Wagga Wagga (population 58,700) is more commonly known simply as 'Wagga'
(which means 'crow' in the language of the Wiradjuri, the largest
Aboriginal tribe in
New South
Wales, who first settled in the area). The
city is situated on the Murrumbidgee River, 486 km south-west of Sydney,
with Cootamundra and Temora to the north, Narrandera to the west, Albury
to the south and Tumut in the east. It forms the hub of a vast district
that supports the production of wheat, fat lambs, the dairy industry and
mixed farming.
Settlers beat the explorers to this district: Charles Sturt was almost ten
years behind the land-seekers when he came through in 1829. Robert Holt
Best founded the Wagga Wagga run in 1832. Now the city is a vital
business, agricultural, educational and industrial centre, one of the
bigger settlements in the southern region.
History buffs can participate in the three National Trust walks, passing
by buildings that date from 1865. Other attractions are the zoo, art
gallery, botanic gardens and Historical Museum. With prolific parks and
gardens, including a formal Shakespearian garden, the city can be a visual
delight in spring.
Sports enthusiasts will find golf, tennis, fishing, bushwalking, bowls,
croquet and water sports as well as greyhound racing, horseracing and
trotting are all available. Music lovers can enjoy the orchestral
concerts, which are held at the city's outdoor music bowl and
entertainment centre.
Charles Sturt University even has its own winery, which is open for
tastings and sales. Festivals include the Summer School of Strings in
January, the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup in April-May and the Golden Gown Awards
in June. In September there is the Jazz Festival, the Riverina Antique
Fair and the City to Lake Fun Run, followed in October by the Garden and
Leisure Festival. |
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