ROADTRIP CANBERRA to YASS & BLAKNEY CREEK – A Postcard Journey

Discover surprises on this short roadtrip in or out of Canberra

Embarking on a Roadtrip Canberra to Yass & Blakney Creek (approx. 1 hour & 20 minutes) offers a delightful journey through picturesque countryside and charming attractions. Taking your time, driving to soak in such glorious rolling fields and countryside, stopping for picnics, it follows the romantic notion that you take to the road for pleasure. Here’s a suggested itinerary with stops along the way:

Canberra to Yass

1. Depart Canberra: Begin your journey by heading north from Canberra, enjoying the scenic drive through rural New South Wales.
2. Poachers Pantry: Located just outside Canberra, Poachers Pantry is renowned for its artisan smokehouse now in its third decade and smoked meats and local produce. Stop here for a must do delicious breakfast or lunch to start your road trip from Canberra to Yass on a tasty note. The Smokehouse Restaurant is open for season sharing lunch from Thursday to Sunday . There’s a Farm Shop so if you’re overnighting somewhere in the region you should seriously consider a picnic hamper (pre-ordering is OK) or stocking up on wonderful local produce and a bootful of wine. A prized family business now in its third decade, Poachers Pantry is unique built on traditional smoking techniques and oenology and an ethos of featuring local produce and organic ingredients from the kitchen garden; the herbs and vegetables are picked fresh and delivered straight to the kitchen. No wonder its reviews are soooo good! The Poachers Vineyard straddles the north east facing slopes of the granite hills that lie in the heart of the Murrumbateman and Canberra Wine District. It is renowned for its soft, peppery shiraz and elegant aromatic white varieties. Now in the hands of the second generation, William Bruce. The cellar door is open from 10:30am daily. Almost forgot, if you’re looking for the perfect spot for a faultless country wedding speak to the team at Poachers.

3. Speaking of Murrumbateman: This small town is known for its wineries. Consider visiting Shaw Vineyard Estate or Clonakilla Wines for wine tasting of elegant wines with distinction and beautiful vineyard views. More information? Murrumbateman Wines.

Murrumbateman boasts a working Alpaca Farm and breeding program. The Blackwattle Alpaca Farm, the home of Blackwattle Yarn and Fibre is a working alpaca farm located in the lovely rural township of Murrumbateman. Their farm offers picturesque views and is in a unique location to learn about alpacas and llamas and their quirky personalities. Book a brunch tour, have a picnic or visit The Blackwattle Farm Shop which is full of yarns, wools, fibre, roving, packs, gifts, toys and more.

Blackwattle Alpaca Farm Murrumbateman, NSW

4. Yass: Arrive in Yass, a historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a rich heritage.

• • Yass Valley Information Centre is located at 259 Comur Street Yass NSW: Gather maps and information about local attractions. Then hop out of the car for a walk around – takes about 1 hour Yass Walkaround. History boffins can delve into Yass History with its museum, archives and more.
  • Yass Courthouse: Located at 47 Ross Street, the Yass Courthouse is a heritage-listed building dating back to 1880, offering insights into the town’s history. Dating from 1880, it’s one of a number of splendid colonial-era courthouses around NSW that were designed by the Colonial Architect, James Barnet. It remains a working court.
  • Cooma Cottage: Only a 5 minute drive, the former home of Hamilton Hume, an explorer of Australia’s colonial history. It’s a fascinating glimpse into early Australian life. Open only Sundays and closed in winter. See Cooma Cottage
  • Yass Railway Museum: Explore the railway history of the region, showcasing vintage locomotives and artefacts. On certain days of the year artisan markets feature – check out dates online Yass Railway Museum Markets
  • Yass Main Street: Stroll along the main street lined with heritage buildings, cafes, and boutique shops.
  • Yass Valley Skywalk Lookout: For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Remember that Yass is surrounded by quaint towns and villages so Explore Yass Valley Towns: Binnalong, Bookham, Bowning, Burrinjuck, Gundaroo, Murrumbateman, Sutton, Wallaroo, Wee Jasper, Yass.

Yass to Blakney Creek

5. Blakney Creek: A serene rural area known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
   • Burrinjuck Dam: is approximately 55 kilometres south-west of Yass, it’s one of the largest dams in Australia. A nature and water wonderland located on the headwaters of the Murrumbidgee River where you can enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, boating and picnicking and take in the scenic views across 75 hectares of unspoilt natural playgrounds.

• • Hume and Hovell Walking Track: Named after the explorers, this walking track stretches 440 kilometres between Yass and Albury, in New South Wales, Australia. Make sure you check and plan what you’d like to achieve as this track has wide appeal for day-trippers, short walks and long-distance hikers, trail runners and ultra-marathon racers. Equip yourselves accordingly.
  • Wine Tasting: Many vineyards in the area offer tastings and cellar door experiences. Consider visiting Gallagher Wines, a family winery near family winery, at Jeir (near Murrumbateman). Cheesemaking also runs in the family, so even more reason to stop sample cheeses and wines. Jeir Creek Wines another family run winery on small acreage is worth a drop in too.
  • Relax and check into The Barlow Tiny House, a private bolthole on acreage just for two. 
• Return Trip: After exploring Blakney Creek, you can either return to Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne via the same route or extend your trip to explore more of the surrounding region.

Additional Tips for your Roadtrip Canberra to Yass:

• Timing: Plan your trip according to the season. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant with mild weather.
• Local Events: Check for any local events or festivals happening during your visit, as they can add cultural richness to your experience.
• Photography: The countryside offers plenty of photo opportunities, so make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the scenic landscapes.

By following this itinerary, you’ll experience a blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making your road trip from Canberra to Yass and Blakney Creek both enjoyable and memorable.

If you think the Southern Tablelands region  sounds like an amazing holiday destination, why not see our Stays with a WOW accommodation.