Wagga Wagga is the biggest inland city in NSW. Home to around 70,000 people and set on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, it’s known for its gorgeous historical architecture, great restaurants and wineries, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful walking trails.
There’s plenty of things to do at any time of year – but winter in Wagga Wagga is particularly special. The city comes to life with roaring fires and the annual Festival of W, and the outdoors takes on a beauty of its own. Plus, some of Australia’s best ski slopes are just a few hours’ drive away.
ATTEND THE INCREDIBLE FESTIVAL OF W
Sydney might have Vivid, but Wagga Wagga has the Festival of W. For two weeks in July, this incredible event takes over the city with light shows, live music and winter-friendly feasts fuelled by local produce.
In previous years, events have included a one-day music festival, a pop-up ice-skating rink, live demonstrations of the fascinating art of ice carving, food markets selling heart-warming delights and roving performances. The program changes every year, but it’s always filled with all kinds of creative happenings.
EAT AND DRINK AROUND ROARING FIRES
One of the best things about winter in Wagga Wagga is that loads of restaurants, bars and cafes have fireplaces.
Visit Uneke Lounge for an excellent all-day menu, Mates Gully for farm-to-table dining (and lovely accommodation), Thirsty Crow for locally-brewed beer, Romano’s Hotel for cocktails and The Oakroom for fine dining. Each and every one of them has a fire, where you can get cosy and warm while drinking and dining.
EXPLORE THE AMAZING WAGGA WAGGA ART GALLERY
Start your exploration at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. There are more than 2,600 objects in the collection, which focuses on Australian art.
One highlight is the National Art Glass Collection, which captures the development of Australian art glass practice from the 1960s till now. Another is the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection, which contains more than 1,400 works, including pieces by Bea Maddock, Noel Counihan, Madeleine Winch, Fred Williams and Arthur Boyd.
SEE BIRDS SOARING IN A FREE-FLIGHT AVIARY
Within Wagga Wagga’s Botanic Gardens is an aviary, where more than 300 bird species fly freely. Look out for finches, wrens, doves, lorikeets, and king pdarrots.
The aviary is part of the Wagga Wagga Zoo, which specialises in Australian animals, including wallabies, emus and wombats. Plus, there’s a mini farm, where you can meet pigs, chickens and rabbits.
When you’ve finished at the aviary and zoo, there are 22 acres of gardens to explore. Interesting spots include the Willans Hill Miniature Railway; the Tree Chapel (you might even catch a wedding); the Camellia Garden, with more than 300 camellia species; and the Cacti Garden, filled with plants from Africa and South America.
GO SKIING IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Wagga Wagga is just three hours’ drive from the snowfields of Victoria and four hours’ drive from those of NSW.
In Victoria, the nearest is Falls Creek. It’s the biggest ski resort in the state, with more than 90 runs and 14 lifts. There’s terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels – from beginners to pros. Meanwhile, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller are just another hour’s drive away.
In NSW, there are four resorts to choose from: Perisher Blue, Thredbo, Mount Selwyn and Charlottes Pass.
GETTING TO WAGGA WAGGA
Wagga Wagga is five hours’ drive southwest of Sydney, three hours’ drive west of Canberra and five hours drive northwest of Melbourne.
You can also catch a plane to Wagga Wagga Airport, then pick up a SIXT car rental.
