This 🇦🇺City of Aboriginal Heritage🏞 & Elite Athletes🏉 is So Nice They Named it Twice

Strategically positioned in the heart of Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, nearly equidistant from the country’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, and straddling the Murrumbidgee River, a vital tributary of the mammoth Murray River, Wagga Wagga is an agricultural, transport, and military hub that punches far above its weight for a city of just 60,000 residents in terms of Australian history, culture, and activities.  

Wagga Wagga has humble origins as a settlement of the skilled hunter-fisher-gatherer Wiradjura people, the largest aboriginal group in New South Wales who have lived as custodians of the land for over 40,000 years. The late-1820s saw the first European exploration of the area, led by British officer and captain Charles Sturt, on a quest to prove that an ‘inland sea’ was located in the heart of ‘Oz’. In the mid-1800s, Wagga Wagga experienced an influx of ‘squatters’ who occupied (British) Crown lands for livestock grazing. Rapid expansion ensued, and by the late-19th century, the area was gazetted as a municipality. 

Though Wagga Wagga wasn’t officially proclaimed as a city until 1946 (post-World War II), its historical significance had already been solidified, so much so that it was considered as a potential site for the Australian capital during the late-19th century, early-20th century federation negotiations - where six British colonies united to form what is now the Commonwealth of Australia (1901). 

Wagga Wagga’s contributions carved out during both World Wars further entrenched its role as an indispensable hub in Australian history, including acting as a launching point for one of the eight ‘snowball marches’ in 1915 across the country to encourage volunteer recruitment for the Australian Imperial Force (Army). The Great Depression deeply devastated the city, leading to its role as the ‘de facto center’ of a short-lived Riverina region succession movement. However, World War II saw somewhat of a revival for Wagga Wagga after becoming a garrison town - establishing military bases for the Army and Royal Australia Air Force.  

The name ‘Wagga Wagga’ (pronounced “wo·guh wo·guh”) itself is steeped in the Wiradjuri language, with one interpretation of ‘Wagga’ meaning ‘crow’ and the repetition denoting ‘a place of many crows’. Over the years, translations (and interpretations) have varied, including meaning ‘to dance, grind, or celebrate’. Embracing this heritage, the city adopted the more exultant translation in 2019, reflecting Wagga Wagga as a place of ‘dance and celebrations’. 

Today, Wagga Wagga welcomes nearly 1.5 million visitors each year thanks to its crucial role as an agricultural, military, and logistics and freight hub, along with a burgeoning restaurant scene, storied sports culture, and one of Australia’s best beaches. That’s right, a beach in inland Australia. 

IMPORTANT: To re-read this Destination Spotlight (and all others) later, you can access it (for free) over at the Pale Ale Travel blog. 

Wagga Wagga (This Time For Australia)

Must-See Attractions

Wagga Wagga sports an extremely walkable core, making exploration of the city a breeze. However, don’t confine yourself just to its Central Business District (CBD) and shopping streets, as the beauty of the Riverina and South West Slopes regions of Australia are where it truly shines.  

• Begin your journey through Wagga Wagga by tracing the Wollundry Track and Lagoon Loop, a scenic walking and cycling path that puts you a stone’s throw from the arts, culture, and history in the Civic Precinct and CBD. Expect lush gardens, local farmers markets, public art installations, and picturesque views of the Wollundry Lagoon. Or, if you want to get your steps in, consider making the 42 km loop (or portions of it) around the city via the Wiradjuri Walking Track. You’ll explore the riverbanks of the Murrumbidgee, winding waterways and thriving wetlands, and stunning nature preserves - with some of the best views over the city. 

  • Marrambidya Wetland - no stroll through Wagga Wagga via the Wiradjuri Walking Track is complete without stopping by this 20-hectare reserve and national treasure located alongside the Murrumbidgee River. This legendary and revered reserve sports over 2 km of connected walking paths, bird hides for inconspicuous (and respectful) viewing of local waterbirds, and elevated viewing platforms for panoramic views of the entire wetland. 

• Discover 41 heritage gems of the city via the self-guided Wagga Wagga Heritage Walk, including the Main Southern Railway at the Wagga Wagga Railway Station, Historic Council Chambers, rows of 19th and early-20th-century houses, and memorial gardens. Simply bring your smartphone or a tablet and use this link to navigate!

• Arguably the most popular attraction in Wagga Wagga, with several employees surmising so due to it being completely free, the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens is an 8-hectare oasis of magnificent multipurpose gardens and attractions, including a small zoo and aviary (keep an eye out for roaming peacocks and Russel the wombat!), rainforest section, playgrounds for children, and even a mini railway (Willans Hill). 

