Explore the Riverina region with a car rental from Wagga Wagga
With so much to see and do throughout the Riverina, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful New South Wales region. And when it comes to securing car hire, Wagga Wagga is a great base, with its abundant amenities, excellent transport links and range of local attractions.
One of Australia's fastest growing regional cities, Wagga Wagga is located at the eastern edge of the Riverina, where the slopes of the Great Dividing Range flatten out into a plain. Its northern boundary is defined by the path of the Murrumbidgee River.
If you’re looking to explore further, the city is midway between Melbourne and Sydney, and only a 240-kilometre drive from the federal capital, Canberra. The Sturt Highway passes through Wagga Wagga on its way from Adelaide to the east coast. Closer to the city, Albury - home to famous botanic gardens and the Murray Art Museum - lies 130 kilometres to the south.
Hiring a car in Wagga Wagga is a fantastic way to start an Australian road trip. If you're planning to pick up a hire car, Airport Rentals has you covered. It's no coincidence that we've earned an excellent rating on TrustPilot - it's down to our fantastic customer service, extensive network, and commitment to finding you the best car hire deals.
We serve more than 50,000 locations, allowing you to compare prices and book a rental car in towns, cities and airports across the world. We won't charge you a fee for booking or using your credit card, and our everyday low prices and exclusive offers mean you'll always get a great deal. Plus, our friendly customer service team are on hand 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
A quick guide to Wagga Wagga
Hiring a car in Wagga Wagga is the perfect start to a meandering journey through the beautiful Riverina region, with its myriad charming towns, natural attractions and foodie trails. Delicious wine, decadent cheese and chocolate, and fresh oranges are never far away when you're in the Riverina!
Despite its relatively small size, Wagga Wagga has its own airport - leased from the Australian Department of Defence - that offers internal flights to Melbourne and Sydney. For international transport, the best option is Canberra Airport, which is a three-hour drive away.
Take a Canberra airport car rental tour and discover more of Australia.
● Leaving the CBD, head southeast on Dobbs Street, continuing when it turns left and becomes Gurwood Street.
● At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Trail Street.
● Leave the next roundabout at the first exit onto Johnston Street.
● Take a right onto Tarcutta Street then a left onto Hammond Avenue, which becomes the Sturt Highway.
● Turn right onto Elizabeth Avenue and follow signs to the airport.
Driving in Wagga Wagga
Use these driving tips below and refer to our Australia driving guide for more helpful information.
● On winter nights (June to August), temperatures in Wagga Wagga drop as low as 3-4 degrees Celsius, so pack appropriate clothes if you're travelling at this time of year.
● Don't drink and drive in Wagga Wagga, as police in New South Wales operate a zero alcohol limit for visiting motorists.
● Toll roads exist within the limits of Melbourne and Sydney. If you're driving on one of these roads, tolls are cashless and must be paid via an electronic tag or pass.
● Where there is no posted speed limit, two default speed limits exist across New South Wales - 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas (defined as having street lights and buildings next to the road) and 100 km/h (60 mph) in other areas.
Where to park your car hire Wagga Wagga
Several car parks can be found in Wagga Wagga CBD, most of which are located between Tompson, Forsyth and Morgan streets. Visit the Wagga Wagga City Council site for more information.
You'll find plenty of apartments and hotels in and around the city. Here are some of our favourites.
● Garden City Motor Inn - A great budget option, this hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the CBD and boasts its own swimming pool.
● Globe Apartments - The main street is only a three-minute stroll from these stylish, spacious and air-conditioned two-bedroom apartments.
● Townhouse Hotel - Free access to the adjacent fitness centre and the pool is available to all guests at this sleek new CBD hotel.
Annual events in Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga has a packed events calendar. Check out the following if you're in town.
● Sounds of Summer (January) - The annual concert series from the Riverina Summer School for Strings, featuring some of Australia's finest string players.
● Stone The Crows Festival (May) - Billed as the ultimate event for over-50s, Stone The Crows offers live music, games and seminars. Camp onsite or buy a day pass.
● Fusion Wagga Wagga (October) - The city's biggest outdoor live music festival, with a side-helping of music and culture.
Main attractions in Wagga Wagga
Pick up your car hire Wagga Wagga and seek out some of these local sights.
● Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens - See the mini zoo, ride the miniature railway and explore 50 acres of glorious green space.
● Wagga Wagga Art Gallery - An innovative public gallery with regularly updated exhibitions. Also home to the National Art Glass Collection.
● Museum of the Riverina - Housed in the 19th-century former Council Chambers building, it hosts a diverse range of travelling exhibitions.
