Wagga Wagga is home to a plethora of little, independent businesses which is one of the things I really love about the city.
A new bookshop/art studio/coffee shop/cocktail bar opened up in the CBD a few months back and although I’d stuck my head in for a quick peek, I’d never taken the time to have a proper visit. So over the weekend, Adam and I headed to Rabbit Books for a coffee date…
When you walk in the front door, you’re hit with an explosion of colour. There are canvases hanging from floor to ceiling in one half of the premises, and the artworks are bold and punchy. I really like that this place is a working art school as well, and I loved seeing half-done paintings and sketches sitting around. I haven’t got much in the way of artistic talent, so it’s fascinating to see a work in progress, to get a better understanding of how an idea is brought to life.
We ordered coffee and croissants and settled into a little table nestled by the front window, where warm sunshine was streaming in. Where there aren’t artworks hanging, there’s a bookshelf, packed with both new and old titles, intermingled with ceramics and other goodies for sale. Our drinks and pastries arrived quickly and were eagerly devoured. My croissant was crunchy and so flaky, I ended up wearing half of it on my lap!
I have a soft spot for coffee shops with quirky decor, and there’s so much to look at in Rabbit Books – from the artworks, to the books. It’s the sort of place you can go, to easily forget about your day and escape for a little while. There’s a fire inside, which would be very welcome on a cold winter’s day, and I can see the outdoor eating area becoming popular as the weather continues to warm. People streamed in and out while we visited, so it’s nice to see a new business in town getting patronised and supported.
If you’re in Wagga Wagga or plan on visiting anytime soon I’d highly recommend popping in for a visit. Plus, if you’ve got a sweet tooth – there were some very decadent chocolates, cakes and tarts on offer on the day we visited, and I’m told the evening cheese platters are pretty impressive too.
Rabbit Books
44 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, 2650
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 8am-5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 8:30pm
Thursday: 8am – 8:30pm
Friday: 8am – 10pm
Saturday: 8am-3pm / 6pm-10pm
Sunday: closed
Wattle and Ash 
Seems like I need a return visit to Wagga Wagga!
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When was the last time you were in Wagga, Rose?
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Not for five years. Loved the art gallery with the glass collection – gorgeous. Also went to the races at that wonderful old racecourse. We liked Wagga’s Main Street, too, with its shops and good restaurants.
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Sounds you had a lovely visit Rose! Off anywhere nice soon?
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amazing gallery so far, my dad also an artist from Indonesia hahah
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It’s a lovely spot Nadia!
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