Young

Young is a classic country town in the New South Wales Riverina region, best known as the Cherry Capital of Australia. With its wide main street, historic buildings, and a relaxed rural pace, it’s a rewarding stop for travellers exploring the inland. The town’s Italian heritage, thanks to post-war migration, is evident in its orchards and the annual National Cherry Festival, which draws crowds each December. Young also serves as a gateway to the surrounding wine region and the charming Hilltops area.

Highlights & What to See

• Cherry picking and orchards – From late spring to early summer, you can pick your own cherries at orchards like Ballinaclash or Main Range. The experience is quintessentially Young.
• National Cherry Festival (December) – A week-long celebration with parades, street stalls, live music, and the famous Cherry Pie Eating Competition. Even if you miss it, the Cherry Festival Museum tells the story.
• Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens – A serene, beautifully landscaped garden that commemorates the Chinese miners who worked the goldfields in the 1860s. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll.
• Hilltops Wine Region – Young sits at the heart of this emerging wine area, known for shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay. Cellar doors such as Grove Estate and Mulyan are well worth a visit.
• Young Historical Museum – Housed in the former railway station, this museum offers a deep dive into local history, from Wiradjuri culture to the gold rush and fruit-growing era.

Suggested Time to Spend

Young is best enjoyed over a full day or overnight. If you're cherry-picking or touring wineries, plan for a full day. For a quick stop, two to three hours lets you visit the Chinese Gardens, grab a coffee on Boorowa Street, and browse the museum. Staying overnight is recommended to experience the country hospitality and sunset over the orchards.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hilltops Wine Trail – A scenic loop through the wine villages of Boorowa, Harden, and Murrumburrah, all within 30–40 minutes’ drive.
• Wombat Creek – A tiny historic hamlet with a preserved general store and a peaceful picnic spot, 15 minutes west.
• Burrinjuck Dam – About 50 km north, this is a prime spot for water sports, fishing, and bushwalking with dramatic lake views.
• Yass – An hour north, Yass boasts a handsome heritage main street, more wineries, and the Yass Valley Way.
• Canberra – Two hours east, the national capital makes an easy day trip or a natural bookend to a Riverina road trip.

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