Guaranteed Koala Spotting in NSW: A Guide to Narrandera
One of the few places in NSW you’re guaranteed to spot a koala, they’re that close.
Set where the Sturt and Newell Highways meet on the banks of the Murrumbidgee, this Riverina river town has a habit of moving at exactly the pace you need it to. Slow when you want slow. Full of things to do when you don't. Population small, personality anything but.
Welcome to Narrandera:
Where Is Narrandera, And How Do You Get There?
Narrandera sits at the heart of the Riverina, right where the Murrumbidgee River bends through town. It's located:
Around 1 hour from Wagga Wagga
About 1 hour from Griffith
Roughly 45 minutes from Barellan and 20 minutes from Grong Grong
Just over 3 hours from Canberra
Approximately 5–5.5 hours by road from Sydney or Melbourne
Most visitors drive in, and the approach is part of the charm, open Riverina farmland giving way to river red gums as the highway curves toward town.
Narrandera pairs easily with Barellan, Grong Grong, Leeton and Griffith, making it a natural anchor point for a wider Riverina road trip.
For general Shire updates, follow Narrandera Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.
Things To Do In Narrandera
Wild Koalas, Wide Awake (Mostly)
Follow the dirt trail into the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve, where almost 200+ koalas call this patch of river red gum forest home, dozing in the forked branches right above the walking track. No zoo enclosure, no glass - just wild koalas going about their very sleepy business.
Courtyard Coffee, Slow Mornings
From the bakery down the main street whom everyone swears by, the hidden gem found behind The Red Door blending homewares and hospitality and the quirky Yard Cafe with all your sweet treats for the perfect morning tea.
River Trails and Skywalks
Walk or cycle the Murrumbidgee River trails, cross the historic rail bridge for photos, and do not miss the skywalk looking over the water views. The Rocky Waterholes is the best kept secret in the Riverina for a water view picnic spot.
Lake Talbot Water Park
Lake Talbot Water Park is where the whole family ends up on a hot afternoon — three water slides (including a dual racer), a splash park and a leisurely lake for cooling off once the adrenaline runs out.
The big Guitar and Big Tennis Raquet
The Riverina is home to two of the big greats - the guitar at the Narrandera Discovery Hub and the Racquet in Barellan, which was home to tennis great Evonne Goolagong-Cawley. Two must-visit photo ops.
A Detour to Grong Grong and Barellan
Got an extra hour or two? Loop out through two towns that punch well above their size.
Grong Grong, 20 minutes east on the Newell Highway, is built for stretching your legs. Grab a free bike, wander the natural playscape at Grong Grong Earth Park (mud pie station included), and pull up at the community-owned Grong Grong Pub for a feed that supports the whole town.
Barellan, about 45 minutes from Narrandera, is tennis royalty - childhood home of Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Snap a photo by the giant Big Tennis Racquet in Evonne Goolagong Park, then swing through the Barellan Sport & Wildlife Museum for the memorabilia and local history.
Loop back into Narrandera for dinner, you'll have earned it.
Where To Eat In Narrandera
For a proper plate and a full glass, head to Blue Apron Steakhouse, inside the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club. For a classic counter meal and conversation with the locals, the Charles Sturt Hotel, does hearty pub food with a genuine welcome or back where you started - at The Red Door Café for a light afternoon snack.
Where To Stay In Narrandera
Pitch a tent beside Lake Talbot and fall asleep to the sound of the water, or book a cabin under an uninterrupted country sky. For something a little more comfortable, the Historic Star Lodge Motel delivers charm without giving up the essentials.