Pick your time frame:
1 - 2 hours: A walk in the park
Whilst it’s recommended you allocate more time to enjoy the abundance of natural wonders in Wagga Wagga + Surrounds, if you only have an hour or two to spare there are many ways to connect with nature and discover our diverse landscapes.
Stroll sections of the Wiradjuri trail, a 42-kilometre loop that extends across many of our city’s significant attractions. Pick your point of entry or start at the heart of the city which will take you along the Murrumbidgee River to Riverside: Wagga Wagga beach, named #9 best beach in Australia for 2020. Admire the water views, enjoy a picnic or go for a quick dip.
Combine tradition with nature at Marrambidya Wetland – go bird watching or get a bird’s eye view from the viewing platform. This stunning 20-hectare reserve features interactive storytelling devices, artworks and a Wiradjuri Healing Place. The Healing Place was created as a place of reflection and healing for all to sit amongst nature with the river flowing nearby. The Healing Place features a number of plants traditionally utilised by the Wiradjuri people.
Full day, outdoor play
A full day in Wagga Wagga is a good time frame to see our city on two wheels, paddle down the Murrumbidgee river or take a stroll through one of our many great gardens.
Bring your own bike or hire one from Kidson Cycles and take in the city sights at a relaxing pace. Start in the CBD and follow the Murrumbidgee River – you’ll pass by Riverside: Wagga Beach, laneway murals, then on to Marrambidya Wetland. Looking to up the adventure ante? Tackle the fun, free-flowing 13km mountain bike course at Pomingalarna Reserve and take in the city views from the top.
Check out Erin Earth, Wagga Wagga’s very own large, urban woodland garden. Discover and learn about sustainable living and gardening and bring back your new skills to your own home garden.
Come afternoon, paddle down the ‘bidgee for a magical sunset tour with In Motion Fitness Kayak Tours. The Beginners Guided Sunset Kayak Tour is a pleasant introduction to kayaking, requiring no prior experience. Rather paddle to the beat of your own drum? Kayak hire is also available by the hour and per day.
Any of the options in this itinerary can be extended, giving a deeper and more memorable experience of your time in Wagga Wagga.
Road trip nature experience
Wander further and get the full Wagga Wagga + Surrounds nature experience.
Heading south, the Livingstone National Park and Livingstone State Conservation Area are ideal for camping, mountain bike riding, horse riding, picnicking, 4WD touring and birdwatching.
Also, heading south of Wagga Wagga, you will find one of the best-known landmarks in the Riverina – Kengal Aboriginal Place, also known as The Rock Nature Reserve. Rising 364m above the plains, the panoramic views from the top are worth the 3-hour return hike – to the west the patchwork of farmland stretches into the horizon, while to the east rolling hills and ranges provide a stunning vista. Keep an eye out for Mt Kosciuszko on a clear day.
Venture east to experience the breathtaking mountain views and untamed landscapes of the Snowy Valleys. Travel via car or for a once-in-a-lifetime experience let Truenorth Helicopters charter you on a flight to take in aerial views of the Snowy Mountains. If you are planning on staying a night or two in the region, consider booking in at Kestral Nest, an off-the-grid eco-hut surrounded by mountain farmland… Bliss after a busy week of meetings and conferences.
Head back to Wagga Wagga just in time to catch a falling star. Our uninterrupted views and low light pollution makes our region perfect for camping out and stargazing. Our favourite picks are Oura Reserve and Kohlhagen’s Beach.
