NARRANDERA SHIRE SPRING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

TOWN ACTIVITIES

 Adventure Playground – The adventure and toddler playgrounds are free of charge, challenging and loads of fun. Situated in the Marie Bashir Park with ample parking space; the playgrounds are surrounded by picnic areas, shady trees and free BBQ facilities with plenty of room to relax and play. Location: Twynam Street, Narrandera. Cost: Free – Suitable for all ages.

 Tiger Moth Memorial – See the tribute to the young Australians who completed basic flying training at Narrandera during World War II in the memorial building next to the Visitor Information Centre in the Marie Bashir Park. A DH 82 Tiger Moth takes centre stage surrounded by a collection of photographs and other memorabilia. Open 7 days 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-2pm Sundays. Location: Cadell Street (Newell Hwy), Narrandera; next to the Information Centre. Costs: Free – Suitable for all ages.

 Narrandera Skate Park – Located in the North West corner of Marie Bashir Park; free, plenty of parking and the kids have a ball using the built in ramps and halfpipe. Location: Corner of Adams Street and Douglas Street, Narrandera Cost: Free – Suitable for ages 2 and up.

 Lake Talbot – 1km from the town centre, you can use it to ski, canoe and enjoy nature. Location: Entrance off Gordon Street, Narrandera. Cost: Free – suitable for school age children and up.

 Narrandera Fisheries – A native fish hatchery, production and research facility for the Murray-Darling Basin. See Agro the mighty Murray cod and feed the fish with a bag of pellets. Picnic on the lawns and garden areas with free BBQ facilities. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am-4pm; tours at 9am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Located 6kms east of Narrandera just off the Sturt Hwy. Location: 64 Buckingbong Road, Narrandera. Cost: Adults $7.70 Children under 18 $4.40 Pensioners $6.60 Family (2 adults & 2 children) $19.80 Suitable for all ages.

 Sandhills Artefacts – The Sandhills Artefacts Gallery in Narrandera NSW has been a 'must see' location for overseas visitors for 30 years, not just didgeridoos and boomerangs a complete range of Wiradjuri Artefacts are available as well. Call Michael for appointments. Location: 16 Bamblett Street Narrandera - Michael Lyons 69592593 Cost: Free – suitable for primary school age and up.

 Narrandera Bike & Hike – A biking and hiking trail that begins in Narrandera and winds through our forests, wetlands and along the river. The full trail is 23kms long or choose any of the individual tracks. Get your map at the Narrandera Visitors Information Centre. Suitable for all ages. Location: Various starting points throughout the town, Narrandera. Cost: Free, or the cost of bike hire (Eurells at 16 Bolton St, Narrandera)

 Narrandera Wetlands – This man made wetland recycles storm water from the town, its fast becoming a home to native flora and fauna. There’s an easy walk around this jewel, located just off the highway approach to the River Bridge. Location: Off the Newell Hwy; Sturt Place, Narrandera. Cost: Free – suitable for all ages

 The – The Murrumbidgee River offers outdoor lovers all kinds of activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing and water skiing. Have a swim, wander through the River Red Gum forests or enjoy a picnic. Location: Multiple locations across the town and region. Cost: Free – suitable for all ages.

 MIA Forest Drive – A great drive giving good access to the river and its beaches. A left turn 12kms west of Narrandera towards Leeton, on the Leeton road (Audley Street which becomes Irrigation Way); well sign posted and good camping. Location: Entrances off Irrigation Way, Grahams Grave Road and Kiln Road. Cost: Free – suitable for all ages.

 Boat Ramp Spots – Boat ramp, jetty, shelter, BBQ and tables off Old Brewery Road. Lake Talbot off Gordon Street, left at the caravan park. Buckingbong reserve, located on Buckingbong road. Rocky waterholes, located on Old Wagga road. There is also boat access from Berembed Weir, Five Mile Reserve and Nobles Bend.

 Picnic Spots – Lake Talbot is beautiful, shelter and coin operated BBQ are located at the lookout. Narrandera Town Common and Koala Reserve, has fantastic picnic facilities and plenty of shade. Free BBQ and shelter in Marie Bashir Park and Brewery Flat, making them great picnic spots. John Babbs Park has a beautiful grassed area with BBQ facilities and play equipment for the children.

