Wagga
The theme for the Willians Hill Reservoir mural is based on water, but more specifically the actual function and purpose of the water tank and the mission of Riverina Water County Council ‘to provide our Community with safe reliable water.’
Willans Hill Reservoir is also a great starting point for a number of tracks, perfect for mountain biking. The difficulty and length of ride depends on trails taken. Further track details can be found online.
Mt Erin Heritage Centre
10 Edmonson Street
Wagga Wagga
The Mount Erin Heritage Centre is located in the original Mount Erin Convent which was built 1874-76. The Heritage Centre displays the history of the Presentation Sisters in the Riverina and beyond. A timeline, changes in dress, photographs and unique memorabilia show the sisters’ lifestyle over the years. A harp brought from Ireland by the pioneers, and priceless lace are among the exhibits.
Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Museum
Station Place
Wagga Wagga
Situated on the historic Wagga Wagga Railway Station platform. This vast collection of magnificent photographs and railway memorabilia depicting the local history of the railway and shown in a unique presentation for young and old.
Across the railway pedestrian bridge is Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Gang Sheds which houses a vast collection of railway trikes, tools and photographs of the railway history.
Also across the railway pedestrian bridge is the Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Model Trains with several working model railway layouts (HO and N scale) displaying passenger and freight trains.
Charles Sturt University Winery
Mambarra Drive
CSU Campus
Estella | Wagga Wagga
The Charles Sturt Winery is an integral part of Australia's leading wine science school and is at the forefront of viticultural practices and wine making techniques.
The winery focuses on excellence, using state of the art technology without sacrificing tradition. We are a professionally run winery reflecting the commercial environment of the Australian wine industry, being market driven and producing the quality and styles of wine that obtain ready acceptance from wine consumers in the market.
SEE & DO SURROUNDS
Borambola Wines
Borambola Homestead
1734 Sturt Highway
Borambola 2650
Borambola Wines is a family owned business and specialises in 100% locally grown and produced wines including red, white, sparkling, as well as Tuckerbox hoppy lager beer and apple cider.
Borambola Wines philosophy is to grow the best grapes, to make the best wines with regional expression utilising organic and environmental best practice, combining the traditional “old wine world” wine making methods with the technology of the “new wine world".
Wollundry Grove Olives
15 Mary Gilmore Road
Brucedale 2650
Wollundry Grove is superbly situated on a hillside only ten minutes from the city of Wagga Wagga with easy access for small and large vehicles. Wollundry Grove produce prestigious, national award winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a distinctive range of table olives displaying a unique regional character.
Personally escorted tours of the grove and processing plant, oil and olive tasting are on offer and can be arranged by phone. All products are on sale including a range of beautifully presented gift packs.
Open by appointment, please call before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Cottontails Restaurant Winery
562 Pattersons Road
Harefield 2650
Cottontails is situated on 40 hectares of pristine country, featuring over four hectares of vineyard and olive trees, which produce Cottontails own range of wines and olive oil.
On offer at Cottontails are a select range of local wines - featuring Cottontails own award winning range, exclusive international Harbin and local beers, and a selection of popular cocktails and drinks, guaranteed to indulge the senses.
Livingstone National Park
Wrigleys Road
Big Springs 2650
Close to Wagga Wagga, Livingstone National Park and Livingstone State Conservation Area are great for mountain bike riding, horse riding, picnicking, 4WD touring and birdwatching.
Just 30km south of Wagga Wagga, Livingstone National Park and the nearby Livingstone State Conservation Area boast close to 2,000ha of richly varied bushland. Wherever you travel throughout the park, you’ll be struck by the diversity of the ever-changing landscape.
Home to a colony of squirrel gliders, one of only two colonies left within southern New South Wales, three types of orchids and over 100 species of native birds, including the swift and superb parrots, this is a true nature fix.
Coolamon Cheese
87 Cowabbie Street
Coolamon 2701
Coolamon Cheese is a unique tourism, education and cheese production facility, creating handmade cheeses under the guidance of Australia’s most experienced cheese maker, Barry Lillywhite.
