Holiday houses in Young

The Hilltops region, a collection of four small towns and a handful of even smaller villages in southern New South Wales, made its fame with the discovery of gold in 1860, when entrepreneurs and fortune seekers arrived to strike it rich. Today, visitors come for the culinary bounty, the land just right for growing and harvesting cherries, olives, cool-climate shiraz grapes, and all manner of organic vegetables. The town of Young is the region’s heart, surrounded by orchards, farms, and vineyards. The bucolic setting, on the southwest slopes of the Great Dividing Range of mountains, and grand heritage buildings give this village real country swagger, its friendly local farmers and producers adding to the laid-back charm.

Spring (September through November) is a glorious time to visit Young, when orchards transform into a patchwork of pink and white, and the cherry trees are in bloom. Temperatures are pleasant, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is also the wettest time of year. There’s slightly less rain in summer (December through February), when high temperatures top 78 degrees and festivals take over towns. The region’s elevation means that winter (June through August) temperatures drop below 55 during the day and 30 at night, perfect for hiking.

If you’re here during warmer months to pick fruit or attend a festival, it’s essential to bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved tops to protect you from the sun. Bring a jacket for brisk mornings and cool evenings in winter.

Cherry Picking

If you like getting hands-on with your food, you’ll love the annual cherry harvest (October through January), when fruit is at its ripest and juiciest. Many of Young’s orchards offer tours and DIY picking experiences, which means fruit doesn’t have to travel far from the tree to your mouth. Time your visit to attend the National Cherry Festival, which transforms the region with tastings and entertainment every December.

Wine Tasting

Young’s fertile soils are also ideal for nurturing cool-climate grapes, which you can sample (in liquid form) at the region’s numerous vineyards. Drive through rolling countryside blanketed with vines to discover the local wineries, some with on-site restaurants, where you can sip a crisp Riesling or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Take to a Trail

If you can’t make up your mind what culinary experiences to enjoy around the region, try the Wine & Dine trail, one of three self-guided drives designed to highlight the Hilltops’ main attractions. Other self-guided tours include one that focuses on waterfalls and river walks, and an architecture trail, linking historic monuments, museums, heritage gardens, and even an Elizabethan-style castle.