Sunshine Looks Good on You: Spring in Narrandera Shire

The first swim of the season. A picnic that turns into an entire afternoon. A walk with plenty of stops because there’s something flowering beside the track, something calling from the canopy, and quite possibly a koala you almost walked straight past.

Spring in Narrandera Shire is full of good reasons to get outside. Gardens open their gates, the days stretch a little longer, and the weather starts making a convincing case for packing your swimmers.

Slide into spring at Lake Talbot Water Park

If there’s one place to clear the day for, it’s Lake Talbot Water Park. With three swimming pools, three twisting waterslides and a splash park, this is the place to be this summer. There’s room for energetic slide enthusiasts, little splashers and anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely swim.

Between dips, spread out on the terraced lawns, find a shady spot and settle in. Barbecue facilities and an on-site kiosk make lunch easy, while the leafy setting overlooking Lake Talbot provides a picturesque place to spend the afternoon.

The water park’s season runs from October through to Easter (closed on Christmas Day).

A little garden envy

There’s something lovely about being invited through a garden gate. The Narrandera Town & Country Open Garden Day is your chance to explore the gardens in and around Narrandera, gather inspiration and admire the work of our Garden Club’s passionate gardeners. Whether you’re collecting ideas for your own backyard or simply appreciate a beautiful place to wander, make room for this one in your spring plans. Buy your ticket online or on the day from the Garden Club’s stall at Marie Bashir Park.

A springtime evening

Keep Saturday 7 November free for the Narrandera Spring Fair, when East and Bolton Streets fill with market stalls, food, amusement rides, live music, and more.

From 5:30pm to 9:30pm, spend the evening browsing, finding something delicious for dinner and enjoying the festivities. Bring the family, meet up with friends and allow time for the kind of wandering that involves stopping at almost every stall.

Reset in nature

With a river, lake and waterholes to choose from, finding somewhere to spend a sunny afternoon is the easy part. Narrandera’s sandy river beaches bring beach-day pleasures to the banks of the Murrumbidgee. Pack a picnic, spread out your towel and enjoy lunch with a river view.

For a little paddling, take your kayak out on Lake Talbot or head to Rocky Waterholes with your stand-up paddleboard. The sheltered waters and surrounding bushland make a lovely setting to explore, with picnic tables and barbecue facilities waiting when you come ashore.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the Bundidgerry Walking Track connects the Skywalk at Lake Talbot to Rocky Waterholes. It’s a relatively easy walk with moderate gradients. The trip is about 2-hours return (1 hour each way). Down at Rocky Waterholes, a footbridge connects the waterholes to the Flora and Fauna Reserve — perfect if you’d like to spend your afternoon spotting koalas.

Let the birds interrupt your walk

You might set out looking for koalas and find yourself distracted by a flash of feathers instead. The Narrandera Wetlands, Flora and Fauna Reserve, and Bundidgerry Walking track are lovely places to spend some time watching the birdlife. Bring binoculars, take a slow walk or find a spot to sit and listen. For the avid twitcher, our Birdwatching Guide is a great starting point.

Meet the life beneath the surface

After exploring beside the water, get to know some of its inhabitants at the Narrandera Fisheries Education Centre. For curious kids and adults, it adds another layer to the rivers and waterways you’ll be enjoying this spring and summer season. Guided visits require booking so contact the centre before heading out.

Pack your swimmers, bring your curiosity and spend a few spring days in Narrandera Shire. A morning among the wildflowers, an afternoon by the pool, a koala joey spotted high in the gums — there’s plenty here worth hitting the road for. Not sure where to start? Drop into the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub when you arrive. We’ll help you find the places that make you glad you came.