Entering the Coolamon Cheese Factory is like entering a world of cheese, where visitors can enjoy cheese tasting and cheese-inspired meals, watch cheese being handcrafted and matured, learn the history of cheese or even take a course teaching them how to make it themselves.
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory
45-61 Lord Street
Junee 2663
Take a guided tour of the factory, sample licorice fresh off the belt and be amazed at the production of world class organic chocolates. For a “hands on” experience why not make a giant chocolate freckle, rocky road or smashcake.
Indulge in the licensed restaurant The Millroom where you can enjoy a Devonshire Tea or choose a light lunch from the menu board. Why not try the beautiful organic coffee while sitting by the fire on a cold winter's day.
Monte Cristo Historic Homestead
1 Homestead Lane
Junee 2663
The finest colonial mansion in the Riverina and South West New South Wales, Monte Cristo was built in 1884, and is faithfully restored and furnished in the high Victorian era circa 1840 to 1900.
The homestead features a wonderful collection of antiques, an extensive carriage collection, as well as a wheelwright's shop which manufactures all kinds of carriage wheels.
Classified as the "Most Haunted House in Australia", visitors are dared to book for an evening ghost tour - they are extremely popular so you must book in advance.
Junee Railway Roundhouse
Harold Street
Junee 2663
When officially opened in September 1947, the New South Wales Government Railways claimed it was the "largest roundhouse in the southern hemisphere".
The Junee Roundhouse, or loco, as it was called, was the last steam depot built in NSW and as such was the pinnacle of steam depot development in the state. Steam soon gave way to diesel power and Junee loco was accordingly modified and steam facilities removed.
The main feature, the roundhouse, remains. Centred around the unique 100 foot (33 metre) turntable are two sheds and 42 tracks including the high-roads and machine shop. Today the roundhouse is home to Junee Railway Workshop, a local company that maintains and repairs rolling stock and locomotives for hire and for other operators.
The Rock Hill Nature Reserve
Lockhart - The Rock Road
The Rock 2655
The Rock Hill Nature Reserve (Kengal) is one of the best known landmarks in the Riverina.
Rising 364m above the plains, it is a great area for bushwalking, abseiling and nature lovers. Panoramic views from the top are worth the 3-hour return hike - to the west the patchwork of farmland stretches into the distance, while to the east rolling hills and ranges provide a stunning vista, including Mt Kosciuszko on a clear day.
Galore Hill Scenic Reserve
Lockhart - Narranderra Road
Lockhart 2656
Situated just off the Sturt Highway between Narrandera and Wagga Wagga, and only 13 kilometres from Lockhart, Galore Hill is an impressive landmark that covers over 500 hectares of thriving bushland.
Drive to the top of the Saddle or the Summit and enjoy stunning views, well maintained bushwalking tracks, and extensive native flora and fauna. A lookout tower on the Summit offers panoramic views while extensive walking tracks take in the caves of infamous bushranger, Daniel 'Mad Dog' Morgan.
Over 850 varieties of Australian native plants grow here, and in springtime Galore Hill is a colourful array of wattles, grevellias, hakeas and flowering eucalyptus.
HMAS Otway and Submarine Museum
Cnr Wallace and Albury Streets
Holbrook 2644
Set within beautiful parkland sits the original above water line superstructure of the Oberon Class submarine HMAS OTWAY. Also a large scale model of Lt. Norman Holbrook VC's submarine BII.
In the museum you will see the extraordinary Hologram in which Mrs G. Holbrook tells the fascinating story of her husbands brave exploits on B11 in 1914 and the subsequent towns name change. The theatre seats forty and is wheel chair friendly. You will see an original torpedo tube with a torpedo mounted, two rooms full of interesting artefacts and information.
SEE & DO FURTHER A FIELD
Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins
Cnr Gundagai Road and Grahamstown Road
Adelong 2729
Take a wander through the historic gold-mining works and enjoy the beauty of the rocky creek. Recent work has improved the paths and a viewing platform has been erected to improve access for all. Interpretive signage has also been installed at the site for those who are keen to learn more on the history of the Adelong Gold Rush days.
This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a picnic, taking some stunning photographs or to cool off in some of the deeper pools. Gold can still be found in the creek so why not try your hand at gold panning?
