Events & Tourism

The Drive Way: Wagga Wagga’s new tourism campaign

Published: 31 Mar 2022 5:23pm

Council has launched a new cooperative marketing campaign showcasing the range of experiences across the Wagga Wagga and surrounding region this week.

The campaign, titled The Drive Way, explores the incredible range of discoveries awaiting travellers who set out from the city and drive in any direction.

A woman holds out a freshly-picked strawberry at a strawberry farm — **SUPER FRESH:** The Drive Way campaign is a great reminder for local residents to ‘think like a visitor’ and discover the attractions both within our city and across the region.

Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said the city was perfectly situated as a home base for day trips to the wider region.

“You could spend more than a week on holiday in Wagga Wagga and do something new every day, plus we’re surrounded by some of the most picturesque scenery, villages and towns in the state,” Ms Hamilton said.

“The Drive Way brings all these experiences and destinations together, giving people who want to explore the city or head out for a day trip or a weekend away, lots of ideas on where to go and what to try.

“It’s easy to get into a routine and go to the same places. Try thinking like a visitor and look around with fresh eyes – you’ll be surprised at just how much there is within our city and within an hour’s drive.”

Two women and one man take a selfie at a scenic lookout. — **SPECTACULAR SCENERY:** Visitor Economy Development Officer Kimberly Parker, Visitor Economy and Events Officer Cassandra Farquharson with Lockhart Shire Council's Tourism and Economic Development Officer Matt Holt at the Galore Hill Scenic Reserve lookout tower.

The Drive Way website features interactive mapping, allowing users to build an itinerary depending on their destination, with a series of short videos showcasing day trips from Wagga Wagga providing inspiration.

Renowned Australian DJ, music producer, and home-grown Wagga Wagga talent Nina Las Vegas has even curated a playlist especially for cruising the open roads. The Wagga Road Trip playlist is available on the Visit Wagga website or via Spotify.

The Drive Way campaign was made possible through a $20,000 NSW Government Tourism Marketing Support Program grant which Council successfully applied for in 2021.

Ms Hamilton said Council established a cooperative campaign open to the neighbouring Wagga Tourism Partner program shire councils including Junee, Coolamon, Lockhart, Greater Hume, Snowy Valleys, Gundagai/Cootamundra, and Narrandera.

“In addition to the seven neighbouring shires we also involved 38 small businesses which resulted in a comprehensive campaign showcasing a broad range of experiences,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Together, we’re amplifying the reach of Wagga Wagga and surrounding region as a destination to the domestic drive market.”

Woman bottle feeding two kangaroos. — **SPECIAL MOMENTS:** The new tourism campaign highlights a range of experiences available across the Wagga Wagga and surrounding region.

The campaign will run for eight weeks, with new material regularly released on the website as well as Visit Wagga’s social channels.

TV advertisements will also run over two weeks commencing Sunday 3 April, broadcasting to Canberra, Orange and Dubbo, and to local audiences.

“We’re encouraging everyone to explore their own backyard,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Visit the website now and you can start building your itinerary for the school holidays or for next weekend. Your homegrown adventure awaits.”

Find out more at visitwagga.com/thedriveway