Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Wagga Wagga, Australia

The largest inland city in New South Wales is situated amid agricultural lands in the Riverina region.

Wagga Wagga, translating to “place of many crows” in the Aboriginal Wiradjuri language, is located along the banks of the expansive and slow-flowing Murrumbidgee River.

A river loop on the outskirts of the city has been transformed into a beach area, allowing visitors to relax on the grass beneath established trees or enjoy the invigorating, clear waters of the river.

Regarding cultural offerings, the regional art gallery in Wagga Wagga serves as a prestigious platform for studio glass, complemented by a remarkable museum dedicated to the Riverina—a region that has sought its independence from New South Wales in the 1930s.

1. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

The city boasts beautiful parks and public areas, with the botanic gardens being the highlight, showcasing a diverse range of plants and trees that flourish in the region’s warm and arid conditions.

Spanning 20 hectares, visitors can stroll through a camellia garden, Shakespearean garden, cactus and succulent garden, native flora section, island garden, and bamboo garden, among others.

The camellia garden is topped with a meticulously painted and decorated Chinese pavilion, a gift from Wagga Wagga’s sister city, Kunming in China.

Additionally, the gardens feature a cherished miniature railway, a small zoo, a free-flight aviary, and an adventure playground for energetic children.

2. National Art Glass Gallery

The regional art gallery in Wagga Wagga began its glass collection in 1979 and has since assembled Australia’s foremost collection of contemporary studio glass.

The collection comprises over 600 pieces, reflecting a wide array of forms, styles, subjects, and techniques.

Items from this collection are featured in curated exhibitions, and temporary showcases highlight significant Australian and international glass artists.

To support this art form and foster emerging talents, the gallery conducts the annual National Emerging Art Glass Prize.

3. Wagga Beach

Although the ocean is several hundred kilometers away, Wagga Beach offers a commendable alternative located just five minutes from the central business district.

This beach is occasionally ranked among the nation’s finest and is recognized as the only inland beach to achieve such acclaim.

Surrounded by kurrajongs, river red gums, and yellow box trees, the beach features a welcoming expanse of golden sand adjacent to the river’s placid waters.

Shaded grassy areas for barbecues and picnics, as well as a playground for children, enhance the appeal of this natural environment.

The area is home to diverse wildlife, presenting opportunities to observe echidnas, squirrel gliders, or platypuses.

Moreover, the beach can serve as a launch point for kayaking adventures along the river or for trails on the 42-kilometer Wiradjuri walking track, which traverses the city and surrounding countryside.

4. Museum of the Riverina

With two locations, the Museum of the Riverina provides insights into Wagga Wagga, the Riverina Region, and the notable people and events that have shaped their identity.

The permanent collection and Sporting Hall of Fame reside at the botanic gardens, while temporary exhibitions are showcased in the Historic Council Chambers adjacent to the Wollundry Lagoon.

A notable aspect of Wagga Wagga’s history documented here is the Tichborne Case from the 1860s and 1870s, involving local butcher Arthur Orton, who claimed to be a missing English heir believed to have perished in a shipwreck.

The museum features more than 15,000 items in its collections, including photographs, textiles, and antique figurines.

5. RAAF Wagga Aviation Centre

The RAAF Base in Wagga was founded southeast of the city in 1940 and currently hosts six units, including the headquarters of the Royal Australian Air Force College.

This base is the last remaining part of what was previously a broader network of bases across the Riverina Region.

Established in an old guardhouse in 1995, the heritage centre chronicles the history of the RAAF and its connections to the Riverina Region, having received a significant update a decade ago.

The collection features several early jet aircraft, such as a Gloster Meteor, CAC Cabre, English Electric Canberra, Dassault Mirage III, and General Dynamics F-111. Visitors can explore a variety of RAAF artifacts, including recreated quarters, ration packs, musical instruments, uniforms, pennants, and even a Bristol Beaufighter cockpit.

6. Victory Memorial Gardens

This park located along the Wollundry Lagoon dates back to the early 1920s, commemorating the citizens of Wagga Wagga who served and died in the Great War. It is also a tranquil spot perfect for leisurely reading.

The area features meticulously maintained flower beds, manicured lawns, fig trees, and palms, along with tributes to both World Wars and the Vietnam War.

The prominent circular Chisholm Fountain was relocated here from the Civic Centre precinct for Anzac Day commemorations in 2006, encircled by rose bushes.

Families frequently visit for the playground and the lagoon’s banks, where children enjoy feeding the ducks (with grains, not bread!).

7. Collins Park

Upon entering Collins Park in the heart of Wagga Wagga, the first sight that captures attention is the century-old trees, primarily plane trees and bunya pines.

These towering trees provide ample shade over winding pathways, offering a lush grassy area below for relaxation.

