Welcome to Wagga Wagga

WELCOME TO

Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga is located midway between Sydney and Melbourne and just two and a half hours drive from Canberra. The hub of the Riverina on the banks of the magnificent Murrumbidgee River, it’s the largest regional city in New South Wales.

Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trend or something precious and unique, Wagga Wagga is a shopper’s delight. From the modern malls featuring national retailers in bustling Baylis Street, to the eclectic shops in fun and quirky Fitzmaurice Street, you’ll find everything here, from stylish boutiques to homewares and antiques.

The name ‘Wagga’ is derived from the language of the local Aboriginal tribe, Wiradjuri, whose land the city of Wagga Wagga is now established on. It is widely accepted that ‘Wagga’ means ‘crow’ and to create the plural, the Wiradjuri people repeat the word. Thus Wagga Wagga translates as ‘the place of many crows’.

In Wagga Wagga, sport is in the blood and many of Australia’s sporting heroes hail from this regional city, including former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, rugby league great Peter Sterling and AFL legend Paul Kelly. The high number of elite athletes produced by the Riverina city was the subject of a study by the Australian Institute of Sport in 2005. The research

proved that the city’s talent pool was more than just good luck, describing the sporting phenomenon as the ‘Wagga Effect’.

Wagga Wagga is also home to thousands of students and recruits visiting the city for training at institutions such as Charles Sturt University (CSU), the University of NSW, University of Notre Dame, TAFE NSW – Riverina Institute, Australian Airline Pilot Academy and two major Defence Training Centres at Kapooka (Army Recruit Training Centre) and Forest Hill (Royal Australian Air Force Base, also includes Navy personnel). This means Wagga Wagga has got tertiary education well and truly covered. A much deserved round of applause can be heard when regular Graduation and March Out Ceremonies are held with family and friends, recognising the training achievements of students from Australia wide and overseas.

Wagga Wagga boasts a number of things to see and do to suit a range of tastes, so you’re sure to enjoy your stay.

Image by Destination NSW

Things to See & Do

FOOD AND FRESH PRODUCE

Wagga Wagga has everything from award winning restaurants to laidback, made-for-Sunday-morning style cafes, organic delis and country pubs offering hearty fare. The region also boasts a delicious array of fresh local produce such as olives, olive oil, lamb, beef, pistachios, strawberries, cherries and honey. The city even has its own micro-brewery.

Many local restaurants serve up the regional produce and providores in the city provide a year-round supply for both residents and visitors. Make sure you visit one of the regular markets in the region so that you can taste some of the local fare for yourself. Wagga Wagga is also home to a unique coffee culture with numerous boutique style cafes serving freshly roasted blends.

GARDENS AND PARKS

Wagga Wagga is renowned for its stunning parks and gardens. Located on Macleay Street, the Botanic Gardens is a must-see with its 20 hectares of themed garden beds, zoo and free flight aviary. Don't miss the native flora and dedicated rose garden.

Alternatively you may prefer a leisurely stroll around beautiful Collins Park or the historic Victory Memorial Gardens. Be sure to stop by in the evening to see one of the largest pine trees lit up with thousands of fairy lights. Otherwise you can strut your stuff on the walking track around Lake Albert, or stop for a relaxing BBQ picnic or dip in the river. The Wiradjuri Trail, which extends 42kms in total around the city, provides the perfect opportunity to get some exercise while taking in the beautiful wildlife and panoramas.

SHOPPING

Wagga Wagga is brimming with a range of shopping options. For big brands, venture to Wagga Wagga Market Place, Sturt

Image by Destination NSW

Mall and Southcity Shopping Centre. For a more boutique shopping experience, Fitzmaurice Street will satisfy your needs. Otherwise, simply take a walk down bustling Baylis Street to lose yourself for an hour or two.

FOR THE LOVE OF SPORTS

Known as the “City of Good Sports”, many of Australia’s heroes hail from Wagga Wagga. The Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame celebrates the careers of local sportspeople both past and present. Some of the famous names include former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, rugby league great Peter Sterling and AFL legend Paul Kelly. To experience the city’s superb sporting facilities meander down to the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. The centre is open daily and facilities include swimming, aqua aerobics, hydrotherapy, a sports stadium and a children’s playground. Alternatively, navigate the Wagga Wagga bikeways or visit Lake Albert which boasts a range of water and recreational activities to suit all tastes.

