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Top hiking trails in the Riverina region to explore | List

It’s time to get out of the house and explore the region now lockdown has been lifted with plenty of homegrown breathtaking trails for adventure seekers. See the full list.

October reopening date set for NSW: 'Freedom Day'

Breathtaking landscapes, panoramic views and heritage caves these are truly some of the regions best natural assets – and you don’t have to venture too far from home to explore this beauty on offer.

Now that regional NSW has exited lockdown, The Wagga News has compiled a list of some of the region’s best jaw dropping trails and tracks that people of all fitness levels and abilities are capable of completing.

These inland tracks and waterside walks are some of the best ways to explore your own backyard, and see the regions best sites.

Remember to take plenty of water, food and sun protection.

The 42km Wiradjuri Walking Track circles the city.
The 42km Wiradjuri Walking Track circles the city.

Wiradjuri Walking Track

Location: Wagga

The Wiradjuri Trail is 42km long and it rings the entire district offering hikers, riders or joggers a stroll through the town, past historic sites, and conservation areas along the Murrumbidgee River.

It’s a fantastic trail to explore and see some of the best views of Wagga.

You can pick your point of entry for this trail, and you don’t even have to leave Wagga to enjoy a memorable hiking or biking experience.

The trail is split into 10km sections, so you could opt to complete it bit by bit, or have a marathon style adventure.

Supplied Editorial KIERNAN LAKE ALBERT
Supplied Editorial KIERNAN LAKE ALBERT
Lake Albert is one of Wagga’s most popular walking tracks, it connects to part of the Wiradjuri hiking trail.
Lake Albert is one of Wagga’s most popular walking tracks, it connects to part of the Wiradjuri hiking trail.

Lake Albert Loop

Location: Apex Park, Lake Albert

The Lake Albert loop is one of Wagga’s most popular walking tracks, it is used by plenty of runners, walkers, cyclists and pets. It also caters to boating, fishing, swimming and any other water sport in between.

It is 5.5kms of sealed paths, passing by a jetty, wetlands, multiple playgrounds, BBQ areas offering plenty of places to rest where you can take in the serenity.

The Chinese Pavilion is hidden amongst the greenery at the Wagga Botanical gardens. Picture: Facebook
The Chinese Pavilion is hidden amongst the greenery at the Wagga Botanical gardens. Picture: Facebook

Botanic Gardens

Location: Macleay Street, Wagga CBD

Located at the base of Willans Hill and set over 22 acres the Botanic Gardens are a must see attraction in Wagga.

The gardens feature nine different garden areas, including a Chinese pavilion, a zoo, and even features model railway that weaves throughout the garden.

The gardens offer a relaxed atmosphere with weaving paths, and stunning gardens - this track it is sure to keep you entertained.

The entrance to South Glory Hole cave in Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park. Picture: Dylan Robinson
The entrance to South Glory Hole cave in Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Castle Cave Walk

Location: Yarrangobilly Caves, 2hrs South East of Wagga.

At the Yarrangobilly Caves, in the north of Kosciuszko National Park, you can bushwalk, birdwatch, picnic, see scenic views and explore the incredible limestone caves while learning about local indigenous history.

Yarrangobilly Caves offers multiple tracks and caves to explore and even has a thermal pool and river where visitors can enjoy swimming or fishing in the pristine waters.

Castle Cave walk is a 3.2km hike that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, it is self guided, but guided tours are available.

All the caves at Yarrangobilly require a ticket purchase from this visitor centre.

Falcon Falls track, Cocoparra National Park Picture: NSW National Parks
Falcon Falls track, Cocoparra National Park Picture: NSW National Parks

Falcon Falls

Location: Spring Hill precinct of Cocoparra National Park, 30mins northeast of Griffith and roughly 2 hrs from Wagga

Falcon Falls walking track is a 1.2km return through white cypress pine woodland, past flowing waterfalls.

The spot is ideal for birdwatchers, with peregrine falcons nesting in the area between June and December.

The track is unsealed and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Scenic views across Cocoparra National Park, within a half-hour drive of Griffith. Picture: Supplied
Scenic views across Cocoparra National Park, within a half-hour drive of Griffith. Picture: Supplied

Mount Brogden track

Location: Binya Forest precinct of Cocoparra National Park, 30mins northeast of Griffith and roughly 2 hrs from Wagga

If you are wanting something a little more challenging in the Cocoparra National park there is also the Mount Brogden walking track.

The Mount Brogden track is 4.6km return of rough track and features short steep hills.

It usually takes 2-3 hours to complete, the track starts at the picnic area of Binya Forest Drive.

Ryan Fletcher enjoyed the views from the top of 'The Rock'. Picture: Kate Kiernan
Ryan Fletcher enjoyed the views from the top of 'The Rock'. Picture: Kate Kiernan

Yerong Walking Track

Location: The Rock Nature Reserve, 38 km south of Wagga.

The Rock Nature reserve offers a choice of different walking tracks, as well as some prime rock for keen climbers.

The three hour return hike rewards you with a 364m view above farmlands and even the Kosciuszko mountain range in the distance.

The tracks are well formed with short, steep inclines and uneven ground, it is suitable for all fitness levels however it is suggested that you have some bush walking experience.

Livingstone multi-use track is the perfect loop for bushwalking, mountain biking or horse riding Picture: Facebook
Livingstone multi-use track is the perfect loop for bushwalking, mountain biking or horse riding Picture: Facebook

Livingstone multi-use track

Location: Livingstone National Park, 30km South of Wagga

Livingstone multi-use track is a 4.3km loop that is available to bushwalkers, mountain bikers or even horse riders.

The loop takes you through open woodlands and tall cypress pines, scribbly gums and rusty spider flowers.

The track is full of life with the chance to spot plenty of wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, wombats and threatened woodland birds including swift parrots and hooded robins.

To get there from Wagga, take Holbrook Road for approximately 26km, then turn left onto O’Briens Creek Road and travel 6km, then turn right onto Wrigley’s Road and travel for 3kms.

Livingstone National Park also offers 4WD tracks and camping.

Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins trail

Location: Adelong Falls Road, Adelong, 1hr drive West of Wagga

The Adelong Falls walk links the Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins to the town of Adelong located about 2km away.

The track is a historic mining route, and ruined miners cottages can be spied along the way.

The Adelong Falls is a popular swimming spot during the warmer months.

Escape the crowds at Paddy’s River Falls. Picture: NSW National Parks
Escape the crowds at Paddy’s River Falls. Picture: NSW National Parks

Paddy’s River Falls

Location: Tooma Road, Tumbarumba, 1.5hrs drive South East of Wagga

These falls have been a popular spot for Riverina locals for years but it is becoming a must-see site for visitors.

The pristine, cool waters and bushland make it an ideal retreat away from crowds.

Gaze over the streams from the lookout, or take a short walk through the bush down to the base of the main waterfall for a swim.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/wagga/top-hiking-trails-in-the-riverina-region-to-explore-list/news-story/1e43fef88507efe311d048124e628da7