Fast facts
- Historic country town and the Cherry Capital of Australia
- Scenic rolling hills and a landscape that changes colours with the seasons
- 372 km west of Sydney, population 12,000
Why go there
Young offers an authentic and unhurried country experience. Young and its surrounds are home to many different stone fruit orchards, wineries and gourmet food outlets.
History
First settled in 1826, the area was originally known as Lambing Flat, named after its suitability as a site for lambing ewes. Gold was discovered in 1860 and within a year more than 20,000 miners were camped there, 2,000 of whom were Chinese. Relations soured and Europeans rioted against the Chinese, leading the authorities to read The Riot Act in July 1861.
Nicholas Jasprizza introduced cherries to Young in 1876. Young and its cherry industry has been booming ever since.
Things to do
- Walk the Heritage Trail to see the historical sites around town.
- Stroll around the Chinese Tribute Gardens and relax near the Pool of Tranquillity.
- Sample cool-climate wines and local produce at Hilltops vineyards.
Events
- National Cherry Festival in December features the festival ball, parade and "pip-spitting" competition.
- Lambing Flat Festival in April features Morris dancers, gold panning demonstrations, whip cracking and horse and carriage rides.
- Hilltops Flavours of the Harvest Festival in February.
Don’t miss
- Picking your own cherries at one of Young’s many orchards during the cherry season, which lasts from mid-November to late December. Pick other stone fruit until the end of March.
- Panning for gold at Blackguard Gully Goldmining.
- The reading of the Riot Act at the Lambing Flat Festival.
