Riverina touted as one of the state's fastest growing tourist hot spots, Wagga reaps rewards

Destination Riverina Murray chairwoman Genevieve Fleming said it’s because “there’s a lot more sophistication in the area”.

“We’ve got Courabyra Wines up at Tumbarumba – award-winning champagne in NSW,” she said.

“There’s the Junee chocolate factory and festivals like Stone the Crow and Beers and Gears that appeal to the younger market.

The tourism has been “very good” for Wagga as well, according to Ms Fleming.

“Council is attracting people to Wagga as the hub but also promoting visitors to do a half hour trip out to Coolamon Cheese,” she said.

“Wagga council will tell people, you might be staying in Wagga for whatever reason, but go out and do these little day trips.

“Go and see the koalas out in the wild or go to Griffith and try some Italian food."

Wagga is uniquely placed to have substantial facilities, mayor Greg Conkey said, “but in a rural and relaxed setting”.

“It is a family friendly place to live where diversity and culture is celebrated,” he said. 

“There are plenty of high quality dining options with a focus on local produce, as well as picturesque recreational facilities highlighting our natural resources at the Riverside and Lake Albert precincts.”

“People come (to Wagga) because of the nature-based food and wine experiences, the variety of attractions and family communities.”

More than $420 million was spent by visitors in the Riverina last year. Cr Conkey said the increased visitor numbers “provide both economic and community benefit”.

“When people spend here, local business prosper and in turn provide stable local jobs,” he said.

“This also increases the number of options available to the local community in terms of services, retail and hospitality.

“Every visitor offers an opportunity to showcase the city as a destination, not just to visit but also to live and work.”

2016 Wagga snap shot: