Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best stop on a Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra road trip is Junee. By car, the distance from Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra is 85km. That makes for a driving time of around 1h8m.

Planning a Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra road trip

The Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra drive connects two of the more interesting inland towns in New South Wales.

Wagga Wagga is home to Wagga Beach, one of Australia’s top inland beaches. To pick out the best Wagga Wagga accommodation deals, head here.

For Cootamundra accommodation deals, have a hunt here.

This guide should help you plan a great Wollongong to Cootamundra road trip itinerary. Click on the links to the town and city names for more detailed information on potential stops.

If you need a hire car, search for the best car rental deals here – and remember to stock up on your road trip essentials before setting off.

Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra is 95km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and eight minutes.

Wagga Wagga accommodation recommendations

For business: International Hotel Wagga Wagga.
For a pool and city centre location: Townhouse Hotel.
For character: Charles Boutique Hotel.
For riverside location: Prince of Wales Motor Inn.
For family cabins: Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga.

Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra drive: Junee and Migurra Reserve

The quickest route leaves Wagga Wagga along the Olympic Highway, and the first logical stop is Junee. Highlights here include the ghost tours at the Monte Cristo Homestead and chocolate-tasting at the Junee Chocolate Factory.

The drive then continues through uninspiring Illabo and Bethungra before reaching the Migurra Reserve. No-one’s going to be wowed by what they see here, but it’s probably the best place to stretch the legs between Junee and Cootamundra.

There are some decent birdwatching opportunities along the trails through the ironbox woodland.

Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra drive: Entering Cootamundra

On the way into Cootamundra, you’ll pass Pioneer Park, which is set aside as a nature reserve.

The one hour return walk to Wato’s Lookout at the top of the park offers a good chance to stretch the legs, but it’s also a solid bet for birdwatching. You’ve also got a reasonably chance of seeing echidnas, kangaroos, kookaburras and koalas.

Things to do in Cootamundra include paying tribute to Sir Donald Bradman at Bradman’s Birthplace Museum, wildlife spotting in Pioneer Park and admiring sculptures of Australian cricket captains on the Captains’ Walk.