Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Things to see around NSW

Hello all.
OK all you Australia lovers....any recommendations on what to see and do in and around NSW, besides stuff in Sydney. I'll be staying in Wagga Wagga for half the two weeks with a friend. Any national parks or scenic roads or festivals to check out in mid April?
What are the can't miss attractions around NSW within driving distance of Wagga Wagga?
Thank you all in advance for the answers! :)

a week in Wagga Wagga - you must like your friend a lot :D

how about spending a day in the Blue Mountains on the way to or from Wagga Wagga?

a week in Wagga Wagga - you must like your friend a lot :D


Depending on the nature of the relatonship with the friend and how they get along, he may not get to see more than the friend's bedroom.


At any rate, I can only think of going to visit the wineries around the Murrumbidgee (sp?) river (Murrumbidgee irrigation area). Wines are so strong in alcohol here due to hours of sunlight resulting in grapes that have very high levels of sugar. Koscuiko park and maybe a cruise along the Murray river. There's a lot of nothing (other than farm land and some bush) out that way.

attractions around NSW within driving distance of Wagga Wagga?

It's a bit of a drive, but Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is really worth the trip - it's a huge open range zoo that is truely spectacular - very large enclosures with a huge variety of animals. If you need somewhere to stay - ZooFari lodge is actually on the grounds of the zoo (a little too close to the lions for my liking :eek: ) - it costs a bit, but makes for a really memorable trip to the zoo. If you want more information, feel free to stop by our local ZooBeat discussion forums - http://www.zoobeat.org/forums

Desperado, I suggest you start at this site for ideas- http://www.tourismwaggawagga.com.au There are some very scenic drives not too far from Wagga. A nice day trip is to drive up to Adelong (http://adelong.visitnsw.com/HolidayLocation/TNSW600031CT.htm) (check out the goldmine ruins at Adelong Falls) and through the winding hills around Batlow. Stop and buy some of the fresh fruit from the local orchards. A counter lunch at a local pub is an interesting way to meet the locals :)

You can see lots of Australian animals at the Wagga Wagga Botanical Gardens. For something a little more energetic you could drive south to The Rock and climb The Rock Hill (http://www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au/about/1006/1043.html). It is a pretty good hike.

I could go on but it's way past my bedtime! Hope you enjoy the area- its really not all that bad ;)