Wagga Wagga, on the Murrumbidgee River in the
Riverina district of southern NSW, about 570km from Sydney and 435km from Melbourne, is one of the state's biggest inland cities and an important commercial centre for a wide-ranging agricultural area. It’s also home to a couple of military bases – the Army at Kapooka and the Air Force at Forest Hill, where you will also find the RAAF Museum. The Charles Sturt University's College Winery sets the pace for the district's burgeoning wine industry.
This is a lovely Australian country town, although the original inhabitants must not have rated the area too highly because, in the Aboriginal language, Wagga Wagga means 'place of many crows'. The city has many fine parks and gardens and its Botanic Gardens are of exceptional quality. Try Lake Albert for water sports and fishing, Collins Park for a fine example of a Victorian public garden or the amphitheatre and sculpture gardens around Wollundry Lagoon in the centre of the city. The Farmers' Market is held here on the second Saturday of the month.
Several National Trust walks guide visitors round beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes and buildings. Wagga Wagga is home to the Museum of the Riverina, which includes the Sporting Hall of Fame, highlighting sporting heroes who have their roots in the area. The museum also has permanent displays relating to the town and the Riverina area, as well as housing temporary and visiting exhibitions. The museum occupies 2 sites - the Historic Council Chambers in the Civic Precinct and the Botanic Gardens site (which includes the Sporting Hall of Fame).
Wagga Art Gallery is located in the Civic Centre and includes work by local artists, temporary exhibition spaces and a gallery dedicated to the National Art Glass Collection.
Festivals: Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (Australia's second-oldest horse race, held in May), Wagga Wagga Jazz Festival (September)
Things to do:
Museum of the Riverina - Historic Council Chambers in the Civic Precinct and the Botanic Gardens
Wagga Art Gallery - Baylis St
National Trust heritage walks
Botanical Gardens - 3km from the city centre
Murrumbidgee River cruises
Wagga Wagga beach - Johnston St
Parks and Gardens - Collins Park, Albert Lake and Wollundry Lagoon amphitheatre and sculpture park
In the area:
RAAF Museum - at Forest Hill
Wineries - Visit the wineries of the Riverina for tastings and cellar door sales
Find out more about the
Riverina region.
Australia - plan it, book it
