Road Trip Sydney to Young – Discovering Rural Charm

Roadtrip Sydney to Young via the most scenic route with Travellarks. This leisurely journey from Sydney to Young, stops in charming towns and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore wineries, cafes, and local attractions along the way. However, there are certainly other routes you could take depending on your preferences and time constraints but we believe this route offers the most picturesque scenery!

Explore handpicked accommodation by Travellarks in the heart of the South West Slopes for memorable stays along the way.

Sydney to Mittagong:

• Distance: Approx. 103 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 34 min
• Welcome to Mittagong – the town of colour! Take in panoramic views from Mount Gibraltar Reserve or explore the craft and workshops at Sturt Craft Centre.  For relaxation, visit Lake Alexandra or enjoy a picnic at Mittagong Park. The Highlands Handmade have lots of lovely handmade crafts or explore antiques at Mittagong Antiques Centre. Don’t miss a visit to the Mittagong Market for fresh produce and artisanal foods. Feeling peckish? Try Station Coffee House at 12 Bowral Rd, Mittagong,  Lil Piggy Mittagong @lilpiggymittagong and Chapter One Eatery – Shop 6/61-63 Main St. And for golf enthusiasts, tee off at Mittagong RSL Club Golf Course. Check out the Mittagong Maltings, once a bustling brewery and now a historical landmark. Venture to Glow Worm Glen for a mesmerizing underground experience. Take leisurely heritage walk through Mittagong’s 19th-century architecture, and keep an eye out for seasonal festivals celebrating local arts and culture.

Mittagong to Bowral:

• Distance: Approx. 5 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 8 min
• Welcome to Goulburn – Bradman! Cricket enthusiasts must visit the Bradman Oval, where Sir Donald Bradman played his first match, and explore the adjacent Bradman Museum, showcasing memorabilia and interactive exhibits celebrating cricket’s rich history. Admire the beauty of Corbett Gardens, especially during the annual Tulip Time Festival when you can skip through the tulips (well, almost) and enjoy the when kaleidoscope of colour with thousands of tulips on display. Go for a bushwalk or picnics in Gibbergunyah Reserve with walking trails. Take a stroll along Bradman Walk, a scenic pathway adorned with bronze sculptures depicting key moments from Sir Donald Bradman’s life and career. Shop for unique finds at Dirty Janes Bowral and The Mill Bowral at Shop 6/210-224 Bong Bong St, Bowral, and unwind in picturesque parks like Centennial Vineyards and Bradman Oval Park. Indulge in artisanal everything at Bendooley Larder or coffee and good eats at the The Press Shop or savour delicious dishes at Raw & Wild Market & Cafe. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Bowral Golf Club, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the Southern Highlands landscape.

Bowral to Goulburn

• Distance: Approx. 78 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 55 min
• Welcome to Goulburn – land of sweeping plains and The Big Merino! Head to the awesome bakery across from this to tuck into some legendary pies and cakes that nana used to make. Explore the town’s historic buildings – the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum, where old-school steam engines take centre stage, and the Rocky Hill War Memorial offering killer views and a dose of military history and then the Garroorigang Historic Home, a restored 19th-century gem. If you’re into artsy stuff, swing by the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. Love horses? Goulburn’s known as the Horse Capital of Australia, so check out some stables or catch a racing event. Wrap up your trip with a stroll through Belmore Park (don’t miss the glass conservatory) or wander the markets or a hike in one of the nearby national parks.

Goulburn to Taralga

• Distance: Approx. 45 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 40 min
• Welcome to Taralga – Wake up and explore the town. Don’t be fooled by its size as it’s food produce is first class. Picking up a bottle of local Hannaford’s olive oil, a family-owned olive grove known for its premium extra virgin olive oil. Afterwards, swing by The General Store, showcasing the region’s local produce. For a taste of Taralga’s culinary delights, book a table at the hatted Argyle Inn, where you’ll savour modern Australian dishes and locally sourced ingredients. For a unique experience, why not visit the Taralga Historical Society Museum to take a look into the town’s fascinating history or check the times for the Taralga Rodeo, Art Gallery events and the local fundraising events. Taralga also hosts plenty of festivals and there’s regular nearby markets, providing you with ample opportunities to engage with the town’s unique heritage and vibrant spirit.

Taralga to Crookwell

• Distance: Approx. 40 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 28 min
• Welcome to Crookwell – welcome to warm and friendly locals plus it’s home to fat lambs and potatoes! Enjoy exploring the local shops like the Visitors Shop, with tour maps and locally made crafts and gifts, and you can’t miss family run Sock Shop, known for its high-quality colourful merino wool socks and see how socks are made. Beyond shopping, have fun in the annual Potato Festival, featuring potato-themed activities, cooking demos, and community events. Go along to the Annual Crookwell & District Amateur Picnic Race Club (check the official website) or watch Crookwell local football. Crookwell has regular markets at Laggan (Saturday 20 April 2024 to Saturday 16 November 2024 monthly) with fresh produce, artisan crafts, and homemade treats. There are loads of community activities here like horse riding, panning for gold, bird watching, face painting, golf, alpaca farm experience and tennis.

 Crookwell to Boorowa

• Distance: Approx. 86 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr
• Local Farms: Some local farms and orchards around Boorowa may also open their doors to visitors for cherry picking during the season. It’s a good idea to inquire locally or check online for any orchards in the vicinity of Boorowa that offer cherry picking experiences. Welcome to Boorowa – renowned for its Irish heritage and celebrated through events like the Irish Woolfest in October with lively vibes, where you can groove to music, dance, and enjoy quirky sheep-themed activities. Walk the scenic Boorowa River Walk, perfect for birdwatching and soaking up some serenity. Get a taste of the local wine at Lands End Estate Vineyard with cellar door tastings and stunning countryside views. Don’t miss browsing through funky art galleries and wandering the streets to admire Boorowa’s historic buildings.
• And when it’s cherry season, grab a basket and get cherry-picking fun at local orchards. As for eats, The Boorowa Hotel, (“Top Pub,”) offers hearty pub meals and cold drinks. Equally beloved is the Boorowa Ex-Services Club, or the “Bottom Pub,” serving classic pub fare. The Occasional Wine Bar and Book Shop offer tasting plates of fine food and The Marsden St Cafe and Shamrock Cafe are also popular. Wrap up your day with a laid-back meal at one of the cosy eateries where you can dig into delicious farm-to-table dishes. Boorowa promises a mix of fun, great locals and hospitality and plenty of good happy vibes!

Boorowa to Young

• Distance: Approx. 45 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 34 min
• Welcome to Young – the cherry capital of Australia! Keep your eyes peeled for cherry orchards dotting the landscape and on arrival, it’s to indulge in all things cherry – picking cherries and eating them at local cafes. For a unique experience, why not visit the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden to learn about the town’s multicultural history? Stroll through the town and soak in the vibrant atmosphere staying at Travellarks accommodation. in Young. Pick cherries at third generation CherryHill Orchards or try Ballinoclash or Hill Lock Orchard and others, when the cherry season is in full swing. You can try your hand trout fishing at Blowering Dam and the railway heritage at the Young Historic Railway Station. Don’t miss the annual Young National Cherry Festival, a lively celebration of the town’s charm and culture. Young invites visitors to uncover its extraordinary offerings amidst its ordinary charm.

And there you have it – a scenic countryside road trip Sydney to Young via Goulburn and Taralga, filled with unique experiences and charming towns. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let’s make some memories!

If you think the South West Slopes sound like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.