Gundagai

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Gundagai, a picturesque country town in the beautiful Riverina. You’ll find the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox Pioneer Monument, as well as a rich architectural, colonial and indigenous history, great fishing, a thrilling rodeo and boutique wineries.

Things to do

The Dog on the Tuckerbox depicts a faithful pet guarding its dead master’s food container and commemorates the European pioneers who settled in the area. Unveiled in 1932 to assist the local hospital, the monument sits beside the Hume Highway and is a popular picnic stop on road trips.

You can walk, cycle or even ride a horse on the 4km Dog on the Tucker box recreational trail between the monument and one of Australia’s most iconic towns. Dozens of poems and songs have been written about Gundagai including the popular folk song ‘Along the Road to Gundagai’.

In the Gundagai Historic Museum is the story of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal men Yarri and Jacky Jacky who saved some 69 lives during the great flood of 1852. They used bark canoes to rescue the townsfolk. A bronze sculpture of the two heroes is on the corner of Kitchener and Sheridan streets.

On the Architectural Heritage Walk is the Gundagai Heritage Railway and the Old Gundagai Gaol, where infamous bushranger Captain Moonlite was held. The Prince Alfred Bridge, described as the grandest bridge in the colony when it opened in 1867, is one of the Historic Bridges of Gundagai.

The area is also recognised for its viticulture. The Gundagai wine region, which includes Wagga Wagga, grows grapes for excellent shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay wines. Visit cellar doors of Borambola Wines, Paterson's Gundagai Vineyard and Cottontail Wines.

The junction of the Murrumbidgee and Tumut rivers at Gundagai is a popular fishing spot, with trout, Murray cod, yellowbelly and bream all a potential catch. The Tarrabandra Fishing Retreat is a stroll from the Tumut River.

Events

The events calendar features several jackaroo and jillaroo competitions, including Gundagai Campdraft and Gundagai Rodeo. There is also the Gundagai show in February and Battle on the Bidgee in October.

Getting there and where to stay

Gundagai is four hours’ drive from Sydney, five hours from Melbourne and two hours from Canberra. Accommodation options in and around Gundagai, include hotels, motels, B&Bs and riverside caravan and camping spots.

Flash Jacks of Gundagai is a luxury boutique hotel above Main Street, with commanding views of the beautiful hills surrounding the town. Kimo Estate is a working 7000 acre farm that offers a variety of accommodation including EcoHuts, cottages and the Shearers Quarters.