By Darren Stones

This place is so good they named it twice. Wagga Wagga is the town to move to if you want to produce offspring that could eventually become sports superstars. Cricketers Mark ‘Tubby’ Taylor, Michael ‘Slats’ Slater and Geoff ‘Henry’ Lawson all hail from the Riverina’s major city. Also, Australian Rules Football stars Wayne Carey and Paul Kelly, along with Rugby League legend and nude nut Peter Sterling call Wagga home.

Located on the Sturt Highway, Wagga, as it’s affectionally known, is home to Charles Sturt University. Another amazing fact is that the first Chiko Roll sold at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Show in 1951. Must say, I’m partial to a Chiko myself.

In 1954 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visited Wagga on the 13th February. Just goes to show that a visit to Wagga is good for longevity.

Any journey to Wagga must incorporate a few hours at the Botanic Gardens. Have lunch at the cafe` and watch out for those pesky peacocks. Turn your back for a split second and your chicken sandwich will be history.

If you’re inclined for an evening stroll, head for Lake Albert to stretch your legs. Lovely.

Accommodation recommendation:
Garden City Motor Inn
8 Day Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: (02) 6921 3646
www.gardencitymotorinn.com

Meals recommendation:
Victoria Hotel
55 Baylis Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: (02) 6921 5233
Bistro meals
www.vichotel.net

Things to do:
Botanic Gardens Wagga Wagga
Willians Hill, Macleay Street
Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Civic Centre
Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga
Phone: (02) 6926 9660
www.waggaartgallery.org