RIVERSIDE

Wagga Beach located along the Murrumbidgee River is the most popular swimming and picnic location in the region. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with the Wiradjuri Trail sweeping through connecting visitors to the lovely Marrambidya Wetland.

ART AND CULTURE

From traditional to contemporary, there is something to suit the tastes of all art and culture enthusiasts visiting Wagga Wagga. Explore the city and find public art scattered around the city, from a larger than life urban mural along Cadell place to stunning instalments at Marrambidya Wetland and Oura beach. Pay a visit to the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery to marvel at Australia’s largest collection of studio glass or catch a show at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. The Rail Heritage Museum or the Museum of the Riverina gives visitors an insight into the people, places and events that provide Wagga Wagga with its unique character.

DEFENCE HERITAGE

Wagga is home to the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Base which was founded during World War II to train army engineers. Later it served as a migrant centre but was converted to a training base for recuits with the onset of the Korean War, and remains a training facility today. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base opened in 1940 to serve as a training school and aircraft depot. After the war, the base evolved over many decades and today encompasses a college and heritage centre. The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre showcases the unique history of the base and is well worth exploring if you have a few hours up your sleeve. The centre is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm except for public holidays.

BIRDWATCHING

There are around 750 species of birds in Australia. With 300 being recorded in the Wagga Wagga region, the area is a mecca for birdwatching. The Marrambidya Wetland is a stunning 20 hectare reserve located along the Murrumbidgee River and only a few minutes from the CBD. The site provides a habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds, water insects, frogs, fish, reptiles and mammals such as the locally threatened Squirrel Glider. At Livingstone National Park, birdwatchers

are privy to the brown treecreeper, eastern yellow and hooded robins, speckled warbler, turquoise parrot, chestnut-rumped heathwren and woodswallows. Pomingalarna Reserve, located on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga, is home to the glossy black cockatoo, Gilbert’s whistler, rufous whistler, pardalotes and honey eaters. Berry Jerry State Forest, located 30kms west of Wagga Wagga, showcases the barking owl, black chinned honeyeater, yellow rosella and superb parrot.

DAY TRIPS

Heading North, explore Coolamon, Temora and Junee and discover unique produce like cheese and licorice, or dive into history and heritage with the abundance of museums ranging from aircrafts to railways.

Discover iconic Australia in the East at Cootamundra - the iconic birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman, or get a breath of fresh air at the Snowy Valleys with mountain climbs, scenic drives, caves and an abundance of fresh produce.

Explore some of Australia’s most beautiful limestone caves at Yarrangobilly Caves, a highlight of northern Kosciuszko National Park. Here you can try hands-on geology and Aboriginal culture tours, kids’ nature play, Castle Cave tours by headlight, and even adventure caving. You can also bushwalk, birdwatch and swim in the thermal pool. Take the self-guided tour through South Glory Cave, or enjoy guided tours that run 3 or 4 times daily, with additional tours during school holidays.

In the South you’ll find the Greater Hume and Lockhart where traditional architecture and stunning landscapes like Kengal (The Rock) Reserve await you. Perfect for a hike!

Due West, spot a koala in its natural habitat in Narrandera or go for a cycle around the Grong Grong. For more information, go to visitwagga.com/wander.

WINERIES

Wagga Wagga is a great destination for wine lovers. There are four wineries in Wagga Wagga and each provide unique experiences from wine tastings of award winning wines made by local producers to dining experiences among the vines. For lovers of craft beer, pay a visit to the Thirsty Crow Brewing Co., Wagga’s only microbrewery.

Regional Area

TRAVEL

Distances

FROM WAGGA WAGGA TO

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS WITH US.

ROAD SAFETY

You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers.

It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

Hertz Wagga Wagga has all of your holiday needs covered.

