TRAILS
Our Hilltops Region offers a host of experiences to soothe after a busy working week, or stimulate the senses and the appetite. Explore this page to plan where you'll go and what to do as you explore our beautiful Hilltops Region.
With accommodation, food and wine to comfort and cosset, we're a convenient and welcoming destination for those wanting fresh local produce, to explore history, to exercise, to enjoy the natural world or just to unwind. Treat yourself to the Hilltops food experience on the Hilltops Food and Wine Trail. Find a treasure on the Heritage and Antiques trail. Fill your lungs and stretch your legs and explore Waterfalls, Panoramic Views and River Walks. on the Nature and Outdoors trail. As the seasons change so do the landscapes. All three trails take you through rolling agricultural scenery. During Spring time our region is framed by brilliant bright yellow canola landscapes. Whichever season you choose you'll be truly blown away by our beautiful scenery.
Waterfalls, Panoramic Views and River Walks.
KOORAWATHA
The Small village of Koorawatha is your gateway to the Hilltops Region from Cowra.
Koorawatha Falls and Koorawatha Nature Reserve - located on the Illunie Range are favoured for bird watching and family picnics. The waterfalls are at their best after rainfall- diminishing to a trickle after prolonged dry periods. Note, access to the Falls parking area is by 4-wheel drive vehicles or foot only. Sturdy footwear is recommended for your trek to the falls.
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BEN HALL'S CAVE - WEDDIN MOUNTAIN RESERVE
Ben Hall's Cave, reputed to be Ben’s hideout cave has been preserved by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Situated on the western side of Weddin Mountain the cave is a sprightly 30-minute walk with a great view of the surrounding farmland. The Weddin mountains have three marked walking tracks. The walk up to Ben Hall’s Cave, the magnificent Eualdrie and Peregrine Lookouts and the Weddin Gap walking track.
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TOUT'S LOOKOUT
Tout’s Lookout is an ideal vantage point to view the scenery along a dramatic rift valley known as Murringo Gap. Morning sunrise can be particularly spectacular - especially during Canola season when the surrounding landscape is a patchwork of brilliant yellow paddocks.
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MURRINGO
A drive or walk along Murringo gap road will bring you to a small picnic area located next to the Murringo creek an ideal place to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the local fauna. Wallabies can often be spotted along the roads especially in the early morning or at dusk.
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BOOROWA
Once in Boorowa enjoy a walking trail along the Boorowa River. Keep an eye out for duck-billed platypus and Boorowa's iconic Superb Parrot. A perfect spot to take the bicycle.
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JUGIONG
Where the Murrumbidgee flows, enjoy seasonal Murray Cod and Trout fishing opportunities - ask a local for favoured fishing spots! Or bring the canoe and go for a paddle down the river. Pitch your tent here for the night and watch the stars fill up the night sky.
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Tantalise your tastebuds through the food, wine and local produce offerings.
JUGIONG
Set on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Jugiong is a popular rest stop for thousands of Sydney - Melbourne travelers; stock up on local wines at the Jugiong Wine Cellar, call into the recently restored, historic Sir George or visit the country style Long Track Pantry
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HARDEN - MURRUMBURRAH
The journey north from Jugiong towards Harden takes in rolling countryside. In historic Murrumburrah be sure to stop by the Light Horse Hotel for a beautiful meal or a deconstructed Gin board or visit the Irish Terracotta Restaurant.
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WOMBAT
The Wombat Grog Shed cellar door is open by appointment or visit the Wombat Pub for a wood-fired pizza to accompany a glass of local wine.
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YOUNG
With six cellar doors, Young is the heart of the Hilltops Wine Region, you can pick up a cellar door guide from the Young Region Visitor Information Centre located in the old railway station. For dinner visit one of our restaurants for delicious food and a glass of local wine. If you were after something a little more laid back, try a counter meal in one of Young’s local pubs and club. You will also find Chinese, Thai, Indian & Italian options.
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BOOROWA
For a classic country, culinary experience you can’t go past the Boorowa Pubs, in winter sit by a wood fire with a hearty meal and a glass of local red.
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From country towns to small villages, history is built into the fabric of the Hilltops Region
RUGBY
Twenty minutes North-East of Boorowa, Rugby was built when the Walla Walla Mines operated. The community buildings give a fine display of brick work and the two churches sit perched along the slope on the opposite side of the road.
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BOOROWA
Begin at the Classical Court House and collect a copy of the Shamrock Trail, a sixty-minute walk that will take you to many of the heritage listed buildings in Boorowa, including St Patrick’s Church & the octagonal War Memorial.
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MURRINGO
The oldest village in the Hilltops Region, Murringo has several Georgian cottages. Fine stone buildings including the church & 1862 Schoolhouse line the main road. You will find Taubman & Webb Trading Post in the refurbished “Hancock’s Store”.
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KOORAWATHA
Take the Murringo Gap Road through the range of hills to Koorawatha at the northern edge of the region. The village was the site of a notable 1860’s-gun battle between Ben Hall's gang of bushrangers and the police at the Bang Bang Hotel. Close to the railway crossing you'll find 'Forgotten Times' a small antiques business open on weekends and public holidays.
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IANDRA CASTLE
Iandra Castle built in the Elizabethan style with a tall tower and 57 rooms is a private homestead open to the public on select days throughout the year, although visitors are welcome to look from the road any time. The property also features a Barn, Caretakers Cottage and Church.
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MONTEAGLE
On a Sunday, stop in at The Rustic Maze and Country Garden, located along Jerrybang Lane. Home to a wide Federation style homestead or visit the refurbished Shearers Quarters café for lunch. Travel on through the township and view the historic local cemetery on Sads Lane.
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YOUNG
First stop is the Young & Region Visitor Information Centre the 1885 Railway Station, to collect a copy of the Rotary Sponsored Young Heritage Walk. Highlights of the walk include the Great Court House built in 1886 & the Old Young Public School in the Free Classical Style.
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WOMBAT
South of Young on the Olympic Highway is the village of Wombat - have a meal at the local pub, NSW's oldest continually licensed premises
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HARDEN MURRUMBURRAH
Follow the road through Wombat village and south towards the twin towns of Harden Murrumburrah. Distinctive church spires and towers give a dramatic silhouette to the twin towns. Visit the Harden Murrumburrah Visitor Information Centre for your copy of the Harden & Murrumburrah Trails. Built for the Railway both towns boast beautiful Brick Buildings including the Mechanics Institute in Harden’s main business district & The Murrumburrah School of Arts Building.
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JUGIONG
Visit the lovingly restored Sir George Pub located on you left as you come into Jugiong or drive up the Hill to the Catholic Church of St John Evangelist (1850s). The Roam Catholic Cemetery sits on its own at the eastern edge of the village – one particularly interesting gravestone, with three crowns on top, was wrought by the famous marble-mason Rusconi of Gundagai.
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GALONG
Visit St Clement’s Monastery & Conference Centre in a historic monastery on a 300-hectre property. Galong also has a remarkable walled cemetery of historical significance.
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