5 minute read
Nature & Outdoors
nature &
Outdoors
CAST OFF YOUR SHOES AND SINK YOUR FEET INTO THE EARTH. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BECOME AWARE OF THE GENTLE BREEZE WASHING OVER YOUR BODY. TAKE A DEEP BREATH IN AND FILL YOUR LUNGS WITH FRESH COUNTRY AIR, BREATHING OUT ANY TENSION IN YOUR BODY. LISTEN TO THE SONGS OF THE BIRDS AND THE WHISPERS OF THE TREES.
Riverbank Park, Yass
Caravan and Camping
From powered sites to free camping spots, there are endless opportunities to set up camp in Yass Valley. Yass Valley Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites, cabins, amenities and communal barbeques. Also located in Yass, are free riverside camping sites at Joe O’Connor Park, a great option for RV owners who are fully self-sufficient. Extremely popular among locals and visitors, are the camping meccas of Wee Jasper Reserves, Good Hope and Burrinjuck; natural playgrounds providing access to a magnitude of water and land-based activities.
Animal Magnetism
Snap a selfie with one of Yass Valley’s cute and cuddly creatures. Alpacas are the perfect posers; Clearview Alpacas, Blackwattle Farm and Alpaca Magic provide opportunities to get up close and personal with these adorable animals. Unleash your inner ‘Man from Snowy River’ at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback or Gooromon Park, offering horseback adventures in an authentic bush setting, catering to both beginners and experienced riders. Search for Skippy at Reflections Holiday Parks Burrinjuck Waters, where mobs of photographic kangaroos and parrots flood the parklands. While generally tame, remember that wild life can be unpredictable and should be admired at a safe distance.
Wandering Soles
Walk in the footsteps of Australia’s Indigenous and European ancestors, taking in historic camping sites and exploration tracks. On the northside of Yass lies the Oak Hill Reserve, a significant Aboriginal settlement that was occupied for over 100 years, from the 1880s. Informational signs and a Scarred Tree Installation are located near the corner of Orion Street and Cooks Hill Road.
Cooma Cottage, the home of explorer Hamilton Hume, marks the beginning of the 426km Hume & Hovell Walking Track, that stretches through Yass to Burrinjuck, crossing the lake to Wee Jasper before branching off towards Tumut and beyond, all the way down to the border town of Albury. The walk is signposted with markers, albeit sometimes difficult to see. Modern day adventurers have been known to concur the track in sections, or take up one of many other walking tracks available in villages such as Wee Jasper.
Unwind in the Great Outdoors.
Careys Cave
The Gem of Wee Jasper Set in the ancient limestone of the Wee Jasper Valley. Venture into our stunning crystal cave system on a fun tour with a fascinating and unusual approach. Suitable for all ages, easy access on well-lit pathways with minimal steps.
598 Caves Rd, Wee Jasper (02) 6227 9622 www.weejaspercaves.com Wee Jasper Reserves, Wee Jasper
Love it? Live it!
Yass Valley enjoys a diverse population, made up of generations of families mixed with more recent arrivals, joined each year by an influx of new kids on the block. Many newcomers seek the relaxed pace that comes hand-in-hand with country living, made even more attractive by the modern conveniences available in nearby Canberra. Looking for a tree change? Join us in Yass Valley.
Cute native animals and domesticated pets, culinary masterpieces and eye-catching artwork, contrasting colours adorning our landscape, memorable experiences made special by locals. These are just a handful of possible Instagrammable moments that await you in Yass Valley. Come, camera poised.
Instagram-able Shot
Burnelee Excursions on Horseback
Experience the unique beauty of the Australian countryside by riding on horseback through our 3500 acre property on the outskirts of Canberra. Enjoy viewing Australian wildlife in 1000 acres of natural bushland. We cater for all levels of experience including beginners.
320 Dicks Creek Rd, Murrumbateman info@burnelee.com.au www.burnelee.com.au
Good Hope Resort offers many relaxing or sporting activities. Be it water sports, fishing - either by boat or off the riverbank (water level permitted), camping, caravan and cabin accommodation, or just walking and relaxing by the water. Sporting activities welcomed are water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboards, biscuits and motorbike riding. Good Hope Resort is surrounded by farming properties and has the most amazing view of the stars, the clarity will simply amaze you!
1087 Good Hope Rd, Good Hope (02) 6227 1234 reception@goodhoperesort.com.au www.goodhoperesort.com.au
Yass Memorial Swimming Pool
The Yass Olympic Swimming Pool is an outdoor facility adjacent to Victoria Park and the Yass Skate Park. It provides the ideal opportunity to visit a well maintained sporting venue, whether to relax and enjoy through the warmer months, or to do some serious swimming.
Catering for individual swimmers, swimming squads and clubs. With an on-site kiosk, shaded picnic areas with barbecues, well grassed grounds, ample change rooms with toilet and shower blocks this is the perfect place to cool off in summer. Open seasonally.
Laidlaw St, Yass (02) 6226 1593 council@yass.nsw.gov.au www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au
Binalong Memorial Swimming Pool
The Binalong Memorial Swimming Pool is a 25 metre pool ideally situated on the main street of Binalong. Staffed with Royal Lifesaver life guards, a kiosk, grassed areas with plenty of shade, and this is the perfect outdoor facility to cool off during the warmer months. Binalong Memorial Swimming Pool was built by the citizens of Binalong and District in honoured memory of those who served from 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945. Open seasonally.
Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tour
Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tours is Murrumbatemans newest and most unique experience for exploring our beautiful village and its surrounding acclaimed cool climate vineyards. Our stunning fleet of e-bikes afford the opportunity to choose a day that is individually tailored to your preference and scheduled. Roll effortlessly across the undulating wine trail while soaking up the village scenery and hospitality. Ride the Village Bike.
