The historic Willans Hill Miniature Railway will roll into action twice this month. Families will have their first chance to ride the iconic trains this Sunday. Photo: Wagga Wagga Society of Model Engineers.
There is plenty for families to see and do during the first weekend of 2024!
Kids will be spoilt for choice as there is something on every day of the week including Reptiles On The Go at several regional libraries, workshops all week at the art gallery, and the Festival of Strings.
The Botanic Gardens is also proving to be popular this week as the Miniature Railway steams back into action, while those looking for something a bit more laid-back can enjoy story time in the sun on Monday morning.
The new year has arrived and so has the heat – lucky for the people of the Riverina there are plenty of locations perfect for beating the humid weather. Aquatic centres around the Riverina are providing plenty of fun with Lake Talbot Water Park in Narrandera opening its doors and the Oasis in Wagga is pulling out the always popular inflatable equipment across the weekend.
There are a number of exciting ways to ring in the new year across the Riverina this week.
The new year has brought plenty of new movies for every member of the family to enjoy. Photo: #VisitWagga.
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.
Check out new releases this week including Night Swim – a horror movie from the famous Blumhouse Studios, Ferrari – a biopic about the creator of the world’s most iconic car brand, Next Goal Wins – an irreverent comedy about the worst football team ever, and WISH – the newest Disney animated film that celebrates 100 years of the iconic studio. You still have the chance to see other fantastic films Migration, Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom, Anyone But You, Wonka, Trolls 3, Napoleon and The Hunger Games.
The Riverina Festival of Strings is a week-long program in which participants will learn from some of the country’s best musicians. Photo: Riverina Conservatorium of Music.
Riverina Festival of Strings
When: 6 – 10 January, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Christian College, 401 Kooringal Road
Cost: $20 – $25 depending on activity.
The Riverina Festival of Strings combines an intensive one-week residential summer school where participants learn with some of Australia’s best string players and the Sounds of Summer Concert Series of five exceptional, fully professional evening performances. This is a must-attend for musicians all across the Riverina.
Participants of Reptiles on the Go will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most unique creatures. Photo: Jesse Campbell.
Reptiles on the Go
When & Where: Junee Library – Monday 8 January, 2:30 pm, Gundagai Library – Tuesday 9 January, 9:30 am, Holbrook Library – Tuesday 9 January, noon, Henty Library – Tuesday 9 January, 2 pm.
Cost: Free.
Enjoy a hands-on experience for the whole family with the reptile zoo that comes to you! Get up close and personal with fresh and saltwater crocodiles, pythons, lizards, turtles, frogs, and monitors. The presenters provide lots of cool, fun facts throughout the performance and guests will have the opportunity to touch and hold the animals!
Wagga’s newest entertainment venue, Vortex, offers a fun time for the whole family. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Vortex Entertainment Wagga
When: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am – 6 pm
Where: 77 Trail Street, Wagga
Cost: 0 – 6 years – $15 at venue, $12 online; students & adults – $25 at venue, $22 online.
Wagga’s newest indoor entertainment venue has only just opened its doors but is already proving to be extremely popular. With rock walls, high ropes, VR pods (virtual reality), bumper cars and many other exciting things to enjoy, there is something for everyone at Vortex Entertainment.
Saturday
Inflatable play equipment will be available for swimmers at the Oasis for the next three weekends.
Inflatable Days – School Holidays at the Oasis
When: All day, 6 – 7 January
Where: Oasis Aquatic Centre, 50 Morgan Street
Cost: Included in the price of admission.
Warm weather means the kids may be spending a lot more time cooling off, especially if you have been travelling in the car on your holiday to our beautiful city. Grab your swimmers and towel and enjoy hours of fun at the Oasis Aquatic Centre these summer holidays!
Lake Talbot Water Park in Narrandera is a must in summer. Photo: Narrandera Shire Council.
Lake Talbot Water Park
When: Summer holidays
Where: Lake Talbot, Narrandera
Cost: $4 entry, 50c per slide.
Perhaps the most popular outdoor aquatic venue in the Riverina, splashing down at Lake Talbot Water Park is the perfect way to beat the increasing summer heat. With waterslides galore for thrill seekers, shallow pools for young ones and a balcony cafe to enjoy lunch, Lake Talbot has got all your needs for a fun day out covered.
Sunday
The Willans Hill miniature railway returns for a full day of action. Photo: Willans Hill Miniature Railway.
Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides
When: Sunday 7 January, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Cost: $4 per ride.
Situated in the Botanic Gardens, the model railway runs through the gardens and features an authentic station and booking office. The track runs through woodlands, a tunnel and over a bridge. The railway was established in 1978 by Raymond Catts, who advertised for interested persons to form a club for the display and use of models. Rides are operating on the first and third Sundays of the month.
Enjoy some relaxing fun in the sun at the gorgeous Botanic Gardens with Sunshine Storytime. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Library.
Sunshine Storytime in the Botanic Gardens
When: Monday 8 January, 10 to 11 am
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Cost: Free.
Storytime at the Botanic Gardens is everything you already love about story time but in the beautiful surroundings of Wagga’s Botanic Gardens. There’ll be picture books, songs and crafts. Stick around afterwards and use the Agile Library van, which lets you browse, borrow, return, and make reservations, just like the regular library branch.
Thursday
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is delivering several art workshops these school holidays including Superhero Capes. Photo: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Superhero Capes – Kids Workshop
When: Thursday 11 January, 10 am – noon
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Cost: $15, bookings required – click here.
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is giving you the opportunity to showcase your superhero design and make your very own superhero cape! As one of several workshops that is part of the Summer Art Camp, it is a fun and unique way to spend the morning during these school holidays.
Loading ...
