Two hours north of Canberra at the heart of the Hilltops region lies the historic country town of Young. This charming and timeless rural destination offers visitors an abundance of unique experiences and things to see, including grand historic sites and monuments, thriving arts and culture, and an emerging food and wine scene. There really is something for everyone in Young, making it the perfect country escape for those seeking a relaxing getaway in rural New South Wales. If you’re ready to explore this captivating region, read on to discover why Young truly is one of the state’s best kept secrets.
A Vibrant Town with a Rich History
Start your Young journey off in the centre of town, the main cultural and commercial hub of the region, home to a handsome number of heritage buildings and vibrant street art displays. The Young town centre is compact and highly walkable, so a great candidate for exploration on foot. A great way to explore the town and to get to know a bit more about its story and heritage are the Young Heritage Walks - and Young is lucky enough to have two suggested town walks, something few towns of this size can boast. The Township Walk is a compact walk that incorporates sites along Boorowa Street, the town’s main street and centre of activities. Along the way, stop in to savour some of Young’s funky cafes - our top picks are Kettle & Grain, and the Art of Espresso, favourites among locals and travellers alike.
If you have a bit more time up your sleeve, the Heritage Walk is a slightly more circuitous route that features sites on both sides of Burrangong Creek. Some highlights of the town’s fascinating history include the elegant 1885 railway station (which houses the information centre, the starting point of both walks), the largest town hall in rural New South Wales, the WW1 War memorial, and the old court house. For a deeper dive into the town’s history, the very quaint Young Historical Museum provides insight into the region's past, particularly its Gold Rush era and Chinese heritage.
If you’re more a fan of arts and culture, you’ll find plenty of it in Young - keep your eyes open as you wander around town. Vibrant street art and murals adorn the walls of buildings, forming a city-wide open-air gallery. A self-guided art trail links each of these unique pieces together, showcasing the talent of local and visiting artists and adding some colour and contemporary flair to the town’s historic, 19th century streetscapes. For even more art, the Burrangong Gallery is an excellent regional gallery housing rotating exhibits of all mediums.
Head for the Hills
There is so much more to discover in Young beyond the walkable centre of town - to continue your journey, you’ll want to pick up your Hertz rental car from Young downtown, conveniently located on the main street, to get yourself around the region with ease.
Just a short drive out of town, the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden is a gorgeous and memorial garden set in a quiet, relaxing and picturesque site. Now a well established garden, this serene space is dedicated to honouring the contribution of the Chinese community to the town’s development. This beautiful haven is the perfect spot for a relaxing morning or afternoon walk, or a picnic with a hamper of fresh local produce.
No visit to Young is complete without a gourmet experience, and Young sure knows a thing or two about produce. While the region is quite proud of its delicious and celebrated stone fruit orchards, it is probably best known for its cherries - Young isn’t known as the cherry capital of the country for nothing! Cherry picking season is between late October to January, so if you time your visit right, you'll be able to pick your very own fresh cherries straight from the orchards. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find many other orchards to explore, bursting with fruit and colour.
Being a high altitude and cool climate region, you’ll also find excellent wineries scattered around the region, specialising in cool climate grapes. It might not be a household name, but the Hilltops Wine Region is one of the state’s most exciting emerging wine regions, with a lot to offer visitors. While you’re exploring the region in your Hertz rental car, make the time to pop in to a winery or two for a tasting and cellar door experience - you might just be pleasantly surprised! On the itinerary - Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door, Freeman Vineyards, Lockwood Vineyard, Grove Estate Wines. Of course if you do decide to sample a wine or two, ensure you have a designated driver nominated for the rest of your journey.
Young is a thriving town with a rich and fascinating history, and a future that is being shaped by a new wave of youthful, creative energy. This unique, timeless town invites you to experience the very best of country New South Wales. Seamlessly tying together its agricultural roots with a Gold Rush history and all the modern amenities of a thriving regional centre, this region truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re staying locally or passing through on an extended journey through the region, Hertz will make getting around a breeze.
