Major city · Australia
Narrandera
One night on the Newell or Sturt highway, or a half-day stop: koalas at the wetlands, the big playable guitar, then drive on.
Narrandera is a Riverina town of about 4,400 people on the Murrumbidgee River, where the Newell and Sturt highways meet at Gillenbah just south of town. It is a road-trip stop rather than a destination: a koala colony, river red gums, a small museum and a playable big guitar fill an afternoon. Trains run once a week; coaches connect to the Sydney–Melbourne XPT.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, 35 °C (95 °F)+ days), school holidays for motel roomsavoid Dec–Feb (hot, 95 °F (35 °C)+ days), school holidays for motel rooms
- Airport
- NRA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Narrandera000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Narrandera, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime country town; the real risks are highway driving (kangaroos at dawn and dusk), summer heat and long fuel gaps on the Newell.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles · 13 22 32 NSW TrainLink (regional travel)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNRA Narrandera-Leeton Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) from the centre, halfway to Leeton…NRA Narrandera-Leeton Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) from the centre, halfway to Leeton…
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entrycheckA$5–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- Budget bedHostel or pub room, per person, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$160 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$220 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NRA Narrandera-Leeton Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) from the centre, halfway to Leeton; Rex flights from Sydney up to three times daily (check current schedule).)NRA Narrandera-Leeton Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) from the centre, halfway to Leeton; Rex flights from Sydney up to three times daily (check current schedule).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (8 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Narrandera: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is flat and walkable along East and Cadell streets, but the koala sites, the river and the airport are 5–10 km out. Gillenbah is across the Murrumbidgee on the Newell Highway. No local bus network.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 25 min
Irrigation Way north, 30 km (19 mi)Irrigation Way north, 19 mi (30 km)
Small town with a water-tower mural and the Rice Bowl; pairs with the airport road.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Irrigation Way north via Leeton, about 100 km (62 mi)Irrigation Way north via Leeton, about 62 mi (100 km)
Wine and food town; a half-day or a night of its own.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Sturt Highway east, 98 km (61 mi)Sturt Highway east, 61 mi (98 km)
The Riverina's big town: museums, river beach, more beds and food.
Door to door: About 1 h 50 min
Sturt Highway east then Hume Highway, about 150 km (93 mi)Sturt Highway east then Hume Highway, about 93 mi (150 km)
Better as a stop on the way to Sydney than a return day trip.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Newell Highway south, about 130 km (81 mi)Newell Highway south, about 81 mi (130 km)
Murray River town; makes sense heading south, not as a loop.
Hay
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Sturt Highway west, about 180 km (112 mi)Sturt Highway west, about 112 mi (180 km)
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there on the way west.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (East St and Cadell St)
Walk to cafés, the visitor centre and the river; motels and the pub with rooms are here.
Gillenbah, at the highway junction
Service stations and a motor inn south of the river; the practical choice if you arrive late and leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$130–200 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- A$200 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$160 | A$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Fuel, 100 km at country prices1 × A$18 · check | A$18 |
| Café lunch and coffee2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$56 |
| Trip total≈ A$307 per person per day, bed included | A$614≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub or café main | A$18–32 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Museum entrycheck | A$5–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Fuel, unleaded per litrecheck; country prices run higher | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel double room, midweek | A$110–260 (≈ US$75–180) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long: Wagga Wagga is 98 km (61 mi) east, Griffith about 100 km (62 mi) north, Jerilderie 108 km (67 mi) south. Fuel at Gillenbah before a late run.Distances are long: Wagga Wagga is 61 mi (98 km) east, Griffith about 62 mi (100 km) north, Jerilderie 67 mi (108 km) south. Fuel at Gillenbah before a late run.
- Kangaroos and emus on the roads at dawn and dusk, especially the Newell and Irrigation Way.
- Summer days pass 35 °C (95 °F); carry water and walk the river tracks early.Summer days pass 95 °F (35 °C); carry water and walk the river tracks early.
- The weekly train is one service each way — check the timetable before you plan around it.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
- NSW TrainLink (regional travel)
- 13 22 32
Pocket card
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NarranderaNarrandera
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, thanks?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
- NSW TrainLink13 22 32
Embassy
No consulates here; the nearest are in Sydney. US, UK, Canadian and other embassies are in Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, town centre → Gillenbah: about A$25–35 (≈ US$17–25), 8 km (5 mi) (check)about A$25–35 (≈ US$17–25), 5 mi (8 km) (check)
- Coach, Narrandera → Wagga Wagga: about A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30), 1 h 30 min (check)
- Rex flight, Narrandera → Sydney: from about A$200 (≈ US$140), 1 h 20 min (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- How far's that? — How far is it?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Narrandera. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, 35 °C+ days), school holidays for motel rooms · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NRA: Rex schedule field-checked, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung at Gillenbah.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: East and Cadell streets, the river and wetlands, Gillenbah junction.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Parkside Cottage Museum, visitor centre, koala viewing points) and eat pages with last orders.
- Highway and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialNarrandera Shire Council
- officialNSW TrainLink regional travel
- officialRex Regional Express
- secondaryWikivoyage: Narrandera, revision 5301477 (CC BY-SA 4.0)