Places to visit in and around Wagga Wagga NSW

Riverside: Wagga Beach is a popular, natural attraction in Wagga Wagga. The sandy strip by the Murrumbidgee River offers golden sand, sunshine, water for a dip, and plenty of shade to cool off. Wagga Beach was ranked ninth in the Top 20 beaches in Australia in 2020.

Riverside: Wagga Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the Murrumbidgee River, with plenty of grassed, shady spots for a picnic, sheltered BBQ areas, a playground and seats to relax and watch the world go by.

There’s plenty of options for recreation, from swimming, kayaking or canoeing, or taking a longer walk along the Wiradjuri Trail around Wagga Wagga.

Just 5 minutes from the city's CBD, you don't have to travel far to find this small piece of paradise. Those walking the Wiradjuri Trail can take a well deserved break at the beach and make use of the public amenities.

Remember, if you do enjoy a dip in the Murrumbidgee River have fun, but most of all, please stay safe, wear a life vest and #respecttheriver.

The beach is a family and pet-friendly area, though dogs must be kept on a lead. Accessible amenities and change facilities are also available.

Located north of the city centre, Wiradjuri Reserve has long been utilised by the people of Wagga Wagga as a recreational space for boating, fishing and swimming.

The reserve is also significant to the Wiradjuri people of this area, given its history as a traditional camping place with access to the riverside, beach and shallow water for gathering, corroboree, fishing, camping and swimming.

Discover the area’s rich natural resources including plants, land, water and freshwater animals. You might also want to better understand this location as a traditional Wiradjuri river crossing place where, according to traditional stories, the carer of the ‘Nurrang gungali’, or crossing place, resides.

Accessible amenities and boating facilities are available for use in the reserve.

More than just a place for transport, the Wagga Wagga Railway Station’s impressive forecourt and historical buildings are included on the State Heritage register.

Enter the station complex to see unique architecture from the 1870s that reflects the importance of Wagga Wagga as a junction within the State rail system at the time.

You can view the station and buildings every day and learn more about the story of the railway in Wagga at the Rail Heritage Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of magnificent photographs and railway memorabilia including equipment and several working model railway layouts. Visit the museum Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 2pm for a small entry fee of $2.

The station precinct includes seating, shelters and accessible amenities and is easily reached by car, bus, train, cycling or by foot.

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is an inspirational, vibrant and innovative place for the diverse Riverina arts culture. It engages both local and global communities by supporting regional and national artists and promoting a flourishing and experimental creative environment that everyone can access.

Not only can you view artwork by outstanding Riverina artists throughout the year you might also be lucky enough to see some of the best visiting exhibitions from across Australia.

Don’t miss the showpiece National Art Glass Gallery, home to Australia’s largest and most significant collection of contemporary art glass of around 4,000 pieces.

With 40 different exhibitions and displays on offer every year, there is always something new for everyone to enjoy at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

The Gallery is fully accessible and has accessible amenities for visitor use. Entry is free and the Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm (closed Mondays).

The Museum of the Riverina shares meaningful stories about the people and events that have helped shape Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region.

The Museum’s site at the Council Chambers offers an ever-changing roster of major exhibitions, right in the heart of downtown Wagga Wagga. The historic chambers building was built in 1881 – it’s a beautiful example of the unique architecture of its time.

While car parking is available, the museum is easy to access by bus, train or bike. Entry is free and the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 10am to 2pm.

The Wollundry Precinct includes a lagoon and gardens in the heart of Wagga Wagga, creating a space for locals and visitors to enjoy and explore.

Wollundry Lagoon is significant to the Wiradjuri people of Wagga Wagga and is recognised for its spiritual, historical, social and aesthetic values. It is associated with the Dreaming story of the Wawi, a reptile-like spirit that resided in and protected the lagoon.

The Victory Memorial Gardens on the banks of Wollundry Lagoon is a delightful garden space in the centre of the city that was established in 1925 as a tribute to those who fought and died in World War One. This area was designed by Thomas Kerr, designer of the Sydney Botanic Gardens.

Some of the highlights you can enjoy include the poplar trees lining Anzac Avenue, the Garden of Peace Roses and the Sunken Garden. The gardens are also dotted with numerous memorials for those who have served Australia in wartime.

Wollundry Precinct is a free public space for everyone of all ages and abilities. It is a family and dog-friendly (on leads) park with picnic facilities and accessible amenities.

The city of Wagga Wagga is one of those places that has embraced the beauty and philosophy of public art, offering a rich and diverse collection of contemporary public artworks, from sculptures, Wiradjuri weaving, murals, mosaics and bronze works.

Come and discover the many outdoor spaces that have been transformed into unique art galleries for the whole community to enjoy as they move around the town.

When you venture out from the cafes, eateries and boutique stores of Fitzmaurice Street, you’ll discover a sprawling collection of larger-than-life murals along the Cadell Place laneway. You might want to grab a bird’s eye view of this amazing local works from the top of the Wiradjuri Trail beside the Murrumbidgee River.

Alternatively, check out the ‘Morning Light’ mural on the corner of Baylis and Tompson streets.

On show 24 hours, 7 days a week, these spaces brighten up the city and aim to give joy to all who pass by.

Set over 22 acres at the base of Willans Hill, the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are open every day and are a stunning must-see attraction that will keep the kids occupied for hours.

The Willans Hill Miniature Railway operates the first and third Sunday of each month. The track runs through woodlands, a tunnel and over a bridge. A small admission fee and enclosed shoes are required to ride the trains.

The Wagga Wagga Zoo + Aviary is open Thursday to Monday 9am to 4pm and every day during school holidays (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). The zoo contains a diversity of native and other animals, as well as a huge free-flight aviary.

Entry is free. Children must be accompanied by adults within the zoo, and dogs are strictly prohibited.

Known as ‘Pomi’ to the locals, it hosts many sporting events throughout the year, from trail marathons to endurance racing.

This is a place for those seeking something more and a haven for mountain bikers. The uneven and sloping terrain keeps you on your toes and the higher vantage points provide brilliant views over the city and landscapes.

Pomi has 4 marked trails with various levels of difficulties. Horse riders are encouraged to use outer fire trails.

The new multisport cycling complex at Pomi is due to be complete in 2022. So far the following cycling facilities are in use: a jump track, pump track, kids learn-to-ride playground and a velodrome.

Pomi has 2 car parks and is accessible by foot via the Wiradjuri Trail. It includes places of natural beauty with lookouts across the landscape. It is family and pet-friendly (on lead) and has sheltered areas to picnic with accessible amenities.

People love Lake Albert as a place for boating, fishing, swimming and other aquatic activities.

The 5.5 km walking track is popular with many – from walkers, joggers and cyclists. With 8 fitness stations in 4 locations along the walking track on the eastern side of Lake Albert, this is a place to get fit and feel good.

You might also want to get out on the water – a public boat ramp is located at Apex Park on the eastern side of the lake, and another ramp is located at Bosley Park for members of the Wagga Wagga Boat Club on the western side. Apex Park is also home to a children’s playground with a fenced area for younger kids.