Every year, more and more business people, travellers and nomads travel to and through the Riverina. Along with the region’s many sights, the types of accommodation in Wagga Wagga make it the ideal destination for all ages and purposes.
Discover the 7 most popular types of accommodation, as well as our favourite things to see and do in the area. There is even a handy search bar at the bottom of this article to connect you straight through to your accommodation type of choice.
Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
7 Most Popular Types of Accommodation in Wagga Wagga
Hotels
A comfortable place to stay is essential for any holiday, including a trip to Wagga Wagga. Hotels are built to provide everything travellers need for longer stays, including lodging, meals, laundry services, fitness centres and more.
Most of Wagga Wagga’s hotels are positioned in the retail district, so you’ll also have access to public transport. This gives you direct access to many of local sights and attractions, such as the Wagga Wagga Zoo.
At the time of publishing this article, there were 7 businesses registered as hotels in Wagga Wagga on localsearch.com.au. While the price per night will depend on the amenities on offer, you’ll be looking at around $120 to $150 per night for the average hotel.
Motels / Motor Inns
While a hotel is perfect if you’re in Wagga Wagga for a few days or weeks, it’s not the most convenient option for an overnight stay. Motels will generally be located near main roads and motorways, so if you need somewhere to rest your head on your way through the region, it’s a good option.
However, don’t be mistaken that you’ll be giving up your luxuries. Plenty of motels in Wagga Wagga have an onsite bar and bottleshop, as well as providing meals and laundry service. Some motor inns will also have free or pay-per-use WiFi for business travellers.
You also have plenty of motels to choose from in the area, with 16 Wagga Wagga motels on localsearch.com.au at the time of writing this article.
Motels in Wagga Wagga range greatly in price, starting at around $80, going up to $150 or more
House Stays
If you’re looking to experience Wagga Wagga like a local, have a look at house-sharing websites like Airbnb. These websites allow hosts to advertise a room in their house or the entire property for anywhere between 1 night to extended stays.
By sharing a house with a local, you can gain valuable insight into their favourite restaurants, bars and things to see and do while you’re there.
Even better, the price of your accommodation will depend on how much space you need (one room, two rooms, the entire house, etc.) and how long you plan on staying. So, you can essentially find somewhere to stay that fits your budget.
Serviced Apartments
Booking a self-contained apartment in Wagga Wagga will give you a few more of the creature comforts of home, while still being on holiday. As apartments tend to have more than one room, it suits group travellers or families who still want plenty of space, while still being together.
The apartments in Wagga Wagga on localsearch.com.au offer full studio suites and options with a range of bedrooms, as well as kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Some apartments have the luxuries of a hotel, such as a pool, conference facilities and restaurants, but it depends on where you stay.
You’ll be looking at around $155 per night for a standard 1-bedroom serviced apartment in Wagga Wagga. Prices will fluctuate depending on how many rooms you need.
Caravan & Tourist Parks
Travelling in a caravan or 4WD gives you such freedom of where you want to go and when. In Wagga Wagga, there are many caravan and tourist parks you can stop in at and rest overnight or stay and check out the sights.
The caravan and tourist parks in Wagga Wagga also have cabins available for those wanting a more laid back, but comfortable, type of accommodation. Many of these are located along or near the Murrumbidgee River, meaning you get some great views and breezes on the warmer days.
Most holiday and caravan parks in the region are priced around $120 to $200 a night, but it depends on what facilities you want to book.
Farm Stays, Cottages & Lodges
The Riverina region is prime farming country, with famous wineries and fresh produce a big drawing card for tourists. What better way to experience everything the Wagga Wagga area and surrounds has to offer than actually stay on a real life working farm!
Farm stays in Wagga Wagga are actually located in surrounding towns, but the short journey to them is well worth it. The farm you stay at will depend on the accommodation and activities, but if there are animals, be prepared to get hands on and help with the chores!
Now, if it’s a Riverina winery you’re after, there are a few to choose from, each with their own growing and wine making secrets.
Bed & Breakfasts
In the car, it’s close to a 5-hour drive from Sydney to Wagga Wagga, so a cheeky weekend away isn’t completely unthinkable. Bed and breakfast accommodation will ensure you have a comfy bed to sleep in and your meals are taken care of, if you opt to include them in your package.
For a bed and breakfast in Wagga Wagga, you’ll be looking at around $120 per night, without breakfast, or $135 for the stay and a cooked brekky. There are currently two bed and breakfasts listed on localsearch.com.au in Junee, which is about a 30 minute drive from Wagga Wagga.
