Yass Valley

All kinds of goodness

This is cool climate wine country, so expect awe-inspiring vino experiences at every corner in this fertile region of southwest NSW. Where there’s good wine, delicious food and artisan producers follow; and so, apparently, do alpacas (four farms and counting) and artists, whom you can encounter at the myriad galleries and design studios. This kind of goodness is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Places to visit in Yass Valley

Arts & heritage trails

You’ll find a wealth of history and heritage throughout the region. Begin your discovery on the Yass Town Walk and visit explorer Hamilton Hume’s former residence, Cooma Cottage, now a National Trust museum. The historic main street of Gundaroo is also an outdoor heritage museum, 40 mins southeast of Yass.

Cooma Cottage, Yass

The events calendar captures a vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the colourful arts space at the beautifully restored art deco Tootsie Gallery Cafe and the Sculpture@Shaw, a biennial exhibition of sculptures by local and international artists at renowned winery Shaw Wines.

Friends enjoying wine tasting at Shaw Wines in Murrumbateman, Yass in Country NSW

Shaw Wines, Murrumbateman

Cool climate wines

The heart of the acclaimed Canberra District wine region, the Yass Valley has great food and wine experiences. Enjoy cool climate wine tasting at the cellar doors of iconic wineries, settle into cosy country wine bar Yazzbar and browse gourmet food shops and farmer's markets.

Helm Wines, Murrumbateman

Murrumbateman is the wine capital of the Canberra District and home to famed wineries Clonakilla and Helm Wines. A 20-min drive from Yass, Murrumbateman hosts a number of delicious foodie events, including the Village Market and the roving degustation event, the Murrumbateman Moving Feast, in October.

Adventure activities

Adventurers will find activities galore in the Yass Valley. Head to Wee Jasper Reserves for tranquil fishing and bushwalking. Follow the expedition of explorers Hume and Hovell on the Hume and Hovell Track, which starts at Cooma Cottage and covers 440kms to Albury.

Burrinjuck Dam, Yass - Credit: Yass Valley Tourism

In nearby Brindabella National Park, you’ll also find 4WD trails, walking tracks, and fishing. Join Cooradigbee Fossil Tours and explore one of the world’s Devonian fossil areas, while picturesque Burrinjuck Dam is ideal for camping and water sports.

The Great Ron Cottage at Tallagandra Hill Winery Accommodation in Gundaroo, Yass

Tallagandra Hill Winery Accommodation, Gundaroo

Getting there

The Yass Valley is a 3-hour drive from Sydney and less than 1 hour from Canberra. You can take a scenic train trip from Sydney to Yass Junction, which takes around 3 hours and 40 mins, and rent a car to explore the region. Places to stay include heritage hotels, motels, self-contained villas, cottage farm stays and caravan parks.