Blowering Dam
Blowering Dam Trail
Wereboldera 2720
Famous as the site of the world water-speed record in 1978, Blowering Dam is one of the biggest dams in NSW. At three times the size of Sydney Harbour, Blowering Dam stores water released upstream for hydro-electricity generation in the Snowy Mountains Scheme and for irrigation.
The reservoir is a popular spot for all water sports, including skiing, jet skis, sailing, canoeing and swimming. Several boat ramps are available at camping grounds around the lake foreshore. The dam is stocked with Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch. Trout and other fish species are present.
Paddy's River Falls
31 Paddy's River Falls Road
Burra 2653
Paddy's River Falls is found in the Snowy Mountains region in the Tumbarumba area. This is a very easy walk with a path leading you directly to the falls from the lookouts at the top. The walk is 150m one way and will lead you directly under the falls. There is a worn in path that allows for the to get in behind the falls, leading you to another viewing point. Here you are able to scamper the rocks to get down to the water or get a better shot of the falls. The waterfall is around 18m high, leaving you amazed to find a hidden treasure so far out.
The water has plenty of depth for you to have a swim making it a great spot for a summer dip in a very scenic swimming hole.
Home to a colony of squirrel gliders, one of only two colonies left within southern New South Wales, three types of orchids and over 100 species of native birds, including the swift and superb parrots, this is a true nature fix.
Doris Golder Wool Art Gallery
Green's Gunyah Museum
Urana Street
Lockhart 2656
Doris Golder is a renowned local artist whose rural paintbox consists of one of Lockhart Shire's most historical and important resources - wool.
Washed, combed and undyed, Doris has been using naturally coloured wool to create an amazing array of landscapes and portraits since the early 1980s. From Slim Dusty and Greg Norman to Bob Hawke, Tim Fischer and many more famous faces, Doris has captured their very essence by using this unique and highly skilled medium.
Now housed in the Doris Golder Art Gallery within Green's Gunyah Museum in Lockhart, the portraits and pictures created by Doris continue to enthrall and amaze visitors and locals alike.
Pastoral Shadows of Brookong
Green Street
Lockhart 2656
The Pastoral Shadows of Brookong is an easy grade, circular walk that takes you on a pictorial trail of Lockhart's history, creating a story through the use of rusted iron, scraps of metal, and other natural materials.
Built over a number of years by the community with the assistance of talented farm art sculpturer, Stuart Spragg, the impressive and ever growing collection of rusty iron sculptures capture the very essence of Lockhart's past, giving visitors a glimpse of rural life in the 1800s, when Lockhart and the area to the west of the town was a huge sheep station. As you stroll through the sculptures, discover settlers, stockmen, drovers, and the ever popular 'Swaggy' amidst the sheep, kangaroos, farm dogs, and brolgas.
Temora Aviation Museum
1 Tom Moon Avenue
Temora 2666
Built on the site of the former No.10 EFTS (Elementary Flying Training School) the award winning Temora Aviation Museum is home to a world-class flying collection of Australian ex-military aircraft.
Get closer to action as you witness a themed selection of Australia's ex-military flying history come alive at one of our Aircraft Showcase days. A full day of entertainment for all generations, including flying displays, interviews with pilots & veterans, childrens activities, an engineering talk and pilot meet and greet.
Aircraft Showcase is held on the first and third Saturdays of most months.
Bethungra Olde School Tea House
50 Baylis Street
Bethungra 2592
The T-House is located in the old Bethungra school house, which Gaylene and Garry have transformed into a unique tourist attraction.
As well as serving delicious coffees, teas and tasty treats, visitors are able to purchase a range of locally produced items such as jams, chutneys and hand-crafted gifts.
A highlight of the T-House is the Memorabilia Room, which displays items from the old school house and other historical items from the area.
Bradmans Birthplace Museum
89 Adams Street
Cootamundra 2590
Granny Scholz, the mid-wife who delivered "The greatest batsman the world has ever known" Sir Donald Bradman on 27 August 1908, operated a small private hospital in the front room of the building at 89 Adams Street.
