Your Guide to the Hilltops
Local Businesses and Community Events
Boorowa, Harden, Young and Surrounding Villages
A vibrant area in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, rich in history, events, and small-town charm.
Explore the Hilltops Region
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Good company is at the heart of our region
From laid-back lunches to community festivals, the real magic across our towns and surrounding villages — is the people who bring it to life. So get out and about. Browse the shops, try the food, join an event — and discover why locals and visitors alike fall in love with the Hilltops.
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Explore The Hilltops
Nestled just two hours northwest of Canberra, this vibrant region is known for its rich farming heritage, friendly communities, and scenic countryside.The Hilltops includes the towns of Young, Boorowa and Harden along with charming villages such as Jugiong, Wombat Murringo, Monteagle, and others — each offering something unique.From Boorowa’s proud Irish roots and fine wool industry to Harden’s historic railway station and golden canola fields, and Young’s gold rush history, the region brings together diverse stories, events, and experiences that reflect the true spirit of country NSW.History lovers can explore local museums, the Young and District Family History Group, and heritage sites throughout the area. You’ll also find helpful advice and inspiration at visitor information centres located in each of the main towns.Whether you’re discovering hidden gems in the countryside or diving into the local food, wine, and arts scene, the region invites you to slow down and connect with everything it has to offer.
Young
The Cherry Capital of Australia with Rich Gold Rush Roots. Located in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, the town of Young offers a blend of historic charm and modern regional life. Once known as Lambing Flat during the 1860s gold rush, the town still shares its story through heritage sites, local museums, and scenic walking trails. The Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens are a peaceful reminder of this history and the contributions of early Chinese migrants.
Best known as the Cherry Capital of Australia, hosting the annual National Cherry Festival each December, visitors can enjoy cherry picking, pie-eating contests, parades, and more. Alongside cherries, the area is home to boutique vineyards producing cool-climate wines, many of which offer tastings and cellar door experiences.The community spirit is alive through regular markets, cultural events, and local festivals. It’s a town where people come together to celebrate the seasons, share stories, and support each other — all while surrounded by rolling farmland and small-town charm.
Boorowa
Irish Roots, Wool Heritage and Rural Warmth – a picturesque town with deep Irish heritage, known for its wool industry and welcoming atmosphere. Its beautifully preserved historic buildings and the local museum tell stories of early settlers, farming families, and cultural traditions that have shaped the area.Every October, the town hosts the Boorowa Irish Woolfest — a lively event celebrating local wool production and the town’s strong agricultural history. With events like the running of the sheep, art exhibitions, parades, and markets, the Irish Woolfest draws visitors from across the region.In addition to fine wool, the town is part of a thriving rural economy built on canola, grains, and other crops. Community events such as the Boorowa Show and Picnic Races bring locals and visitors together for a genuine taste of rural life in the Hilltops.
Harden Murrumburrah
Rail Heritage, Silo Art and the first Australian Light Horse – a close-knit rural hub, rich in agricultural traditions and history. Once an important railway centre, the town is home to the heritage-listed 1877 railway station, while Murrumburrah proudly displays beautifully restored colonial buildings and churches.
A highlight of this area is the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Bill the Bastard, Australia’s most famous war horse. The statue honours the very first call up muster and enrolments to the 1st Australian Horse that took place at Harden-Murrumburrah. The life-sized statue of Bill the Bastard stands as a must-see tribute to courage and mateship. Nearby, the eye-catching silo art celebrates the area’s agricultural history through large-scale public art.Locals gather throughout the year for the Harden Kite Festival, Picnic Races, and country shows — events that showcase the region’s produce, crafts, and community pride. Experience a town full of stories, offering visitors a warm welcome and a strong sense of place.
The entire region comes together in March to celebrate the community run, Hilltops Off The Beaten Track Art & Cultural Trail, now heading for its 5th year. The trail runs over three weekends and two weeks across the entire region during March.