ANNUAL TOWN EVENTS

 Murrumbidgee Sheepdog Championships – Located in Narrandera, on in October. High class sheepdog action from some of the best dogs and their handlers in the area. Location: Victoria Avenue, Narrandera Cost: Free – Suitable for all ages Date: 30th September to 3rd October – All Day

 Taste Food Festival – A month long menu of events during October each year, celebrating the year’s harvest and showcasing food, wine, beer and agricultural produce and experiences from across the Riverina. Location: Locations all across the Riverina Cost: Different prices depending on the event – suitable for all ages Date: 1st of October to 31st of October 2017

 Rockin on East – Located in Narrandera, on in October. 50s and 60s rock n roll festival; live bands, street parade, buskers, dancing in the street, retro market stalls, amusements, food stalls, classic cars and bikes. Location: East street, Narrandera; some concerts/shows are located in other areas. Cost: The festival is free; some of the shows/concerts do have a cover charge. Date: Friday September 29th – Sunday October 1st Suitable for all ages

Clydesdales & Heavy Horses “Good Old Days” Weekend – Displays and competitions of working Clydesdales and heavy horse teams. Location: Showground Road, Barellan. Cost: Adults $15, Children 16 & under $5; per day. Saturday night dinner and entertainment has an extra charge. Date: Saturday September 30th – Sunday October 1st Suitable for all ages

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

 Big Tennis Racquet – Located at Barellan, in the main street; a tribute to tennis great Evonne Goolagong. While visiting the Big Tennis Racquet why not check out and have a go on the practise wall that Evonne Goolagong used, located at the tennis courts next to the swimming pool. Location: Mulga Street, Barellan; next to the swimming pool (practise wall) Cost: Free – Suitable for primary school age and up.

 Hall-A-Day Adventures - Hall-A-Day Adventures is back for the school holidays with raw energy, exhilarating dance moves and phenomenal acrobatics. Join us for a performance and workshop with Asanti Dance Theatre, ’s leading African dance company. A Taste of Africa gives a well-rounded experience of African culture, as children will get to experience three activities: drumming, dance and village activities. Participants are treated to a short performance at the beginning of the session that showcases the raw talent and energy of artists. They are then broken into three groups where they have the chance to explore the activities and finish with an interactive performance. Mini-Kidzone - this year Museum of the Riverina brings its discovery and play area to Hall-A-Day Adventures. Babies, toddlers, and bigger kids looking for a quiet activity can explore Mini-Kidzone, with games, puppets, books and historical objects on hand. Lunch options will be available, suitable for all ages. Location: Soldiers Memorial Hall - Thursday 5th of October 2017 Galore Community Hall - Saturday 7th of October 2017 Cost: $8 each or $6 for groups of 4+ Performance Times: 10am & 1pm on each day

Earth Park - Grongy’ is a family-friendly community, make sure you bring the kids to the amazing Grong Grong Earth Park. With its natural playscapes, picnic tables, and food gardens, this is a MUST stop for those traveling with children. You may even want to check out their “Shearing Shed” and swap a book or two? Location: Street, Grong Grong. Costs: Free – suitable for all ages.

 Grong Grong Park – It has a 24 hour rest stop with BBQ, showers and playground which has received some fantastic reviews on social media from travellers. Location: Junee Street, Grong Grong. Cost: Free – suitable for all ages.

Powerhouse Museum and Miniature Trains – Boasting a miniature railway, which is always popular with the kids, as well as displays of memorabilia and historical photos. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm on the last Sunday of every month.

Location: 13 Binya Street, Yanco NSW 2703 Cost: Donation – suitable for all ages.

 McCaughey Bicentennial Park – Located in Yanco. This Park features a natural spring fed waterhole; providing a haven for swans, geese, ducks and other water birds. There are areas for walking, bird watching, family activities and includes BBQ facilities, play equipment and picnic areas. Location: Herden Street, Yanco. Cost: Free – suitable for all ages.

 Gogeldrie Weir – Is the ideal place to go fishing for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Trout and Murray Crayfish. Offers complete camping facilities, gas BBQs and kayak hire available to explore the river. Plenty of grassed areas for family activities and perfect for a day visit or a stay. Suitable for all ages. Location: 1 Gogeldrie Road, Gogeldrie. Cost: Day Entry Fee- $2.00/Person - 5 years and under are free

 Fivebough Wetlands – Located 2kms from Leeton CBD via the Petersham Road entrance and carpark. An internationally recognised wetland, visitors can enjoy these wetlands by following the 5kms of walkways which lead to hides and viewing platforms to enjoy the abundant birdlife. Walk through the Budyaan Baamirra Centre and visit the Wiradjuri Garden. Location: Petersham Road, Leeton Cost: Free – suitable for all ages

ANNUAL REGIONAL EVENTS

 Grong Grong Earth Park Camp Oven – Located in Grong Grong, on in October. Bring the whole family and your friends for an authentic camp oven experience. Enjoy a relaxed feast made with fresh ingredients grown in the Grong Grong Earth Park. Location: Grong Grong Earth Park, Junee St, Grong Grong NSW. Cost: Adults $10.00, Children $5.00 – suitable for all ages. Date: Wed 04 Oct 2017, 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

 Coolamon Historical Fire Engine Muster - This exciting event will be held during the October long weekend. Displaying Historical and Vintage Fire Engines; it’s an open day for the Local Fire Brigade, see them in action cutting open a car at 11am. Children's fire brigade gifts, Hot Rod, Rat Rods and MG Car Club, Early Model Police Car, Historical and Vintage Army Trucks, Historical Push Bike Collection and Best Decorated push bike competition. Frist prize is $100, for Boys and Girls under 15 years; judging at 2:30pm.