• Surprising to many, this inland city actually boasts a sandy beach along the banks of the Murrumbidgee River - one that was ranked among Australia’s top 20 beaches in 2020. And, it’s only five minutes from the Wagga Wagga CBD. Wagga Beach is the perfect spot to cool off, enjoy a swim, or even have a picnic (or barbecue). Food and drink vans can also be found nearby to grab a snack or coffee. This is easily somewhere you can spend the whole day. Don’t worry. There are no crocodiles here!

  • Roughly 600 meters upstream from Wagga Beach is The Rocks, a popular launching point for locals wanting to float down the river, kayak, and swim. For a truly unique Wagga Wagga experience, take one of the many guided downstream paddles at either sunrise or sunset. 

• Both Baylis Street and Fitzmaurice Street comprise Wagga Wagga’s Central Business District and primary shopping areas. Both are key hubs not only for shopping but for dining, drinking, and cutting loose as well thanks to Wagga Wagga’s growing restaurant and cafe culture and local entertainment venues (ex. Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre). Wandering down (or up) these streets is inevitable when in the compact, walkable city center, and makes for the perfect glimpse into the daily life of ‘Waggaites’. 

Cultural Experiences

• Wagga Wagga has deep historical ties to rail transport, so you can’t miss checking out one of its railway-related cultural attractions - all of which are a nod to the city’s early development and played a pivotal role in its foundation (and prosperity). 

  • Ladysmith Tourist Railway: This charming heritage railway offers a unique glimpse into Wagga Wagga’s past. A short drive from the city, the Ladysmith Tourist Railway is a vintage steam train and heritage railway that was previously part of the Main Southern railway line (commenced in 1855 and completed in 1881) and was lovingly restored by enthusiasts in recent years. Make sure to go on the second Saturday of each month, as this is when you can catch a ride on the train!

  • Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Museum: Situated on the legendary and historic Wagga Wagga Railway Station platform, the Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Museum boasts a wide collection of railway heritage equipment, artifacts, historic records, and photographs. This is a must-visit for anyone who (a) loves trains, and (b) wants to step back in time to learn about Wagga Wagga’s history via railway memorabilia.

  • Willans Hill Miniature Railway: As mentioned above, this miniature railway is located within the Botanic Gardens and operates on the first and third Sunday of the month.

• Adjacent to the flowing Murrumbidgee River is the Riverina Playhouse - one of the city’s most beloved cultural venues. Home to one of Australia’s longest-running regional theater companies (Riverina Theatre Company), this playhouse runs a full program of theatrical performances and cultural events, so make sure to check out its calendar to see if anything is playing while you’re in town! 

  • Or, swing right on over to the Civic Theatre, home to the Wagga Wagga Theatre Company, a historical venue dating back to the early 20th century that blends Art Deco elements with modern upgrades to create an inclusive and welcoming space for both amateur and professional productions!

• For scorching hot summer days, consider grabbing a cane and throwing on a top hot and monocle before heading to the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, one of Riverina’s premier cultural institutions thanks to its large body of contemporary art and extensive natural and cultural heritage collections. From visual art and photography to sculptures, multimedia works, and “new media.” It’s also home to the National Art Glass Gallery, which showcases Australia’s developments and achievements in contemporary art glass practice!

• Sports and Wagga Wagga go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or as Rob Schneider in Big Daddy said, they go together like “lamb and tuna fish.” Sports is culture in Wagga Wagga and culture is sports. The city sits at a particularly interesting geographical intersection in the sports world called the ‘Barassi Line’ - an imaginary division between Australian rules football and rugby league, meaning it is home to more than its fair share of teams for both leagues (8 AFL and 4 rugby union teams). So, if you want to see two of Australia’s favorite sports played at the top level, this is your spot. 

  • The month of May also sees the Wagga Gold Cup “pop off,” Australia’s second oldest thoroughbred horse race which is far more than just a horse race. Expect a raucous two-day event and carnival with nearly 15,000 attendees drinking, betting, and enjoying live music (and other entertainment). It’s no wonder why it’s referred to as ‘The Race That Stops the Region’.   

  • The city is also behind the popular sports phrase the ‘Wagga Effect’, a term used by the Australian media to describe the city’s history of producing a staggeringly high number of elite and professional athletes. This is primarily attributed to its access to a variety of sporting codes and the city’s size, which allows top young talent to compete at adult levels early in their careers.  

