Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga is a vibrant regional centre on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in the heart of the Riverina. With four distinct seasons, there’s always something new to explore. Discover the delicious food and wine scene, wonderful galleries, tranquil riverbank walks, gorgeous gardens and parks, and fascinating heritage.

Food, wine and produce

Visit vibrant Fitzmaurice Street where laneway art can be found at the back of trendy cafes and eateries. Hungry? Enjoy barista-made coffee and fresh, seasonal fare at stylish eateries like Fitzmaurice Café, Uneke Lounge, Thaigga or Wagga Wagga’s own brewpub, Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. 

Go behind the scenes and see where the region’s food and fibre comes from. Visit the cellar door at boutique vineyards Borambola Wines, Boutique Wines by CSU and Cottontails Winery. Pluck strawberries straight from the plant at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream then sample locally-grown olives at Wollundry Grove Olives.

Things to do

The whole family will enjoy the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Spread over 22 acres, you’ll find playgrounds, a free zoo and aviary, and the miniature railway, which runs on the first and third Sunday of the month. Have a swim or picnic at Riverside: Wagga Beach, voted ninth best beach in Australia in 2020.

Explore nature on two feet or two wheels along the Wiradjuri Trail – a 42km loop around the city. Take in attractions such as Marrambidya Wetland, a huge reserve teeming with flora and fauna, or simply enjoy city views from river level or high up on top of Pomingalarna Reserve. 

At Ashculme Textiles, you can meet the alpacas, browse the handwoven wares or learn to make your own. Learn about the area’s indigenous heritage with Bundyi Cultural Tours, where a guide will share stories thousands of years in the making.

Spend some time discovering the rest of the region on a scenic drive taking in beautiful scenery, history, wildlife and more. Visit towns and villages serving up locally-made delights, like Coolamon Cheese, Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, and Tumut River Brewing Co.

Festivals and events

There are events, markets and festivals happening all year round in Wagga Wagga. Don’t miss the Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras street parade and celebrations in March, Lost Lanes winter festival and Wagga Comedy Fest in June, Spring Jam family festival in September, and the Gears and Beers cycling and craft beer festival in October.  

Getting there and where to stay

Wagga Wagga is just under five hours’ drive from both Sydney and Melbourne, and around three hours from Canberra. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney and the journey takes six hours. Or fly into Wagga Wagga Airport and hire a car.

The town is a great base for exploring the Riverina and there are plenty of places to stay. Choose from motels, serviced apartments, boutique hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and luxury farmstays.

Explore one of Wagga Wagga's best hotels - The Houston