Checklist: 9 Things to Do in Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Address: Lord Baden Powell Drive, Wagga Wagga
The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens date back to 1961, and today, contain more than 17 different areas to explore. We go into more detail about a few sights below, but couldn’t go on without mentioning a few of the gardens.
For international travellers, you must stop in at the Australian Native Flora Section and learn all about our precious trees, plants and flowers. Another favourite for locals and travellers alike is the Shakespearean Garden, designed around the gardens of the Elizabethan era.
Amongst the many other gardens, you can see cacti, succulents, roses, rainforest plants, bamboo gardens and greenery to promote water-sustainable gardening. As you wander, you’ll also come across the Tree Chapel, model railway, playground the Music Bowl and many other sites, including the Wagga Wagga Zoo.
Wagga Wagga Zoo & Aviary
Address: Wagga Wagga, Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street, Turvey Park
Located within the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens is the Wagga Wagga Zoo & Aviary. In this wonderland, you can walk through a free-flight aviary and spot glamorous peacocks as they strut their way through the park.
Aside from birds, there are more than 90 species of animals to see and even get up close and personal with. The kids will absolutely love getting to make friends with a range of farm animals, including pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits.
As the Wagga Wagga Zoo is open every day, other than Christmas Day and Easter, it’s an ideal family activity any time of the year.
Museum of the Riverina
Address: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, 127 Lord Baden Powell Drive, Wagga Wagga
Also within the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens in the Museum of the Riverina. At the time of writing this article, the museum was closed for redevelopment, so you may want to call ahead and check they’re back up and running before paying them a visit.
The Museum of the Riverina captures the history of the greater region of Wagga Wagga. Past exhibitions have included Stagelights: 150 years of Wagga Theatre, Winning Sky Photos (2016 Winners), Creative Accounting, Iconic Australian Houses and many more.
Willans Hill Miniature Railway
Location: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Tom Woods Drive, Turvey Park
On the first and third Sunday of each month, you can hop aboard the miniature rail train for just $2.50 per ride (children under 1 are free). Now in its 42nd year, the railway has three lines, including the Main Line, Museum Line and Spiral Line.
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult, so this means you get to enjoy a chug along the tracks too!
Note: Enclosed footwear are required to ride the miniature train.
Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Station
Location: Station Place, Wagga Wagga
At the former Wagga Wagga Railway Station, you’ll find a time machine to take you back to the good ol’ days, before modern trains were around. The museum contains photos and memorabilia showcasing an interesting look into what it was like to ride and work at the old railways.
Also managed by the Wagga Wagga Railway Heritage Association are the Gang Sheds and Rest House, both of which are worth a visit.
National Art Glass Gallery
Address: Morrow Street, Wagga Wagga
Inside the Wagga Wagga National Art Glass Gallery is Australia’s most comprehensive public collection of studio glass. The collection showcases the changes in style from the 1970s, all the way to today’s creations.
Wandering around the museum, you can see more than 600 pieces, with the option of taking a guided tour to learn more, or simply enjoying the pieces on your own.
Victory Memorial Gardens
Location: Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga
While in Wagga Wagga, we recommend setting aside a day to enjoy the peace and quiet at the Victory Memorial Gardens, nestled along the banks of the Wollundry Lagoon. The gardens contain many memorials dedicated to the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Vietnam World.
Strolling through the gardens, you’ll come across the various memorials to learn more about how they came to be. These memorials are set amongst stunning gardens, which has also made the 2 hectares of space a popular wedding venue for locals.
Wagga Beach
A beach? In the middle of New South Wales? Yes, you heard right. The Wagga Beach is located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, and provides a cool spot to swim, BBQ, picnic or just laze under the shady trees.
As the beach is just 5 minutes from the city centre, it’s easy for everyone, with or without a car, to go and check out. In 2014 and 2015, the Riverside also underwent renovations to provide more places to sit and eat, BBQ and wander around.
Temora Aviation Museum
Location: 1 Tom Moon Avenue, Temora
One hour outside of Wagga Wagga is Temora, and in it, the Temora Aviation Museum. Here you won’t just see aircraft from 1942 and earlier — you’ll get to see them in action too.
The museum is built on the site of Australia’s biggest and longest-lasting RAAF Elementary Flying Training School from World War II. Today, you can see some of the planes that did their duty and see interviews with veteran pilots of these planes.
General admission on a standard day is $25, although for a 2-day event, you’ll be looking at $40 to see everything the museum has to offer. There are also discounted tickets for those over the age of 65 ($20), children aged 3 to 16 ($15) and families (2 adults, 2 children $65).