Wagga Wagga Top 10 Things to Do

Wagga Wagga Top 10 Things to Do ~ NSW

Wagga Wagga is a lovely City on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in the heart of the Riverina.

It is located 460 kilometres south-west of Sydney and is the largest inland city in New South Wales.

This vibrant regional City, which the locals just call ‘Wagga’, has lovely parks and gardens, wonderful heritage buildings, interesting museums and galleries, and even its own beach.

1. Wagga Beach

Five minutes from the City, you will find the Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct.

Wagga Beach is a lovely sandy beach on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, where you can swim, kayak or just sit and enjoy this beautiful spot.

In 2020, Wagga Beach took out the number 9 spot in the top 20 beaches compiled by Tourism Australia.

There are lots of shady grassed areas, sheltered barbecues, walking paths and an amazing adventure playground.

2. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are located at the base of Willans Hill and cover more than 22 acres. There are different themed garden areas, ponds and water features and lovely places to sit and relax.

The Gardens also have several children’s playgrounds, BBQ’s, picnic tables, and toilets. 

Located within the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens precinct is the free Zoo & Aviary, which is open  Thursday to Monday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is home to farm animals, native animals and many birds.

3. RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre

The RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre is located 13 kilometres from Wagga at the RAAF Base. It is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday to Thursday and is closed on Fridays.

Here you can wander around the old air force planes, including a Mirage, a Korean War Meteor, a Vietnam War Canberra, a Macchi trainer, and an F-111C. The aircraft display represents over seventy years of RAAF flying history.

Inside the Centre displays showcase Air Force history, and the significant involvement of the RAAF in the Riverina Region of New South Wales.

In the Memorial Gardens at the front of the base is a mural dedicated to the Empire Air Training Scheme and more information boards about the RAAF.

4. Explore Art Galleries

The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the National Art Glass Gallery are located in the heart of the City and entry is free.

The National Art Glass Gallery is a stunning glass-fronted building that houses a world-class collection of contemporary art glass. 

The light-filled gallery space showcases colourful sculptures, intricate glasswork, and bold contemporary pieces.

The Art Gallery is next door to the National Art Glass Gallery and is an innovative public art gallery. It showcases touring exhibitions, local exhibitions from the Gallery’s extensive collections, as well as the work of Riverina-based artists.

5. Wollundry Lagoon

In the heart of the city, you will find the Wollundry Lagoon, surrounded by landscaped parklands. 

This is a lovely, peaceful area where you can relax and watch the ducks and birds.

There is also a walking track around the lagoon, and as we wandered around, we saw interesting sculptures and artworks.

6. Discover Street Art

Wagga has some wonderful colourful street art throughout the city. 

The Cadell Place Murals are located between Fitzmaurice Street and the Murrumbidgee River.

You will also see other great artworks as you wander through the city.

7. Museum of the Riverina

The Museum of the Riverina has two locations, and the first one we visited was at the Botanic Gardens. Both Museums are open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and closed on Mondays.

The Museums are social history museums and through static and interactive displays they tell the stories about the people and events that have helped shape the City of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina Region.

The other Museum of the Riverina is housed in the city’s historic 19th-century Council Chambers. The Historic Council Chambers were built in 1881, and you can wander through the old council meeting room, which has tall arch windows and impressive vaulted ceilings.

The museum also has interesting displays about Wagga’s history and influential people, and hosts major exhibitions throughout the year. 

8. Heritage Walk

As you wander around the streets of Wagga Wagga, you will see lots of lovely heritage buildings.

The Court House on Fitzmaurice Street is one of the most impressive heritage buildings. This stunning Edwardian Court House complex with a square clock tower was built between 1901 - 1903.

The PRD Building in Fitzmaurice Street was originally the Commercial Bank and was built in 1882 in the Classic Revival style. Next to it is the old Post Office that was built in 1888.

The Union Club Hotel was built between 1851-1858. It has a lovely 19th-century facade with a wraparound lacework verandah. This is a unique feature, as many hotels removed their verandahs in the 1940s - 1950s.

St Michael's Cathedral on Johnston Street was built in 1887, several extensions were added from 1922 to 1925 to complete this lovely building.

The Riverina Hotel is the oldest Hotel in Wagga Wagga. It was established in 1851 and was originally called the Hope Inn. 

9. Lake Albert

Eight kilometres from Wagga is Lake Albert, an artificial lake that was created in 1868. It is one of Wagga's most popular recreational facilities,  and caters for boating, fishing, swimming and other aquatic activities.

There is also a 5.5 kilometre walking circuit around Lake Albert which is popular with walkers, joggers and bike riders. 

At Apex Park, there is a lovely playground, toilets, picnic tables, BBQ’s and a boat ramp.

10. Marrambidya Wetland

The Marrambidya Wetland is a lovely 20-hectare reserve on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, a few minutes from the city centre.

The wetland has two kilometres of walking tracks, elevated viewing platforms, and bird hides to watch the large variety of bird life that calls this area home.

Walking paths and boardwalks take you through diverse native plant species and birdlife, with interpretive signs explaining the significance of the wetlands to the local Wiradjuri people.

There is also a cultural demonstration area including a Wiradjuri campsite and a bora ring.