Things To Do
in Young

Young is a historic gold-rrush town tucked in New South Wales' central-west. It blends heritage architecture with a friendly, country-town vibe and easy access to orchards and farmland. The Lachlan River valley surrounds the town, offering scenic drives and quiet natural spots.

Visitors can explore museums, sample regional produce, and enjoy a relaxed pace in a genuine rural setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Young Visitor Information Centre to gather maps and brochures about local attractions. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the well-preserved gold rush architecture. Stop by the local bakery for a delicious coffee and a freshly baked pastry to fuel your morning explorations.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Young Museum to delve into the rich history of the region, including its agricultural heritage and significant gold mining past. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, where you can savor regional specialties and bask in the relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, take a walk to the nearby Young Showgrounds, where you can often catch local events or exhibitions.

evening
:

As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a hearty dinner featuring fresh local produce. Engage with friendly locals and learn more about the community's history and culture. End your day with a leisurely stroll through the town, perhaps catching a glimpse of the sunset over the rolling hills.

day 2
Cherry Picking Adventure
morning
:

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to one of the many cherry orchards around Young. Once you arrive, grab a basket and immerse yourself in the joy of cherry picking, surrounded by beautiful trees laden with ripe fruit. Enjoy the sweet taste of freshly picked cherries as you fill your basket under the warm sun.

afternoon
:

After a morning of cherry picking, take a break for lunch at a nearby orchard café, where you can enjoy cherry-themed dishes and local wines. Spend the afternoon exploring the orchard and learning about the cherry-growing process, or take part in a guided tour if available. Capture the picturesque scenery and perhaps buy some cherry products as souvenirs.

evening
:

Return to town for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Share stories of your cherry picking experience with fellow diners and savor the flavors of the region. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the town, enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of nature.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18 AUD
🥗Lunch for two at a mid-range restaurant$40-70 AUD
🛏️Mid-range hotel or guesthouse per night$110-180 AUD
Coffee or latte$3-5 AUD
🚍Local transportation (one-way)$3-7 AUD

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Australian experience with friendly locals
  • Historic heritage and easy access to orchards and farmland
  • Limited nightlife and shopping compared with big cities
  • Distances between attractions can require car travel

Places to Visit in Young

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Street heritage storefronts

Federation-era buildings and tree-lined streets provide classic townscapes, especially during golden hour.

Lachlan River lookout

Wide river views, reflections at sunrise or sunset, and chances to spot water birds.

Old Gold Battery and mining relics

Outdoor displays and preserved machinery offer interesting textures for industrial-era photography.

Orchard edge viewpoints

Seasonal fruit trees and rolling farmland make colorful, pastoral compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Young

Young’s cuisine centers on fresh regional produce, hearty country cooking, and bakery classics that reflect its farming heritage.

Young Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Damper with golden syrup

A traditional bush bread slice perfect for a simple snack or paired with local honey.

Must-Try!

Beef and onion pie

A comforting pie baked with savory beef, onions, and rich gravy, common in country menus.

Apple pie or apple crumble

Desserts made with fruit from local orchards, often enjoyed warm with cream or custard.

Lamb roast with herbs

Seasonal, home-style roast featuring locally sourced lamb and garden herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Young Farmers Market (seasonal)

Seasonal stalls featuring apples, pears, honey, cheeses, breads, and local crafts.

Main Street pop-up stalls

Occasional street-food style kiosks and sausage sizzles during events and weekends.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate in Young is characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot with plenty of sunshine, while winters are cool and can feature frosts. Rainfall is moderate and often occurs during the spring and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Overall, the area experiences a dry-season feel with comfortable spring and autumn transitions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly hello or

Safety Guide

Safety

Young is generally a safe rural town with typical precautions for visitors. Stay aware of standard road safety on rural highways, watch for wildlife near dawn and dusk, and keep valuables secure in accommodations. In summer, protect yourself from sun exposure, and in winter, dress in layers for changing temperatures. Emergency numbers are the same as the wider NSW system, and local clinics and a regional hospital are available if needed.

Tipping in Young

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in Australia is discretionary. Round up bills or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants if you feel it’s warranted.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash, debit/credit cards, and EFTPOS; contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with occasional heatwaves; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Mild daytime temperatures and harvest-time activity; ideal for orchard visits and scenic drives.

Winter

Cool to chilly with possible frosts; layer clothing and enjoy indoor museums, cafés, and cozy pubs in the evenings.

Spring

Blooming orchards and pleasant weather; great for photography and outdoor strolls; watch for variable showers.

Nightlife Guide

Young at Night

Young’s nightlife is relaxed and community-focused, centered on friendly pubs, live music on weekends, and small gatherings at cafés or community venues. Expect casual atmospheres, local beer or cider, and conversations with residents rather than a nightlife hub. Activity tends to wind down earlier than big city destinations, making it ideal for end-of-evening strolls and peaceful nights.

Hiking in Young

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lakeside and countryside trails around the Lachlan River

Gentle-to-moderate loops with river views and open farmland scenery.

Orchard-edge viewpoints

Short hikes or strolls that pass through orchards and offer panoramic rural vistas.

Airports

How to reach Young by plane.

Wagga Wagga Airport (WGA)

Regional airport with frequent services to Sydney and Melbourne; drives to Young are common and well-supported by roads.

Parkes Airport (PKE)

Regional airport offering domestic flights; typically used for access to central NSW towns.

Canberra Airport (CBR)

Major international and domestic airport; farther from Young but connected by road and air services.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot within 15–20 minutes. A car is useful for surrounding orchard visits and day trips to surrounding countryside.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Farm families

Longstanding agricultural households shaping the local culture and economy.

Retirees and families

A mix of residents seeking a relaxed rural lifestyle and working-age locals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rugby Union

Local clubs and fixtures are common in regional NSW communities.

Cricket

Seasonal sport with community-level matches in the warmer months.

Australian Rules Football (AFL)

Active in regional leagues and social clubs during winter and spring.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in the town center. Rural highways can become busier during harvest seasons and holiday weekends. Public transport is limited, so most visitors travel by car; some regional bus services connect to larger towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Young.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most venues offer salads, veggie pies, and seasonal vegetables; ask for fresh, locally grown options or modifications.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Young has access to a local healthcare facility and a district hospital nearby in larger towns. Routine services are available through local clinics, with major hospitals in regional centers (e.g., Wagga Wagga) for more comprehensive care. Medicare is widely accepted, and private health options are available as needed.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

Australia Travel Guide