Yass and Surrounds

Fast facts

• A rich rural landscape of mountains and valleys
• Historic area, recognised for its fine food and cool-climate wines
• A three-and-a-half hour drive south-west of Sydney

Discover the history and heritage of Capital Country

• Accommodation deals from $125 per night

Why go there

With its landscaped streets and restored heritage buildings, Yass is a charming and vibrant town. Good shopping and intimate cafés complement the historic attractions and the area’s natural beauty.

Australia’s great bush poet, Banjo Paterson, was born in the Yass Valley. The region has developed a thriving glassware industry and it’s possible to see the artists in action at various galleries and studios.

Great camping and swimming areas around Yass make the region a popular holiday destination for families.

Things to do

• Follow the Poacher’s Trail, a self-guided driving tour of cafés, wineries, galleries and B&Bs in the Yass valley.
• Take a hike along the The Hume and Hovell Walking Track. Starting at Yass, the 440-km track leads south, passing through Wee Jasper, towards Albury. There are some shorter walks in the river valleys south-west of Yass.
• Sample cool-climate wines at some of the 15 wineries between Yass and Canberra.
• Follow walking trails in Yass and Gundaroo to see the many fine heritage buildings that give a taste of lfe in 19th century rural Australia.
• Go trout fishing or boating on Burrinjuck Dam.
• Go hang-gliding over the area from Murrumbateman’s Australian Paragliding Centre.

Don’t miss

• Southern Cross Glass, Binalong, where you can watch glassblowers at work.
• The Sheep's Back Gallery, Yass, for its fine arts and crafts and beautiful merino wool knitwear.
• Binalong Motor Museum, with its collection of precious vehicles.
• The Crisp Galleries, to see beautiful glassworks. Live music performances are also held there.
• A guided tour of the colourful limestone formations in Carey’s Cave in the Brindabella Ranges near the town of Wee Jasper.

Events

• Yass Rodeo, Yass, in November.
• Yass Cup, Yass, in December.
• Yass Valley Festival, Yass, in November.
• Yass Horticultural and Agricultural Show, Yass, in March.