Young

Young, a charming town in the New South Wales Riverina region, is Australia’s cherry capital. Known for its annual Cherry Festival and lush orchards, it offers a delightful blend of agricultural heritage, historic streetscapes, and warm country hospitality. Whether you’re picking fruit, exploring gold-rush history, or savouring local produce, Young feels like a genuine slice of rural Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Cherry orchards – From November to January, you can pick your own cherries at orchards like Ballinaclash Orchard or Grove Hill Orchard. The fruit is sweet, the experience is hands-on, and the views of the surrounding hills are lovely.
• Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens – A serene, beautifully landscaped park that honours the Chinese miners who worked the goldfields. It’s a peaceful spot with a pagoda, lake, and walking paths.
• Young Historical Museum – Housed in a former bank, this museum tells the story of the region’s gold rush and agricultural past. Don’t miss the collection of vintage farming equipment and the replica of an old-time shop.
• Main Street heritage walk – The town’s wide main street is lined with Victorian-era buildings, including the grand Court House and the iconic Young Town Hall. Pick up a self-guided walking map from the visitor centre.
• Wombat Hill & Burrinjuck Dam – For a scenic drive, head to Wombat Hill for panoramic views, or visit Burrinjuck Dam for water sports, fishing, and camping.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can comfortably explore Young’s highlights in one day, but if you want to experience the orchards and relax, plan for a weekend. A typical itinerary: morning cherry picking, lunch at a local café, afternoon at the gardens and museum, then a sunset drive to Wombat Hill. If you’re visiting in December, the Cherry Festival adds a carnival atmosphere with parades and markets.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Just over an hour’s drive east, the national capital offers museums, galleries, and Parliament House. Combine Young with a Canberra city break.
• Yass – A historic town with lovely sandstone buildings and the Yass Valley wine region. It’s on the way from Canberra to Young.
• Wee Jasper – A tiny village on the Goodradigbee River, known for its caves (Carey’s Cave) and bushwalking. Perfect for a half-day detour.
• Murrumbateman – A cool-climate wine region with cellar doors and olive groves. Great for a wine-tasting stop between Canberra and Young.
• Gundagai – Famous for the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue and the historic Prince Alfred Bridge. It’s about 90 minutes west, ideal for a longer road trip.

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