About Yass Valley

Welcome to Yass Valley, a thriving community made up of eight diverse towns and villages: Binalong, Bookham, Bowning, Gundaroo, Murrumbateman, Sutton, Wee Jasper and Yass.

Yass Valley has transformed into a growing, modern and regional community. We are known for our rich agricultural heritage, modern and well renowned food and wine scene and our delightful country villages and towns; where our connected community know their neighbours and love the wide open spaces and fresh country air.

Yass Valley is located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, a regional area boasting a proud aboriginal, strong colonial and innovative agricultural history. Yass Valley is located 280km southwest of the Sydney CBD, 600km northeast of the Melbourne CBD and 60km north of the Canberra CBD.

The Yass Valley has traditionally been inhabited by the Aboriginal Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Tribes. The Ngunnawal tribe covered the area which is present day Canberra, and also extends into the majority of the Yass Valley area. Wiradjuri covered a large portion of NSW, but only a small part within the western edge of the present day Yass Valley LGA. Yass Valley Council acknowledges the traditional owners of the land - the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri.

European settlement of the Yass Valley began as early as the 1820's, following expeditions by Hume and Hovell, and Throsby and Wild. Land throughout the Yass Valley was settled relatively early due to its location on the road to Port Phillip (Melbourne), as well as the quality of rural land.

The early fortunes of the Yass Valley were influenced by the success of agriculture – notably the Fine Wool industry and the Main Southern Railway line as well as Hume Highway passing through.

Yass Valley was literally born ‘off the sheep’s back’ and while agriculture has been the backbone of our community we are seeing new and innovative businesses standing up and being recognised nationally and internationally.

Sharing a border with our Nation’s Capital, Yass Valley residents have unique work and education opportunities whilst living in a rural environment. The daily commuter and school transport options that are available make Yass Valley accessible and convenient to live in the rural countryside and still work, study or play in the National Capital.

The topography of the region is extremely diverse ranging from the dramatic and beautiful hills, valleys and waterways of the Wee Jasper area, to the huge expanse of Burrinjuck Dam, the rolling hills of Binalong and the vast plains of Yass and Murrumbateman that are home to some of the finest wool and wine country in Australia.

Yass Valley is blessed with some truly stunning scenery and delightful country villages, bursting with unique experiences, where you’ll never be short of things to see and do. Nature lovers will be impressed with the range of outdoor experiences on offer – from exploring caves and bushwalking, to strolling through our parks and gardens, camping and water sports on Burrinjuck Dam.

History and heritage buffs will love the region’s connection to early rural Australia which can be experienced at our museums, historical sites and antiques centres, including Cooma Cottage, home of famous explorer Hamilton Hume.

Yass Valley is brimming with talented artists, sculptors, designers and creators following in the tradition of our forebears including two of Australia's best-known poets, A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson and John O’Brien, and trailblazing author Miles Franklin.

Yass Valley Council supports and delivers a range of services and facilities to meet the social, recreational, educational, cultural and family needs of residents and visitors to Yass Valley. Such facilities and services, combined with the welcoming and friendly locals, wide open spaces and wonderful experiences on offer make Yass Valley a sought after location for people wanting to live the good life, or just escape for a short break.

Yass & District Historical Society and the Gundaroo & District Historical Society are treasure troves of historical information and may be able to provide assistance in researching the history of your property.

Trove is a free online search service for newspapers, photos and maps.