As the school holidays wind down and routines start to kick back into shape, it can be tricky to find time to go out and enjoy those last-minute activities with family. Luckily for us here in the Riverina, there are still plenty of options available for things to see and do this week, most available all week at little to no cost.
At the Wagga Botanic Gardens precinct, families have the option of feeding animals at the zoo and aviary or heading up the road to the Museum of the Riverina and partaking in a brand-new scavenger hunt.
There is also plenty of food and markets to enjoy around the region too. Coolamon’s Cheese Factory, Junee’s Licorice Factory and Bidgee Strawberries and Cream are all open every day this week and make for a fun and unique day out.
If you’re looking for a sports fix, the Macro Cup in Leeton is the number one ticket in town, although skaters may be more inclined to enjoy free skateboard workshops at the Junee Skatepark on Monday.
Regardless of what you choose to do this week, there is plenty to get up to before heading back to school or work.
All week
Forum 6 Cinemas
When: Various times between 10 am and 8:30 pm
Where: 77 Trail Street, Wagga
Cost: Various. Tickets can be purchased at Forum 6.
January is normally a quiet month for new movie releases, however someone must have forgotten to tell 2024 that as two huge movies hit the big screen. The first is one of the year’s most talked about action movies in Beekeeper, while the second is a remake/sequel to one of the most popular comedy films of all time – Mean Girls. There are still plenty of other brilliant releases showing, including Ferrari, Immigration and Next Goal Wins as well as movies for the whole family in Disney’s Wish and DC’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Meet and Greet Encounters at Botanic Gardens Zoo
When: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, all week
Where: Botanic Gardens Zoo
Cost: Free.
The zoo will be hosting meet-and-greet encounters daily during the school holidays including petting dingoes, reptiles and more. Walk around the zoo and enjoy activities like emu and camel feeding, deer interactions and mini pony walks around the gardens. There will be many opportunities to take photos while enjoying all the zoo offers.
MoR Digital Scavenger Hunts
When: All week, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Museum of the Riverina
Cost: Free.
Explore the Museum of the Riverina’s (MoR) Botanic Gardens site in a new and exciting way with MoR Digital Scavenger Hunts. With clues scattered throughout the galleries, find out if you are up to the challenge! Designed by Sturt Public School students, they have been created to be fun for all ages.
Strawberry picking
When: 9 am to 3 pm, all week
Where: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, Billagha Street, Wagga
Cost: $5 per person or $16 per family.
A great activity for the family to get outside and enjoy some amazing local produce.
You can learn about hydroponic farming, pat and feed the sheep, check out the beehives and, best of all, taste test the two varieties of strawberries and the homemade strawberry sorbet and ice cream.
Coolamon Cheese Factory
When: Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Monday to Wednesday, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Cowabbie St, Coolamon
Cost: Free for a look.
A trip to Coolamon is not complete without a stop at the artisanal cheese factory on Main Street.
Boasting a unique selection of cheeses, including their signature lactose-free range, you can see how it’s all made and grab a coffee and a bite to eat before exploring the antique stores along the street.
Saturday
The Macron Cup 2024
When: 11:30 am, Saturday 13 January
Where: Leeton No 1 Oval, Palm Avenue, Leeton NSW 2705
Cost: Free.
After the success of last year’s Festival of Football, Leeton United Football Club is proud to present the 2024 Macron Cup! Returning to Leeton are the prestigious APIA Leichhardt, NSW National Premier League premiers, and the recently announced founding club of the Football Australia National Second Tier competition.
Sunday
Junee Markets at the Licorice Factory
When: 9 am to 12:30 pm, Sunday 14 January
Where: Junee Licorice Factory, 45 Lord Street, Junee
Cost: Various.
Junee markets at the Licorice Factory have something for everyone, with toys for the young, homemade preserves (sweet and sour) for the adults, soaps, candles, jewellery, knitted products and more.
Monday
Totem Skateboarding
When: Monday 15 January, 9 am – noon
Where: Junee Skate Park
Cost: $10.
Get ready to shred because Totem Skateboarding is back for another epic year of thrills and spills during the holidays! Mark your calendars for Monday 15 January, from 9 to 11:45 am. It’s the ultimate free learn-to-skate workshop at the Junee Skatepark. Hurry, spots are limited! Secure your spot here.
Thursday
Riverina Producers’ Market
When: Thursday 18 January, 1 – 6:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Showgrounds
Cost: Free entry.
Riverina Producers’ Market is a market run by producers to connect with those who love good food. Various stalls sell fresh and prepared foods, food-related products and complementary homewares. Products include meat, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, bread, honey, jams, berries, pickles, sweet treats, chocolate and more, directly from the producer to you.