From its fascinating colonial heritage to its boutique wineries, Yass is an enchanting slice of rural New South Wales. The picturesque town sits on the banks of the Yass River and is surrounded by the lush vineyards and rolling pastures of the Yass Valley region.
Things to do in Yass
Yass is anchored by a characterful town centre dotted with grand colonial buildings like the Courthouse and the Town Hall. Its tree-lined streets are also peppered with antique stores, art galleries, craft co-ops and cafes. If you love local produce, don't miss the bimonthly Yass Farmers Market, which attracts growers from across the region.
Yass serves as a gateway to the Canberra District winemaking region, with Canberra Winery Tours featuring guided trips to local vineyards. Clonakilla Winery is a longstanding favourite, luring visitors with its elegant tasting room and handcrafted wines.
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure, from water sports at Burrinjuck Dam to exploring Careys Cave. Carved into limestone rock, the natural cavern is dripping with stalactites. Access to the caves is found via a steep flight of stairs that leads to a well-lit boardwalk.
Legendary colonial explorer Hamilton Hume lived in Yass throughout the mid-1800s. Today you can visit his former home Cooma Cottage, which now houses a mini National Trust museum, and check out Hume's grave at the Yass General Cemetery.
Getting around Yass
Yass sits just north of Canberra, with the drive taking under one hour. If you're driving from Sydney, expect to take three hours. While Yass is easy to explore on foot, you'll need a car to tour the Yass Valley region.