The birthplace has been restored by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. Sir Donald Bradman is an Australian sporting hero and his achievements on the cricket field from 1928 to 1948 are still among the world's best. He's the only Australian ever knighted for services to cricket.
Cricket memorabilia on Sir Don and local Cootamundra teams are on display. Bradman lived at Yeo Yeo, between Cootamundra and Stockinbingal for the first few years of his life. Sir Donalds' grandparents are buried in Cootamundra Cemetery, Charles died in 1907 and Elizabeth in 1924.
Narrandera Koala Reserve
Oakbank Street
Narrandera 2700
Known to locals as Koala Reserve, Narrandera Nature Reserve is part of Murrumbidgee Valley National Park and home to over 200 koalas. It’s a great place for walking and cycling.
At Koala reserve, the whole family will love to see hundreds of these iconic Australian animals in the wild. This is an ideal environment for them - river red gums are a great source of food and Murrumbidgee River offers a cooler location on hotter days. Look out for them in branches overhanging the river.
In 1972, at a time when no koalas had been seen around these parts since 1900, koalas were re-introduced into Narrandera district from Victoria and Queensland. Through heatwaves, flooding and fire, a healthy population has survived and there are believed to be well over 200 koalas living in the area.
The Dog on the Tuckerbox
37 Annie Pyers Drive
Gundagai 2722
Since 1932, the Dog has sat beside the Hume Highway, a favourite stopping place for thousands of travellers. Originally set up to assist Gundagai Hospital, today the Dog still helps the hospital's vital work with the monies from its wishing well and royalties from some souvenirs. Over the decades it has been celebrated in song and story, and faithfully commemorates the efforts of the European pioneers who settled the region.
The Dog on the Tucker Box Pioneer Monument welcomes visitors with a newly redesigned garden precinct featuring Australian animal figurines, a cafe serving hot and cold refreshments, souvenirs, Australiana, antiques, old wares and a peaceful picnic area away from the busy highway, with plenty of parking (caravans and tourist buses included). Special events benefiting a range of charities are held throughout the year, culminating in the Dog's Birthday each November.
Selwyn Snow Resort
Kings Cross Road
Cabramurra 2629
Selwyn Snow Resort is a family owned and operated ski resort located in the beautiful Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Selwyn takes pride in teaching Australians how to ski and enjoy the snow. It's gently progressing slopes and professional snow sports school provide the perfect first time experience for everyone.
Being a family operated resort, Selwyn remains as dedicated as ever to Aussie families by making everything an easy process. Tobogganing and Snow Tubing are just a couple of the other activities to do around Selwyn and provides an option for those who are not interested in skiing or snowboarding.
Selwyn has 10 lifts, an expansive snowmaking system covering 80 per cent of the skiable terrain and a Mini Terrain Park for everyone to learn how to get their jib on.
Altina Wildlife Park
14432 Sturt Highway
Darlington Point 2706
This outstanding Wildlife Park has unique personalised Zoo-fari tours like no other. You will meet many Rare Exotic as well as some of Australia's Native animals up close and personal whilst travelling in style on Horse Drawn or Motorised Carts.
The open-aired and leisurely feel of the tour will allow you to experience exciting new encounters as Altina's guides take you around the Park during the animal's daily feed times. The guided tours go for 2.5 hours on scheduled times. You must book ahead to avoid disappointment as spots can fill up fast for this experience of a lifetime.
The Riverina is home to the Murrumbidgee River and its waterways, winding its way through an amazing array of food trails, natural wonders and charming towns just waiting to be explored. It’s an escape that’s a world away from the everyday - the perfect place to relax, reconnect and enjoy at your own pace.
Discover fabulous restaurants and wine bars, delicious gourmet providores, Italian pasticcerias, award-winning wineries and breweries, orchards, farmers’ markets and farmgate experiences. The Riverina is also a top destination choice for nature lovers, from hiking, fishing, kayaking, walking trails, boating and camping, you’ll find plenty of memorable ways to explore the natural beauty of the region.
The Riverina "Go with the Flow" https://www.visitnsw.com/the-riverina
Video and content courtesy of Destination NSW.
Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre
183 Tarcutta Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
1300 100 122