The park is equipped with a gazebo, barbecue facilities, picnic spots, and a spacious play area for young children.

It also includes a memorial for a local member of the New South Wales contingent who lost their life during the Boer War in 1900. In front of this memorial stands a cannon that has its own tale: originally designed as a warship gun in 1795, it was later adapted with wheels during the mid-19th century.

In the absence of a town clock, this cannon also signaled noon for Wagga Wagga in earlier days.

8. Wollundry Lagoon Loop

Beginning in front of the National Art Glass Gallery, Wollundry Lagoon flows westward, past the northern extremity of Wagga Wagga’s central business district.

A leisurely walk or ride can be enjoyed along the serene, tree-lined banks on a three-kilometer loop, with attractions and shops nearby.

The loop offers close proximity to various sites, including the art gallery, Victory Memorial Gardens, Civic Theatre, Visitor Information Centre, and the Council Chambers adjacent to the Museum of the Riverina.

The lagoon is of significant cultural importance to the Aboriginal Wiradjuri people and is associated with the Dreaming narrative of the Wawi spirit that resides within and safeguards the water.

9. Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Museum

The Wagga Wagga Railway Station, still operational on the Main South Line, is heritage-listed and was constructed in 1879. Visitors passing through can take some time to explore the rail heritage of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region.

The platform features an exhibition of archival photographs and artifacts.

Beyond the footbridge, visitors can explore the former gang sheds, which house vintage tools, railway trikes, and a multitude of memorabilia and photographs.

A separate structure nearby showcases the station’s heritage model trains, including several operational setups for freight and passenger trains.

10. Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre

Located at Bolton Park, the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre serves as a prominent swimming facility on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga’s central business district.

This aquatic complex offers year-round enjoyment through its various indoor and outdoor amenities.

Within, visitors will find a 25-meter, 10-lane lap pool, along with leisure pools, a program pool, and a designated toddler pool.

Outside, an Olympic-sized competition pool is accompanied by a diving pool equipped with a platform reaching five meters.

During the hot summer months, guests can relax in the shade, enjoy a barbecue in the adjoining grassy area, or grab a snack at the café.

If you’re in need of swimming equipment, the Oasis swim shop is fully stocked with essential gear.

11. Lake Albert

Another outstanding recreational area adjacent to the city is the man-made Lake Albert, which spans 125 hectares and has been in existence since 1868. The lake features a 5.5-kilometer multipurpose trail encircling its perimeter, complimented with fitness stations at four locations.

Bosely Park along the western shore is home to the Wagga Wagga boat and sailing clubs, offering public boat ramps, while Apex Park on the opposite shore provides a children’s playground.

12. Wollundry Olive Groves

Located on a picturesque hillside just minutes north of Wagga Wagga, this farm produces award-winning extra virgin olive oil and superior table olives.

At Wollundry Olive Groves, every product—from cultivation to processing, packaging, and bottling—occurs on-site, and guests can gain insights into each stage of the olive oil journey during their visit.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the growers, tour the idyllic groves, and sample exceptional olive oil and olives.

Each season imparts distinctive complexities to the oil’s aromas and flavors, providing an enlightening experience.

13. Willans Hill Miniature Railway

Wagga Wagga has had a miniature railway in its botanic gardens for over 40 years, operating on the first and third Sundays of each month.

The railway features three potential routes spanning a total of three kilometers.

This setup includes two stations, three bridges, two tunnels, and a variety of associated buildings.

The railway boasts a fleet of six locomotives, with the most recent addition made in 2018. Model train enthusiasts should note the first Sunday of November, when collectors from across Australia come together to showcase their collections.

14. Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre

Conveniently located near the Murrumbidgee River, just moments from Baylis Street, the visitor information centre serves as a valuable resource for travel ideas, maps, and informational brochures.

Additionally, it acts as a gateway to discover the excellent culinary and beverage offerings endemic to the agricultural Riverina region.

Here, visitors can explore local wines, craft beers, ciders, and gourmet foods such as natural licorice, olive oil, preserves, confections, honey, pistachios, premium vinegars, and spicy condiments.

For those seeking souvenirs or gifts, a wide variety of indigenous arts and crafts, along with sustainably produced home designs made from recycled red gum, are available.

15. River & Wren Market

Held at Turvey Park near the botanic gardens, the River & Wren Market is an indoor artisan market that takes place six times each year, providing opportunities to support local businesses in Wagga Wagga.

This market showcases the exceptional crafting talents of the region, with each event featuring over 110 stallholders and attracting thousands of visitors.

Here, attendees can discover trendy clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and art, all produced locally.

The market also features a selection of local wines, handcrafted cosmetics, freshly roasted coffee, seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms, and delightful treats such as macaroons.