Young

Young, known as Australia’s cherry capital, is a charming country town in the Hilltops region of New South Wales. Its main street hums with cafés and antique shops, while surrounding orchards and vineyards offer a taste of rural life. The town’s rich gold-mining history and proud agricultural heritage are celebrated through festivals, museums, and cellar doors. For travellers seeking a relaxed self-drive escape, Young delivers a sweet slice of authentic Australian country life.

Highlights & What to See

• Cherry Orchards – From November to January, pick your own cherries at orchards like Ballinaclash Orchard and Wombat Heights Orchard. The experience is a highlight for families and photographers alike.
• Young Visitor Information Centre & Museum – Housed in a restored railway station, this museum traces the town’s gold-rush past and agricultural evolution. Don’t miss the historic locomotive display.
• Hilltops Wine Region – Sip cool-climate wines at cellar doors such as Grove Estate Wines and Freeman Vineyards. The region is especially known for its shiraz and riesling.
• Lambing Flat Chinese Miner’s Memorial – A poignant site commemorating Chinese miners who worked the goldfields, with interpretive panels and a peaceful garden.
• National Cherry Festival – If visiting in December, this week-long celebration features parades, street markets, and the crowning of the Cherry King and Queen.

Suggested Time to Spend

A weekend is ideal to explore Young’s orchards, wineries, and historic sites. Arrive on a Friday afternoon to settle in, spend Saturday cherry-picking and tasting wines, then Sunday morning visiting the museum and memorial before heading off. If you’re short on time, a full day from 10am to 4pm lets you hit the highlights: pick cherries, visit a winery, and stroll the main street.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia’s capital, an hour and a half south, offers world-class museums, galleries, and dining. Combine Young’s rural charm with Canberra’s cultural attractions for a balanced road trip.
• Harden-Murrumburrah – A 30-minute drive north, these twin towns boast historic pubs, a railway museum, and the lovely Murrumburrah River walk.
• Boorowa – About 45 minutes west, this town is known for its Irish heritage, hand-feeding of sheep at the Boorowa Show, and the scenic Boorowa River.
• Gundagai – An hour west, famous for the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue, historic bridges, and the serene Murrumbidgee River.

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