A beautiful view over the Hilltops town of Jugiong

The New South Wales Hilltops Region is not just a culinary hotspot for food and wine lovers but a region bursting with heritage and hospitality. Centrally located in the southwest area of NSW, it’s a prime location to explore the state as Sydney is a four hour drive away while Canberra is less than two.

It’s also a region that’s full of life year-round according to Hilltops Tourism and Events Manager, Melanie Ford.

“There’s something to enjoy in the Hilltops region during every season, but many people love to attend our National Cherry Festival which is now in its 69th year,” she tells The Wanderer.

“It’s one of the longest running harvest festivals in NSW, and people are drawn to the event, traditionally held over the first full long weekend in December. The town also hosts the Lambing Flat Chinese Festival, held in March, celebrating the contribution of Chinese migrants to the Australian way of life.

“Hilltops includes the towns of Young, Harden, Boorowa and Jugiong, so there’s always something on offer for tourists. Apart from the two Young festivals, the region also hosts the Boorowa Irish Woolfest, the Harden Kite Festival and every two years Jugiong holds the Sergeant Parry Memorial Day and a widely acclaimed Writers’ Festival.”

Boorowa’s war memorial has the word ANZAC twice on its clock face instead of numerals

The area includes many other smaller villages where there is much to see and plenty to do. It’s also a spot that’s much-loved by travellers not just for its charming towns and friendly faces, but for the genuine welcoming atmosphere of the area.

“Travellers always comment about the friendly welcome they receive when entering the Hilltops Region,” says Ford.

“It’s that warm country hospitality that engenders a desire to linger longer and experience the fantastic coffee, cherry pie, local wines and brilliant vistas of the region. The bright yellow canola in all its glory, the pastel cherry blossoms, fine historic buildings with historic walks create a good deal of interest.

“Along with the wonderful views of the towns and villages within the Hilltops Region, Young, Wombat and Kingsvale are a hive of activity at harvest time with families travelling long distances to pick their own fruit in the orchards, or to buy straight from the crate at roadside stalls,” adds Ford.

Flowering canola adds some gold to the Aussie landscape

A WARM WELCOME

Support for the growing motorhome and caravanning markets is growing there too, with council siting the Young Visitor Centre beside a leafy park and providing parking for RVs, allowing for easy walking access to the nearby shops. The park there also offers restroom facilities, barbecues, and a playground area. A dump point is down the road from the showground and potable water is available at the Young Visitor Centre and Council depot for a minimal fee.

“The Young Tourist Park is a traditional caravan park located in Zouch Street and the Young Showground Trust offers RV services most of the year when the showground is not closed for major activities,” says Ford.

“At the showground there are RVfriendly free parking spots on the hill for those who are self-contained and a fee is payable by those wishing to stay at the showground but requiring water and electricity. There’s also RV accommodation within the Hilltops Region at the Wombat Showground and Jugiong Showground, along with other roadside spots perfect to lay your head,” she adds.

Enticing cafes in laneways

.Travellers can also find short-stay RV parking near the Young Visitor Information Centre off Lovell Street, one block from the main strip of Boorowa Street.

“Park your van and wander down to the CBD and enjoy great coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Young has a diverse and dynamic retail hub offering both unique shops and the larger chain stores, too,” Ford suggests, adding that one of the must-see attractions of the area is the Chinese Tribute Garden 5km from town on Pitstone Road.

“It features a lake, grassy area with barbecues and toilet block,” she says. “Traverse the bridge to explore the Chinese-style garden and the location has a circular driveway for easier access for motorhomes and caravans.”

All aspects of cherry farming plays a big part in the culture and the economy of the region

AGRICULTURAL BEGINNINGS

Young was first settled in the 1820s as an ideal place for agriculture and livestock. The town was called Lambing Flat and became a magnet for ‘chancers’ looking to make their fortunes when gold was discovered in 1860. The Garden was developed by the council and the Rotary Club in tribute to those pioneer miners.

“With many gifts from the Chinese community in Sydney and overseas, there are some very attractive elements to the garden, which is free to enter,” says Ford.

Ford adds that both Boorowa and Harden also offer easily accessible parking for all RVs close to the centre of each town.

“While you’re in the region, check out the amazing story of famous Australian war horse, Bill the Bastard at Harden,” she suggests. Additionally, travellers can wander beside the Boorowa River and discover the region’s strong Irish heritage and the history of the town’s development.

Life-size bronze of Bill the Bastard, who weighed 730kg and stood at 17 hands, depicts a scene from the battle of Romani on 4 August 1916

“Immerse yourself in the Shamrock trails to discover the town’s story,” she suggests.

“The St Patricks Church has outstanding stained glass windows and marble altars. The south windows above the main entrance were imported from Ireland in 1881 and depicts Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator of Ireland.”

Visitors might be surprised to discover there’s a castle nearby. The large homestead of Iandra Castle is between Greenthorpe and Monteagle, about 20 minutes from Young and it’s open to the public on designated days and on Sundays of long weekends.

Built in 1880 by progressive farmer and NSW politician George Greene and enlarged between 1908 and 1910 by Edward Giles Stone, it’s a fascinating building to tour for lovers of history and architecture. The heritage-listed homestead, with its surrounding agricultural property, is also a brilliant example of the Australian manorial system.

No matter what your reason for passing through The Hiltops Region, from fresh food to a festival, a bit of history or simply to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces, be sure to add this region to your travel itinerary.

Category: Destinations
Written: Thu 01 Nov 2018
Printed: November, 2018
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