Match up your interests with these ideas for a weekend in Wagga Wagga. New South Wales‘ largest inland city offers a surprisingly diverse array of experiences…
Wagga Wagga, meaning ‘place of many crows’ in local Wiradjuri language, has something to offer every visitor.
Whatever your interests, here are eight ideas for how to spend a whirlwind weekend in this cosmopolitan New South Wales city that basks on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River…
If you’re a culture lover…
Immerse yourself in local Indigenous culture on a Bundyi Cultural Tour with Wiradjuri man Mark Sadler. Learn about his people’s traditions and language before heading to the Civic Precinct to visit the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and its celebrated National Art Glass Collection. On nearby Gurwood Street, thumb through local artist Stephanie Day’s handmade cards at Paper Pear, then cross the road to watch artists craft masterpieces at Rabbit Books — Arthouse Studio, Gallery & Art School.
If you’re a history buff…
Head to the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site to discover local war heroes, characters from the famous Tichborne Trial, and memorabilia from Wagga’s sporting elite. Next, make for the museum’s Historic Council Chambers site in the Civic Precinct. The building features stunning architectural detail that dates back to 1881. War history enthusiasts should cross the road to the Victory Memorial Gardens to see the town’s War Memorial and other monuments, before heading to the RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre just outside of town. Look for the decommissioned F-111 fighter jet. You can’t miss it!
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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast…
If outdoor adventure is your thing, follow the locals to Pomingalarna Reserve’s purpose built 13-kilometre mountain bike course. It’ll get the adrenaline pumping. You can hire a bike from Kidsons Cycles, but runners and bushwalkers will love the tracks too. Cool off in the Murrumbidgee River with a kayak or paddle board. Strong swimmers might enjoy floating downriver to Wagga Beach. End your day with an afternoon hike up The Rock (about a 30-minute drive south of Wagga Wagga) or run the five-kilometre track around Lake Albert.
If you’re a foodie…
Wagga Wagga offers a cornucopia of treats for gourmet food lovers. Cheese lovers can drive 30-minutes out of town to the Coolamon Cheese Factory. Take a guided tour then feast on a cheeseboard complete with paired condiments like sugared olives. You may also want to call into Wollundry Grove Olives for a tour and tasting. If you really want to get your hands dirty, enrol in a Food I Am cooking class. Even the views are delectable!
If you’re a wine lover…
There are several wineries in close proximity to the Wagga Wagga township. Start your wine tour at the Charles Sturt University’s cellar door. It’s actually an integral part of the wine science and viticultural studies course. Next, call into Cottontails Wines for lunch, sweeping views and a glass of your favourite drop. Last stop is out of town at Borambola Wines. Here the 100 percent local wines complement the historic homestead, gorgeous gardens and divine vistas beautifully.
Related: A gourmet afternoon by the Canola Trail
If you’re a romantic…
Book a couple’s package at Circa 1929 day spa, and relax with a massage, facial, bubbles, and cheese platter. Watch the sunset over the Murrumbidgee River from Wagga Beach while you graze on a pre-packed Knights Meats and Deli hamper. Add some local cheeses and a chilled bottle of local wine. Head out of town to Magpies Nest for a romantic three-course dinner served in a restored stone stable. The set menus feature Modern Australia fare, created from the freshest local ingredients.
If you’re looking for relaxation…
Looking to take it nice and easy during your Wagga weekend away? Start with a lazy breakfast at Pot ‘n’ Kettle Coffee House in Blake Street. Take a stroll along Fitzmaurice Street browsing the wares at boutiques like Feather and Willow, My Shed, Uneke. Refuel at Rabbit Books and Art Gallery with a coffee and sweet treat, before choosing your literary poison from the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. End your day of relaxation at Circa 1929 with a soak in a copper bath filled with red wine! This powerful source of antioxidants will rejuvenate the entire body.
If you’re a nature lover…
Get close to nature by walking sections of the Wiradjuri Walking Track. It meanders for 42 kilometres around Wagga Wagga, and takes in the Murrumbidgee River, Woolundry Lagoon and the Marrambidya Wetland (wonderful for birdwatching). Don’t miss the chance to explore the 22-hectare Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens — complete with themed gardens, a zoo, and playgrounds. Willans Hill Miniature Railway operates here on the first and third Sunday each month.
Need a place to stay?
Comfort Inn Heritage Wagga provides superior-style queen, twin, triple and family rooms in the heart of the city. The hotel is just a short walk from the CBD.
Quality Hotel Rules Club Wagga offers contemporary 4-star accommodation and is centrally located. There are plenty of amenities on site to keep guests entertained, including a restaurant, café, sports bar and bowling green.
Set in eight acres of landscaped gardens, the award-winning Quality Inn Carriage House is the perfect short break retreat. Book a spa suite to enjoy some pure indulgence, and try the seasonal menu of regional specialties at Clancy’s restaurant.
Cover image courtesy of Visit Wagga
About the writer
Monica McInnes is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to The Big Bus tour and travel guide. A keen traveller, she is always on the lookout for the next big adventure – even before the current one has concluded! When Monica isn’t on the road, she is happily chasing after her two rowdy boys or blogging about her travel exploits.