• Finally, if you’re an aviation enthusiast, make sure to take a short drive from the city center to the Aviation Heritage Centre, a treasure trove of exhibits and aircraft dedicated to preserving the history of Australian aviation - with a heavy emphasis on Australian pilots during World War II and beyond!

Local Cuisine & Beer/Alcohol Scene

• Wagga Wagga’s gastronomic scene is a varied and rapidly expanding mixture of traditional Australian ingredients, farm-to-table freshness, and international influences. 

• Every trip to Australia needs to kick off with a quintessential Australian meat pie - a golden shortcrust pastry filled with slow-cooked, chunky beef and rich gravy. 

• If you’re looking to stay light on your toes, start your morning out with one of my personal favorite combinations, a Flat White with avocado toast. Coffee culture in Wagga Wagga (and Australia) is some of the best in the world so don’t forget to caffeinate up! Wagga’s vibrant café scene is perfect for enjoying a relaxed morning or leisurely afternoon. Don’t forget to pair it with homemade lamingtons (butter/sponge cake with chocolate sauce) or Anzac biscuits (sweet golden brown cookies!). 

• I bet you didn’t know that Wagga Wagga is home to some of the best strawberries on the planet. Make your way out to Bidgee Strawberries and Cream (just 5 minutes from the CBD) to this family-owned farm. Pick your own strawberries, indulge in homemade treats, pies, jams, and gelatos, or take an ice cream-making workshop! This is one spot that’s an unparalleled activity for families and food lovers! 

• The city’s diverse population further enriches its gustatorial landscape. A fun fact is that Wagga Wagga is actually home to roughly 40% of the country’s Yazidi population (Kurdish), which introduces authentic Middle Eastern flavors to the area. Think flavorful savory dishes featuring lamb, fresh dairy products, grains, and fresh fruits. Further, Wagga’s Chinese community traces its roots back to the mid-1800s, so expect a robust landscape of Asian cuisine!

• Wagga Wagga and its surrounding areas are home to some of Australia’s most exceptional wines and wineries, so tossing back a couple of glasses of red or white is a must while in Australia’s Riverina region. 

  • Borambola Wines: Located just 30 minutes from Wagga Wagga’s CBD, Borambola Wines is a family-owned winery and estate known for its award-winning sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blancs, and Chardonnays, along with exceptional ciders. Channel your inner “Ab Fab” with a wine tasting and tour, or simply post up on the balcony or lawn area overlooking the lush vineyard with a glass of red and a cheese board! 

  • Charles Sturt University Winery: This winery isn’t just a local gem but a vital part of Australia’s prestigious and burgeoning wine science and viticulture education. Set within the serene expanse of the university campus, you can enjoy unhurried wine tastings hosted by friendly and knowledgeable staff (including students!). 

• Wagga Wagga’s status as a bustling university town lends itself to a lively bar and pub culture. One standout is Thirsty Crow Brewing Co., affectionately known amongst locals as ‘The Crow’. This local independent (family-owned) brewpub is acclaimed for its innovative craft beers made on-site by passionate brewers. You can even enjoy a close-up of the brewing process while sampling unique beer flavors like their ‘Vanilla Milk Stout’ and ‘DayDreams’ oat cream IPA. 

Wagga Wagga Insider 

Best Time to Visit 

• Wagga Wagga experiences a temperate climate that’s characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters (by Australian standards). Like most of Australia, it sees four distinct seasons throughout the year, which allows travelers to experience a wide range of activities and attractions depending on when they make the trip Down Undah. The beauty of Wagga Wagga is that it enjoys approximately 125 clear days per year, meaning outdoor activities are rarely off the table.

  • For reference, a city like Denver, Colorado only enjoys, on average, 115 clear days per year! 

• Spring - September to November - is hailed as one of the most enjoyable times to visit the city thanks to mild, comfortable weather that takes the form of gradually climbing afternoon temperatures and cool mornings. Wagga Wagga especially settles into the full swing of things once flowers and greenery have bloomed, making it the perfect month to explore the scenic Wollundry Track or Wiradjuri Walking Trail. 

  • Spring is also home to the renowned Wagga Wagga Jazz & Blues Festival, which takes place every September. Running for nearly 30 years, this festival hosts a diverse lineup of both Australian and international jazz and blues musicians, turning the city into a lively open-air concert venue!  

