Wagga Beach: The best inland beach in Australia?

Wagga Beach in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, has a strong case for being the best inland beac in Australia. The sandy beach is backed by Cabarita Park, which has a playground, café, walking track and car park.

What is Wagga Beach?

Wagga Beach is an inland beach on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

In 2019, it caused a stir when it was named as the ninth best beach in Australia as part of a Tourism Australia marketing exercise.

Let’s be clear – there is no way that Wagga Beach is in Australia’s top 100 beaches, let alone the top 10. But there’s a decent argument for Wagga Beach being the best inland beach in Australia.

Where is Wagga Beach?

Wagga Beach is on a bend in the Murrumbidgee River. This inland beach is about a kilometre to the north-west of Wagga Wagga town centre.

It backs onto Cabarita Park, which hosts a sizable car park, the Black Crow Beach Café and a good quality adventure playground. The Wiradjuri Walking Track also winds its way through Cabarita Park.

The grassy park is ideal for picnics. There are also barbecue areas with shelters if you want to cook your own meal.

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Can I swim at Wagga Beach?

It is possible to swim at Wagga Beach, although swimmers should be aware that there is no lifeguard service. Swimming in the Murrumbidgee River is relatively safe, but not entirely without risk.

The river bed can also be somewhat muddy, as opposed to the sandy banks of Wagga Beach.

Other activities you can get up to at Wagga Beach include canoeing and kayaking. You’re better off fishing in other, quieter spots along the river.

Wagga Wagga accommodation options include the smart Baylis Boutique Apartments, the extremely highly-rated Houston and the affordable, pool-equipped Comfort Inn Heritage.