NSW - WAGGA WAGGA - HOME TO AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HERO'S

Wagga Wagga is one of Australia's leading regional cities with a population of 57,000



The only Council to win the AR Bluett Award twice (1963 and 1999), the city is located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and is home to Charles Sturt University, RAAF Base Forest Hill and the Australian Army Base Kapooka. The city hosts 22 primary schools, 7 secondary schools and the regional TAFE.

Wagga Wagga is home to the professional Riverina Theatre Company, Charles Sturt University's Theatre Ensemble and dozens of cultural groups creating a packed calendar of events.

Wagga Wagga is the hub and major retail/industry centre of the Riverina, Australia's food bowl and New South Wales biggest wine producing region. The region is bounded by the Snowy Mountains to the east and the fertile Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area to the west.

Wagga Wagga is a place for those who want city convenience and choice with a relaxed country lifestyle.

Food & Wine Wagga Wagga has dozens of restaurants and cafes and many national food chains. Charles Sturt University runs an award winning winery and cheese making facility.

Alongside the University is the gourmet restaurant, where Wagga Wagga Wild olive oil is produced. The Wagga Wagga Winery and Restaurant is housed in a rustic building which has an extensive collection of memorabilia, a huge 'moving' mural and one of the biggest fireplaces in the Riverina.

Arts & Culture The stunning new National Art Glass Gallery, regional and community galleries are all part of a major upgrade the city is undergoing. Regular exhibitions from world class art to local community groups feature in the Gallery programs. Public artwork has also become one of the city's key features in recent years with superb sculptures dotted around the CBD.

Gardens Wagga Wagga's award winning Botanic Gardens are the jewel in the crown of the 'garden city'.Garden lovers should also visit the Victory Memorial Gardens which were designed by Sir Thomas Kerr (designer of Sydney's Botanic Gardens) as a tribute to those who fought and died during the WW1. Wagga Wagga also has beautiful private and open gardens to be enjoyed year round.

Sport Wagga Wagga is famous as a nursery for sports stars. A small sample of the list includes Steve Elkington, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater, Tony Roche, Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey, Peter Sterling, Greg Brentnall and Scobie Breasley. Some say this is due to a mystery nutrient in the Murrumbidgee River but you can draw your own conclusions by visiting the Wagga Wagga 'Sporting Hall of Fame' website at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au or pop into the recently established Museum of the Riverina in the historic Council Chambers.

Transport Wagga Wagga has regular daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne.It is a little over 2 hours drive to Canberra and the Countrylink train stops four times daily.

Accommodation Wagga Wagga has over 2,000 commercial beds in 4 star motels through to Pubs and backpacker hostels. In the past two years there has been major investment in the local industry with new motels and major upgrades under way.

Conference/event assistance Council's tourism services division specialises in assisting conferences and events being held in the city. This help includes financial, marketing and administrative support.