Six day trips around Wagga

If you want to save your hard-earned money while still feeling like you've hit the reset button on life, venture off on one of these short day trips that are guaranteed to impress.

With an idyllic and relatively easy drive up the mountains, day-trippers will find themselves at the Adelong Falls.

A short walk from the car park that is wheelchair accessible leads to the viewing platform. For the more adventurous, pathways lead down to Adelong Creek and the ruins.

You can go by foot over the swinging bridge, which can be found by walking down the path beside the Swinging Bridge Cafe in the town's centre. Take the left-hand path and follow Adelong Creek to the ruins.

This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a picnic, to take stunning photographs or cool off in some of the deeper pools.

But an insider tip: go in the morning as the rocks heat up when the sun hits them.

Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins is not just an excellent place for recreation for people of all ages, allowing for picnicking, walking, and swimming - it is also a state heritage listed industrial site.

Interpretive signage provides valuable insight into the Australian gold rush and the history of the region in general.

Distance: An hour east from Wagga's CBD.

Head about 150 kilometres northwest of Wagga, and you will find yourself in the historic township of Darlington Point on the banks of the mighty Murrumbidgee.

Just out of town is the expansive Altina Wildlife Park where personalised, open-air cart tours wind through the grounds amongst river red gums.

Observe the many native birds and animals and the more exotic animals that roam in large, open-style enclosures, such as African lions and wild dogs, bison, zebras, meerkats and giraffes.

Distance: An hour and a half from Wagga's CBD.

Young's Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens are located at the Chinaman's Dam reserve. Now a well-established garden set in a quiet, picturesque site, the gardens are the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch, with picnic and barbecue facilities.

After crossing the bridge to the garden and passing the marble lion sculptures guarding the garden entrance, make your way to the garden viewing platform and sit and relax overlooking the garden and the Pool of Tranquillity.

The garden was developed to recognise the contribution of the Chinese community to the settlement of Young in the 1860s.

The Lambing Flat Museum depicts Young's history and is open seven days from 10am to 4pm.

The Rustic Maze and Country Garden are also perfect for a family outing with coffee, tea and treats, and the maze and gardens to explore.

Distance: A hour-and-a-half northeast of Wagga's CBD.

Step into the depths of Yarrangobilly Caves, and you'll discover stalagmites, stalactites and cave corals.

Explore five caves created from a limestone belt laid down about 440 million years ago in Kosciuszko National Park.

There is so much to do with National Parks discovery tours, both self-guided and guided tours of the caves, hiking trails, and the thermal pools are the perfect spot for a dip.

Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre is open 9am to 5pm while the self-guided South Glory Cave is open 9.30am to 4pm.

Distance: About two hours south-east of Wagga's CBD.

A flat, two-hour drive north will lead day-trippers to the dynamic city of Griffith.

While the drive itself might be nothing to write home about, a feast for the senses awaits in the Riverina's second-biggest centre.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are sold at roadside stalls around the city, while the town's restaurants and eateries rival anything you'll find in the big cities. Make sure to grab a tasty treat from Bertoldo's.

Take a wander up Scenic Hill and check out the Griffith Hermit's series of living areas, or visit one of the many cellar doors at wineries around the city.

Explore the Griffith Italian Museum in the Pioneer Park Museum, which spans over 30 historic buildings and for art lovers, check out the Griffith Regional Art Gallery (which will reopen on January 13 for the New Year).

Distance: Two hours northwest of Wagga's CBD.

If you love the great outdoors, there is nowhere greater in the Riverina than Narrandera.

Explore the natural beauty with free camping on the river, bird watching at the wetlands, biking, and hiking on the three connecting trails. Anyone who has grown up in the area will also know the Lake Talbot Swimming Complex, which is home to a new upgrade.

Distance: One hour northwest of Wagga's CBD.