Young
Young
The Cherry Capital at the centre of the Hilltops Fruit and Wine Region
A bustling, vibrant country town cradled in a deep valley, Young offers the full regional experience. Stay in comfortable motels, charming B&Bs, self-contained cottages or the centrally located caravan park. Grand 19th-century buildings house award-winning cafés and boutique shops, while leafy streets and beautiful gardens make it easy to slow down and enjoy.
Young is at the heart of the Hilltops Fruit and Wine Region, less than two hours’ drive from Canberra. You’ll find the conveniences of a thriving regional centre such as superb coffee, delicious eateries, peaceful parks and walks along Burrangong Creek, where the first gold was found during the gold rush. Forget the shopping malls, here, it’s all about soaking up the sun as you wander exclusive boutiques, homewares stores, gourmet butchers and three well-stocked supermarkets.
Make sure to visit the Hilltops Visitor Information Centre, now located in Young’s elegant 1885 railway station. Pick up a Heritage Walk brochure and take in the town’s historic streetscapes, including its impressive churches, public buildings and one of the country’s largest Town Hall. The clock tower doubles as a striking WWI war memorial, standing proudly on the site where Young became the first town in the British Empire to generate electricity – ahead of even London.
From Lambing Flat to Young: A Shared History
Young’s European story began in 1826 when former convict James White arrived in the area. Guided by Wiradjuri leader Coborn Jackey of the Burrowmunditory clan advising this newcomer to the best camping area for water and shelter. White established an area along Burrangong Creek where he thought it would be perfect for lambing his ewes. Their respectful relationship is remembered today through a brass breastplate presented to Coborn Jackey by White, now displayed at the Young Historical Museum. This early connection between settlers and the Wiradjuri people is a significant part of the region’s heritage.
In 1860, gold was discovered at Burrangong Creek, sparking a rush that brought thousands of miners to the area. The Young Museum, housed in the 1883 schoolhouse, tells the powerful stories of the gold rush era and the European and Chinese miners. Today, the contribution of the Chinese community is honoured at the tranquil Chinese Tribute Garden, located near the original mining sites. With lakes and walking paths, it’s now a picturesque picnic spot and popular with locals and tourists all year round.
A Taste of the Hilltops
Surrounded by cherry orchards, vineyards, olive groves and farms, Young’s harvest industry comes alive. In spring, canola fields and cherry and stone fruit orchards will be in full bloom, bursting with full flavour in late spring to summer during harvest time. Depending on the weather, you can usually expect cherry-picking season to run from mid-November to the end of December. The first weekend of December, the town hosts the beloved National Cherry Festival, a vibrant celebration of fruit, fun and community spirit. Stop in to pick your own cherries or stock up on roadside produce, freshly-baked pies and jars of homemade preserves. Later in the season, peaches, plums and apricots are in full swing.
Wine lovers will feel right at home, with cellar doors offering tastings of the region’s award-winning drops. You’ll also find a wide selection of local wines available at the Visitor Information Centre.