• Summer - December to February - Summers in Wagga Wagga fall anywhere on the spectrum of ‘warm’ to ‘hot’, ‘with average temperatures hovering between 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The city has, however, experienced several heatwaves over the past several decades. But low humidity levels help make the heat a tad bit more tolerable! Summer is ideal for those who want to experience the full scope of Wagga Wagga’s outdoor activities, such as floating down the Murrumbidgee River, swimming at Wagga Beach, cycling the Wiradjuri Walking Trail, or birdwatching from the dedicated observation platforms at Marrambidya Wetland. 

• Autumn - March to May - Fall in Wagga Wagga brings clear days and cooler temperatures, making it another favorable season for tourists looking to enjoy the breadth of the city’s outdoor activities. The changing foliage also creates a picturesque backdrop that makes for scenic hiking and wine-tasting adventures!

• Winter - June to August - Winters in Wagga Wagga are cold by Australian standards, with daily highs clocking in anywhere from 50 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit and heavy frosts and fogs to boot. Snow is incredibly rare in Wagga Wagga, so don’t worry about having activities canceled due to a snowstorm!

  • For partygoers, June plays host to an Australian ‘regional’ Burning Man event (Red Earth City) in Matong State Forest (outskirts of Wagga Wagga) every year. This unique festival offers a celebration of creative practice, community, and self-expression, with all of the same eclectic and provocative outfits you’d expect at its inaugural location in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. 

Hidden Gems/Local Secrets

• A lesser-known fact amongst tourists about Wagga Wagga is that many of the streets are named after veterans of the Peninsula War (1808-1814). Thomas Mitchell, a surveyor who served under Lord Wellington (the 1st Duke of Wellington), drew inspiration from British involvement in what’s considered one of the first wars of national liberation - one that necessitated a coalition formed by Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom against invading and occupying French forces. 

• Immerse yourself in the abundance and vibrancy of the Riverina at one of Wagga Wagga’s countless farmer’s markets. From the Riverina Producers Market, which runs every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM, to the Wagga Wagga Farmers Market, every Saturday morning in the center of town (at the Wollundry Lagoon), there’s no shortage of open-air stalls to sample local produce and snacks and pick up handmade crafts!

• Situated just southeast of the city, Lake Albert is one of Wagga Wagga’s most popular areas for recreation, including swimming, fishing, and boating. This 5.5 km lake and circuit boasts a gorgeous walking track (popular amongst runners, walkers, and even cyclists!), dedicated picnic areas and benches, and even exercise stations. Donated light posts illuminate the track come sunset and nighttime, making for a romantic and celestial evening!

• Wagga Wagga is also home to a thriving chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), an international organization dedicated to the re-creation of pre-17th-century arts, culture, and combat. The SCA’s activities and events range from heavy fighting tournaments and fencing to medieval-style potlucks and brewing! This is medieval larping at its finest!

Travel Tips

• Wagga Wagga wouldn’t be the freight and transport hub it is without being easily accessible from major Australian cities. 

• Wagga Wagga Airport (Forest Hill) is extremely well-connected, offering daily flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flights are just one to two hours, making it a fantastic destination to pair with a trip to one of Australia’s major metropolitan areas.

  • For budget-conscious travelers, purchasing flight tickets well in advance can enable you to snag tickets at just over USD 100, providing an affordable and efficient travel option. 

• The city sits on the main railway line between Sydney and Melbourne, with two services running daily in each direction. This takes, on average, 7 hours to each city, and is a great, relaxed option for those wanting to see the scenic Australian countryside.

• In Australia, do as the Australians do and take a road trip, adding Wagga Wagga as a destination to your route along the way. Adelaide can be reached in just 11 to 12 hours via car, Sydney and Melbourne in under 5 hours, and Canberra (the nation’s capital) in just under 3 hours. 

• As mentioned above, Wagga Wagga punches far above its weight in terms of activities for a city of just under 60,000 and plays host to countless community events, festivals, and cultural gatherings each year. To ensure you don’t miss you, make sure to check out ‘Visit Wagga’ for an up-to-date listing of what’s new and happening in the city!

• With Wagga Wagga being such a walkable city and best experienced via traversing its various ‘in town’ and Riverina region walking routes, make sure to bring a comfortable pair of running or hiking shoes. And, with it boasting one of Australia’s top beaches, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit! 

Wagga Wagga - So Nice They Named It Twice

Whether you’re a train enthusiast looking to get behind the controls yourself, an avid wine drinker or strawberry aficionado, a rabid sports fan, or somewhere in between, Wagga Wagga’s unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary energy promises something for everyone.

Step outside of the major cities and hubs that most tourists travel to when visiting Australia and hop on Down Undah to a side of the county where authenticity and tradition really shine through.   

Travel well everyone,

Big Body