We have two convenient locations: Wagga Wagga Downtown (72 Hammond Ave) Wagga Wagga Airport (Don Kendall Dr)

To make your bookings call 02 6938 6000 or visit hertz.com.au

We’re here to get you there.

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• Summer in the Parks

• Sounds of Summer Concert Series

• Australia Day Celebrations

• Australia Day Races

FEBRUARY

• Wagga Pro Rodeo

MARCH

• Gumi Race

• Wagga Wagga Food & Wine Festival

• Wagga Wagga Week of Golf including the Wagga Wagga Pro-Am

• Travelling Film Festival

APRIL

• Stone the Crows Festival

• Gold Cup Carnival Prelude Day

• World War II and Military Scale Flying Weekend

• Wagga Wagga Relay for Life

MAY

• Town Plate Day

• Wagga Wagga Gold Cup Carnival

• Rotary Club of Wagga Book Fair

• Australian International Animation Festival

• Kurrajong Waratah Charity Race Day

JUNE

• Wagga Wagga Veteran & Vintage Motor Club Annual June Rally

• Reserve Forces Day Commemorative Service

• Wagga Wagga Cycle Classic

• Wagga Comedy Fest

• Lost Lanes

JULY

• Wagga Wagga Swap Meet

• French Film Festival

AUGUST

• Craftalive

• Wagga Wagga Trail Marathon

SEPTEMBER

• City of Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod

• MG Car Club Gathering of the Faithful

• Wagga Lake Run and Ride

• Henty Machinery Field Days

• Aggies Race Day

• Wagga Wagga Show

OCTOBER

• Golden Wheel Track Carnival

• Wagga Wagga and District Scale Model Club Annual Show

• Spring Jam

• Gears and Beers

• Uranquinty Folk Festival

• FUSION: An explosion of cultural energy

• Wagga Wagga Picnic Races

• Children’s Medical Research Institute Christmas Fair

NOVEMBER

• Melbourne Cup Day Race Meeting

• Model Railway and Hobby Exhibition

• Wagga Wagga Dragon Boat Regatta

DECEMBER

• Come to Bethlehem

• Wagga Toy Run

• New Year’s Eve Celebrations

REGULAR EVENTS

Willans Hill Miniature Railway

Held first and third Sunday of each month 10.30am-4pm. $2.50 per ride, enclosed footwear essential. Located in the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street.

Downside Bushdance

Held first Saturday of each month except January, 7.30pm to Midnight. Downside Hall, off Coolamon Road

Ladysmith Tourist Railway Open Day

Held Second Saturday of each month at Cunningdroo Street, Ladysmith

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, visit www.visitwagga.com

LOCAL Markets

MARKETS BY THE LAKE

Held throughout the year on various Saturdays, 9am to 2pm. Located at Apex Park, Lake Albert.

MATES GULLY PRODUCE MARKET

Held every Saturday, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Located at Mates Gully Restaurant on Morrow Street.

RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET

Held Thursdays, 1.30pm to 6.30pm.

Located at Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street.

RIVER & WREN BOUTIQUE MARKETS

For market dates, visit riverandwrenmarket.com.au.

Located at Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street.

WOLLUNDRY SATURDAY MARKETS

Held the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 8am to 1pm. Located at Civic Centre Precinct, Burns Way.

ESSENTIAL Services

Free WiFi City Library, Airport and Visitor Information Centre

CHURCHES & TIMES

St Michael’s Cathedral, Church Street

Sat: 6pm Sun: 8am , 10am, 5:30pm

Sacred Heart, Kooringal Road

Sat: 5.30pm Sun: 8:30am, 10am, 5:30pm

Baptist Church, Tarcutta Street

Sun: 8.15am, 10am, 6pm

St John’s, Church Street

Sat: 6pm Sun: 9am

St Luke’s, Cnr Docker & Shaw Streets

Sun: 7:30am

Evangelical Church, Kooringal Road

Sun: 10am, 7pm

Inspire Church, Kooringal Road

Sun: 10am, 6pm

Church of Christ, Cnr of Heath Street & Fernleigh Road

Sun: 10am

St Paul’s, Turvey Park

Sun: 8am, 9:30am, 6pm