New South Wales (Southern NSW)

The first discovery of the district by Europeans occurred in 1821 when Hamilton Hume lead a small party to the Yass Plains, which the Aborigines called "Yharr", said to mean running water.

On the outskirts of Yass as you exit the Hume Highway onto the Yass Valley Way from Goulburn (87km away) is the National Trust-owned Cooma Cottage (Wed–Mon 10am–4pm; $4), the former home of the famous explorer Hamilton Hume, set in rolling countryside stocked with sheep. The well-preserved nineteenth-century homestead’s architectural interest is outweighed by the excellent interpretive material on Hume and his expeditions. Hume was different from many of his contemporaries in that he was born in Australia – in Parramatta, to free settlers in 1797. His explorations relied on his knowledge of the bush: he befriended Aborigines who taught him their skills and language, which made him infinitely better prepared than those equipped only with romantic notions. His first expedition was at the age of 17, accompanied by his brother and his Aboriginal friend Doual, and the trio discovered prime grazing lands in the Southern Highlands. Three years later he led the Goulburn Plains expedition, and pushing further afield in 1821 he discovered the rich and productive Yass Plains, where he settled in later life. Hume’s best-known exploration was when he paired with Hovell, an English sea captain, to head for Port Phillip Bay; you can follow in their footsteps on the Hume and Hovell Walking Track. He also assisted Sturt in tracing the Murray and Darling rivers.

The Tourist Information Centre (daily 9am–5pm) has maps outlining a 2km informative walk, and the Hamilton Hume Museum (Sat & Sun and school holidays; $2) contains displays on what the town looked like back in the 1890s. The old Tramway in the centre of town features the smallest platform in Australia (open Sunday afternoons only; $3).

Continuing along the Hume Highway, 27km south of Yass is a turn-off to the Burrinjuck Waters State Park, and from here it’s a 25km drive on a sealed road to the bushland park set around Burrinjuck Dam, with camping and picnic areas filled with kangaroos and chirping rosellas. There is a riverboat cruise most weekends in summer on the Lady BJ (tel 02/6227 7270; 2hr; $14) up to the dam and across the main basin. Wee Jasper is a picturesque village located on the backwaters of Burrinjuck Dam, with a basic campsite (tel 02/6227 9626). From here you can visit Carey’s Caves and see some of Australia’s most spectacular limestone rock formations (Fri–Mon 9am–5pm; other times by appointment tel 02/6227 9622; $8).

Turning off the Hume Highway at Bowning brings you to the peaceful village of Binalong. Australia’s best known poet, Banjo Patterson, spent much of his childhood here, attending the local school. Binalong railway station was used to transport gold from nearby Lambing Flats (Young), which made it a lucrative area for bushrangers. The grave of the daring bushranger “Flash” Johnny Gilbert, a member of a local outlaw gang is along the side of the road to Harden.

Attractions

• Yass Railway Museum
  The old Yass Railway Station has been meticulously restored by a group of enthusiastic local people. The Station has been transformed into a Railway Museum exhibiting the fascinating history of the Yass Tramway, one of New South Wales' most unusual railway lines. The Yass Railway Museum is open Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm, except Christmas and Boxing Days. The address is Lead St., Yass NSW 2582.
• Hamilton Hume Historical Museum
  As with many museums in country towns, the Hamilton Hume Historical Museum has some fascinating memorabilia from a bygone era. The museum is set out in a very interesting and professional manner. An enormous array of restored and original historic photos of Yass and its people are displayed according to each era. A simulation shearing stand occupies the rear of the museum along with details of Sir Waiter Merriman, the founder of Fine Wool in the Yass district. The museum is run voluntarily and inspection is by appointment.

• Binaloug Motor Museum
  An additional attraction for the visitor is the Binalong Motor Museum. It follows a policy to make all the exhibits work and to make use of them. Some of the cars on display include: 1972 Ferrai, 1927 CP Bugatti, 1908 Chain Drive Aero-engined MAB, 1960 Racing Lotus Elite, Ducati and Norton Motor Cycles and many other special vintage and veteran cars.
• Cooma Cottage
  Cooma Cottage is a single-storey colonial house located on about 100 acres beside the Yass River, near the town of Yass. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) acquired this property in a derelict condition in 1970 and over the past 18 years has carried out an extensive conservation programme of restoration. repair and interpretation. Today it functions as a house museum and features an exhibition which presents the life and achievements of the famous Australian explorer. Hamilton Hume, who lived there from 1839-73.