First time visitors
When in Wagga Wagga - a must-visit guide for first time visitors to our city.
First time visitor to Wagga Wagga? If you’re reading this and are already here, hello, it’s so wonderful to have you here. If you’re planning your first trip to #visitwagga we can’t wait to welcome you to our city soon.
Wagga Wagga is a pretty big place – largest inland city in New South Wales, big. So, to make the most of your stay with us, we’ve compiled some must-visit attractions and locations below. This list makes sure you see the highlights of our city while you are here.
We recommend spending at least three days, two nights (a long weekend) in our city to tick each of these items off the ‘when in Wagga Wagga’ bucket list.
Get inspired by our top 5 must-dos for first time Wagga Wagga visitors …
Visit Riverside: Wagga Beach
Named #9 best beach in Australia for 2020, Riverside: Wagga Beach should be first on your must-visit itinerary.
This popular attraction has great access to the Murrumbidgee River for a splash during summer or a game of beach cricket on the sand.
There’s also plenty of grassed, shady spots for a picnic, sheltered barbecue areas, a playground and seats to stop and watch the world pass by or admire the kookaburras in the river red gums.
Cycle the city
Grab, or download, a copy of our Wagga Wagga + Surrounds Trails Map and head out on two wheels to explore our city.
Start in the CBD and pass by city parks, head to Riverside: Wagga Beach, then on to the Cadell Place murals, and stop to take in some Wiradjuri culture and traditions at Marrambidya Wetland.
For something more thrilling, plus some of the best views in our city, head over to Pomingalarna Reserve. This nature reserve, just five minutes from the CBD, ‘Pomi’ is a mountain bikers playground, complete with a fun, flowing 13km marked mountain bike course. You’re also bound to see the mob of kangaroos that call Pomingalarna home, plus, keen eyes could also spot some wonderful, and sometimes rare, birdlife here too.
Don’t have a bike? That’s OK you can hire one from the friendly, helpful team at Kidsons Cycles.
Pick and taste the freshest produce
Take your tastebuds on a regional tasting tour right here in Wagga Wagga.
Pluck strawberries from the plant at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, learn the beer brewing process at Thirsty Crow Brewing Co., sip wine samples at the cellar door at Borambola Wines or CSU Boutique Wines or taste award-winning olives and olive oil at Wollundry Grove Olives.
Become a cafe seeker
An early morning caffeine kick, a lazy Sunday brunch, a lunch time snack or an afternoon treat – Wagga Wagga’s café scene has you sorted.
Take your pick from flavourful vegan-friendly, dairy + gluten-free fare at Fitz Café or classic crowd favourites arancini or corn fritters from Uneke Wagga.
Trail St Coffee Shop serves up consistently great coffee and burgers are on the menu for breakfast and lunch.
You can even get your coffee (and a muffin or toastie) drive thru, thanks to The Fast Lane – perfect for those who are short on time, but still want to get through the Wagga Wagga bucket list.
Get back to nature
Start your nature tour at Marrambidya Wetland, a 20hectare reserve teeming with flora and fauna, just five minutes from Wagga Wagga’s CBD. Go bird watching or get a bird’s eye view of the wetland from the viewing platform. Immerse yourself in local history and culture by admiring the Wiradjuri artworks, huts and visiting the healing place.
Next, why not take a short drive out of town, about 30km south, to Livingstone National Park. Here you can enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, four wheel driving and birdwatching. The trails are also great for bushwalking and be sure to stop and see the amazing grass trees and during spring, the gorgeous wildflowers, which blanket areas of the park.
Image credit: Robert Mulally | NSW National Parks
Obviously, the more time you stay the more things you can tick off. To discover more in our city and region head over to our See + Do, Eat + Drink, Stay and Wander pages.