After a cosy stay at the Baylis Street Boutique Apartments and a casual breakfast at one of Wagga Wagga's great cafes, jump in the car for an easy one hour drive west to Narrandera.

When at the nature reserve, look up and keep your eyes peeled as you're likely going to spot a very cute and very sleepy koala. The reserve also plays an important part in the conservation of koala populations in Australia.

After koala spotting, it’s a short drive into Narrandera to visit Wiradjuri Elder Michael Lyons and learn some ancient first nations skills and culture. Michael owns Sandhills Artefacts where he handmakes and carves indigenous tools and items. You can also learn about there traditional usages and information at the Wiradjuri Cultural Centre just across the road. Michael also offers cultural tours of the area for an even more immersive, cultural experience.

After a busy morning, it’s time to find some lunch. Jaudine Interiors + Red Door Café is a combined dining and shopping experience in the centre of Narrandera. Enjoy a great barista coffee and bite to eat from their seasonal menu, then browse the range of unique home and gift wares.

The incredible design features many Narrandera connections, from iconic landmarks and history, to the three main illustrations, the koala for the Narrandera Nature Reserve and the koala population there, the Eastern Bearded Dragon which reflects the name Narrandera – derived from the Narrungdera people, meaning ‘place of many lizards’, and the Murray Cod which represents the importance of the Murray Darling river system.

This tranquil spot is popular year-round for water sports and picnic-goers alike. And, it’s not hard to see why it is so well loved! In the same precinct is the Lake Talbot Water Park, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. There are four pools to choose from, grassed picnic areas, BBQs, a splash park and probably the best features of all … three amazing water slides!

Hope you've enjoyed your day out exploring our region. This trip has shown some of the highlights, but there’s certainly much more to see + do, so see you out and about again in the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region soon.