Things to do in Young, NSW: What are the best attractions?

The best things to do in Young, NSW, are picking your own cherries at Ballinaclash and visiting the Hilltops wineries. Other Young attractions include the Lambing Flat Folk Museum and Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens.

Young, NSW, is an off-the-tourist track town in the South West Slopes region. It’s roughly half way between Cowra and Wagga Wagga on the Olympic Highway, and was once known as Lambing Flat.

Things to do in Young, NSW: Lambing Flat Folk Museum and Chinese Tribute Gardens

Some of the best things to do in Young, NSW, hark back to the Lambing Flat era. In 1860, gold was discovered here, leading to an almighty gold rush. Around 20,000 would-be gold miners piled in from Europe and China, quickly leading to tensions between the two groups. The volatile story of the Lambing Flat Riots is told at the Lambing Flat Folk Museum. At time of writing, this local history museum was undergoing a revamp.

The influence of the Chinese community on Young gets further recognition at the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens. Inside the Chinamans Dam Reserve, the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens have a series of sculptures and statues, including a rather majestic pair of marble lions.

The town hall building in Young, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Things to do in Young, NSW: Cherry orchards

Young, NSW, brands itself as the Cherry Capital of Australia. This obsession with cherries is most visible during the National Cherry Festival in December. And, if you really want to get cherries fresh from source, try the farm gate sales at Valley Fresh Cherries on the Olympic Highway.

During the prime November and December cherry season, you can also pick your own cherries at the Ballinaclash Orchard.

What to do in Young, NSW: Hilltops wineries

Cherries aren’t the only fruit that grows around Young, NSW, however. Grapes do, too. Young is part of the Hilltops wine region. The best introduction to the Hilltops wineries is the Hilltops Region Wine Cellar inside Young’s historic railway station.

Alternatively, head out to the cellar doors at the individual Hilltops wineries. Options close by include Lockwood Wines, Chalkers Crossing Wines, Grove Estate Wines and Freeman Vineyards.

Young accommodation

Places to stay in Young include the budget-conscious Young Tourist Park, the spacious Colonial Motel and Serviced Apartments and the extremely well-rated Young Federation Motor Inn.

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