Just because New Year’s Eve is all wrapped up, doesn’t mean the summer celebrations have to stop. Here’s a list of things you can do around Wagga to kick start your year with a dose of fun.
Tumbarumba Rodeo
For those looking for a bit of thrill on the first day of the year, the annual New Year’s Day Rodeo at Tumbarumba is the perfect place to find it.
This full APRA Championship Rodeo featuring a day filled with entertainment and activities, including barrel racing, bucking ponies, stallion chute out, saddle bronc and, of course, the much anticipated bull ride.
Local riders begin at 11am, with professional riders starting at 2pm. Family tickets are $50, adult tickets are $25 and children and pensioner tickets are $25.
Gundagai Races
Eager race-goers will flock track-side to bring in the new year with the annual Gundagai races. Held at the picturesque Gundagai Racing Track, punters can have a flutter on the Adelong Cup while enjoying a social day out with friends and family.
This year, Southern District’s only training partnership, father and daughter pair David Blundell and Michelle Russell, will have three runners in the race.
Gates open at 11am. Tickets can be purchased on arrival for $15.
Relax by the Shore
If it’s a quieter start to the year you’re looking for, Wagga has a myriad of water-side locations at which to sit back and relax with family and friends while contemplating the year that was.
Wagga Beach is a popular location for “river floating”, while others looking for a little more action can head to Lake Albert for a kayak, boat ride or water ski.
Botanic Gardens and Wagga Zoo
Families might enjoy a day spent at Wagga’s lush botanical gardens. Children can enjoy the playground, while parents walk around the rose garden, or else cook up a storm on the barbecue.
The botanic gardens is also home to the Wagga zoo, featuring a diverse range of animals including alpacas, kangaroos, wombats and an aviary.
Wagga Zoo is open from 9am-5pm.
Blowering Dam
For some, after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the idea of escaping the city will be a welcome relief and offer the perfect dose of rest and relaxation.
Just a two-hour drive from Wagga lies Blowering Dam, a serene location that draws visitors from all over to its peaceful shores. Located in the Snowy Mountains, this dam offers stunning views, camp sites and tempting crystal waters perfect for paddling and playing.
