Favourite things | Taking the scenic route
No matter which direction you head in, you’ll uncover a new town full of friendly locals, unique shops, fresh produce and photographic scenery.
Wagga Wagga is the perfect launch pad for a quick road trip around the region.
Head north and feast on cheese and chocolate, or head south and visit the breathtaking natural beauty of The Rock and sweeping plains.
A trip east will take you to the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox or into the picturesque mountains, while west will find you visiting vibrant country towns, koala spotting and more.
Intrigued? Get behind the wheel and enjoy the drive past canola fields, rolling hills and big blue skies.
North
On your whey | Coolamon
Wander through Coolamon’s heritage main street and explore boutique shops, quirky cafes and museum – just half an hour’s drive from Wagga Wagga.
Local tip: When it’s time for lunch, be sure to stop in for a cheese platter, or something bigger, from the Coolamon Cheese Factory.
Drive time: 80km, 1 hour, via Coolamon Road (return trip from Wagga Wagga).
Railway getaway | Junee
Soak in the Junee region's colourful countryside, discover regional and railway heritage and whether you’re a true believer or just curious Australia’s most famous haunted house – the legendary Monte Cristo Homestead – attract people from across the world.
Don’t miss: Stock up on sweet treats at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory and, stop off at the Bethungra Rail Spiral - one of the only two 360-degree rail spirals of its kind in Australia.
Drive time: 84km, 1 hour, via Olympic Highway (return trip from Wagga Wagga).
Take off | Temora
Visitors to Temora will be treated to three museums and immaculately preserved historical buildings in a beautiful natural landscape. A must-see is the Temora Aviation Museum, home of arguably the world’s finest collection of flying warbird aircraft.
Go beyond: Continue on to the nearby village of Ariah Park to explore heritage wide verandahs, quirky petrol bowsers and the beautiful country pub, the Ariah Park Hotel.
Drive time: 176km, 2 hours, via Olympic Highway and Goldfields Way (return trip from Wagga Wagga).
East
Discover iconic Australia | Cootamundra | Gundagai
From the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman, to the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox, the Cootamundra and Gundagai region is steeped in Australian history.
Drive time: 239km, 2 hours 40mins, via Olympic Highway, Hume Highway and Sturt Highway (return trip from Wagga Wagga)
A breath of fresh air | Snowy Valleys
An hour’s drive from Wagga Wagga is all it takes to climb into the mountains of the Snowy Valleys region and experience breathtaking landscapes and plenty of space to camp, bush walk and explore.
Hungry for more? Stop in for lunch or coffee and cake (made from locally sourced and grown produce) at Nest – Café:Cinema:Books in Tumbarumba. Or, if in Tumut, stop in for a local brew and woodfire pizza from Tumut River Brewing Co.
Drive time: 286km, 3 hours 50mins, via Sturt Highway, Hume Highway, Snowy Mountains Highway and Tumbarumba Road (return trip from Wagga Wagga)
South
Great things in small packages | Greater Hume
Explore rich history of the Greater Hume region, learn about agricultural innovation, submerge yourself in submarine history, explore spectacular scenery and walk in the footsteps of one of Australia’s most infamous bushrangers.
Drive time: 160km, 1 hour 30mins, via Holbrook Road (return trip from Wagga Wagga)
Point of View | Lockhart
From Federation charm to stunning natural landscapes, The Rock and Lockhart are an easy drive from Wagga Wagga.
Local tip: If the weather is nice, pack your hiking boots and trek to the top of The Rock Nature Reserve - Kengal Aboriginal Place. A round trip takes about three hours, and the panoramic views from the top are spectacular.
Drive time: 124km, 1 hour 40mins, via Olympic Highway, Lockhart Road and Sturt Highway (return trip from Wagga Wagga)
West
Creature comforts | Narrandera
Narrandera is the perfect family-friendly location, complete with Lake Talbot Swimming Complex, Lake Talbot itself and is home to more than 200 koalas. A short stroll along the Murrumbidgee River and chances are you will easily spot one of the furry Australian creatures.
Looking for more? Discover and download some handy maps and guides to truly make the most of your visit to our Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region.
Pictured above: Magpies Nest Restaurant, Wagga Wagga