Location: Street, Coolamon Cost: Free – suitable for all ages. Date: Sunday 1 October 2017, 10am-4pm.

Spring Festival – Located in Darlington Point, on in September. This event is aimed at providing a fun filled day for all the family and comprises stalls, children’s activities, train rides, jumping castle, entertainment, exhibits, wine tasting, food, refreshments and a major raffle. Location: CWA Park, Cnr Kidman Way and Hay Rd (McAlister St) Darlington Point Cost: Free entry – suitable for all ages Date: Saturday 23rd September 2017, from 10:00am.

 Spirit of the Land Festival – Located in Lockhart, on in October. The Spirit of the Land Festival is a colourful and vibrant celebration of the land. With artistic sculptures, fine arts and photography, lively markets, boutique stalls, fabulous foods, vivid open gardens, amazing entertainment and stylish vintage vehicles; the Festival is a fantastic experience for friends and family to enjoy. New attractions this year include Helicopter rides, Hot Air Balloon rides, Leeton Lions Train and the Artisan Centre to be housed in the New Gunyah Hotel, in the heart of Lockhart. Location: Various locations throughout the town Cost: Some events have admission charges – suitable for all ages Date: Saturday 7th of October and Sunday 8th of October

DAY TRIPS FROM NARRANDERA

 Galore Hill Scenic Reserve – Located 12kms South of the between and Narrandera and 16kms North of Lockhart. A flourishing outdoor area for nature lovers; with opportunities for picnics, bush walking, rock climbing, mountain biking and horse riding. Boasting two separate areas; The Summit has Morgan’s Caves and the lookout tower, while The Saddle has play equipment and is known as the place to picnic. Both are accessible by car and have free gas BBQs, picnic shelters and toilets. Location: Lockhart Narrandera Road, Lockhart NSW Cost: Free Suitable for school age children and up

 Altina Wildlife Park – Experience the wild with a unique personalised tour, via horse drawn or motorised cart. Behind the scenes tours also available, where you feed and have a close encounter with your chosen animal. Tours by appointment only. Location: 14432 Sturt Highway, Darlington Point Cost: NB: $5 Surcharge per Person applies on Public Holidays. Adults: $37.00 Children (2-16 yrs): $18.00 Under 2 yrs of age: Free Suitable for all ages

 The Hermits Caves – Located in Griffith, on Scenic Drive at the top of the hill; get a map and Hermits Cave Trail brochure from the Griffith Visitor Information Centre. Remnants of stonework outline the life of local hermit Valerio Ricetti, known as the Hermit of the Hill. Location: Scenic Drive, Griffith Cost: Free – Suitable for school age children and up.

 Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory – Located in Junee, Open 7 days 9am to 4pm. The first Sunday of every month is a good day to visit for a family day out. Witness licorice being made, take a ride through the factory grounds in the chocolate barrel train and make a giant chocolate freckle while you relax to live music in Graze Restaurant. Location: 45-61 Lord Street, Junee Cost: Tour Prices; Adults – $5.00, Seniors – $4.00, Children (5yrs – 17) – $3.00 Freckle making – $5.00 per head Rocky Road making – $8.00 per head  Temora Aviation Museum – Located in Temora, open 7 days 10am to 4pm. Aircraft Showcase is held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of most months; prices and schedule can be checked on line. A full day of entertainment, flying displays, informative commentary and music, interviews with pilots and veterans, children’s activities and playground, engineer workshop tour and a pilot meet and greet. Location: 1 Tom Moon Avenue, Temora Suitable for school age and up. Cost: Non Flying Day – Adults: $20.00 Adults (over 65): $15.00 Child (3-16) $10.00 Family (2 adults & 2 children): $50.00 Aircraft Showcase Day – Adults: $25.00 Adults (over65): $20.00 Child (3-16) $15.00 Family (2 adults & 2 children) $65.00

 Wagga Wagga Botanical Gardens - Located at the base of Willans Hill, the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are set over 22 acres. A mini zoo, children's adventure playground, free flight aviary and rainforest section are open to visitors. Other attractions include a Tree Chapel, Chinese Garden, Camellia and Cactus Gardens and Miniature Railway. The Miniature Railway operates the first and third Sunday of each month. The track runs through woodlands, a tunnel and over a bridge. Train rides operate between 10.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Covered footwear is essential to ride the trains. The cafe/kiosk located in the gardens, Little el, offers in-house and takeaway dining, small gifts, free wi-fi and a book exchange. Covered barbecues are also available. Location: Macleay St WAGGA WAGGA Cost: Free – Suitable for all ages Date: Open 9am-4pm daily (mini zoo)