YOUNG - NEW SOUTH WALES - 2594
Population: 6,950
Elevation: 443m
Latitude: -34.1852
Longitude: 148.1739
Location:  375km south west of Sydney
Highway: Olympic Hwy (41) 
Nearest Major Town: Yping
Nearest Airport: Young
Touring Area: Riverina and The Murray

The Information centre at Young


Young was first settled in 1826 on an area stretching from Yass to Booroowa. The leader of the local Burrowmunditory aboriginal tribe, Cobborn Jackie, indicated a site where water was plentiful to the first adventurer into the area, James White.
White was impressed by the spot at Sandy Creek (now Burrangong Creek) and returned to Sydney where he purchased squatter rights over 100 square miles which he called Burrangong Station. The first white child born in the area was Sara, daughter of White's brother John, in 1834.
The site where the town now stands was a well sheltered valley with good water, and became known as Lambing Flat, because it was here that White built sheep yards and a shepherds hut, and used the valley for lambing ewes.
The peaceful rural atmosphere remained until 1860 when White's nephew, Dennis Reagan with a friend, discovered gold. Within 12 months some 20,000 diggers were on the goldfield including some 2,000 Chinese.
This large Chinese population created resentment among the white miners and in January 1861 riots occured and they were frequently driven from the diggings. As a result of this, the Chinese Immigration Restriction Act was passed and was a forerunner to the White Australia policy introduced at Federation in 1901.
The goldfields covered an area of some 200 square miles and was regarded as the richest and most populous in New South Wales at the time. Some 470,000 ounces of gold were extracted and sent by escort from the goldfields.
Young also has some other firsts. It was the first city outside of the capital cities to utilise electricity and is also recognised and the first to introduce a school bus.
The Historical Museum contains many relics of the mining past including the flag carried by the miners during the riots. There is a 1900 poker machine, an 1862 barbers chair and displays of clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac.
Young is an interesting place to stop and visit and you will find plenty to see and do on your visit.
Seasonal work picking cherries is usually available in November and December.
Young also claims to be the 'Cherry Capital of Australia' and a festival is held annually. There are 2 large cherries near the Visitor centre reinforcing their claim.


PLACES OF INTEREST:
  • Anderson Park - Lovell St.
  • Apex Bicentennial Park - Campbell St.
  • Blackguards Gully - Whiteman Ave.
  • Cobborn Jackie Weir - Short St. Ln.
  • Captain Cook Weir - Marina St.
  • Carrington Park - Campbell St.
  • Chinamans Dam - Pittstone Rd.
  • Lions Lookout - Cowra Rd.
  • Touts Lookout - Scenic Dve.
  • Lambing Flat Folk Museum - Campbell St.
  • Wineries - Around Young.

    ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:

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    INFORMATION CENTRE:
    Young Visitor Information Centre
    Located in the Railway Station, Ph: 02 6382 3394. Fax: 02 6382 5085.
    HOW TO GET THERE:
    Young is south west of Sydney and can be reached by road from Temora, Grenfell and Cowra.

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    © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins