Harden & Murrumburrah

Full of old world charm and historical landmarks, the twin towns of Harden and Murrumburrah are brimming with gold rush heritage, and surrounded by the vineyards and cellar doors of the Hilltops wine region. This area is also famous for the colourful Harden Kite Festival.

Gold trails & bushrangers

Learn about the colonial gold rush heritage at the Harden Information Centre. Gold was first discovered in the area in the 1850s, and the discovery drew Chinese and European miners, as well as bushrangers, such as Ben Hall with troopers in tow.

Explore the Harden Murrumburrah Museum for artefacts from a bygone era, including mining and railway memorabilia, an 1890’s chemist shop and blacksmith forge. The Light Horse Memorial commemorates the birthplace of the First Australian Light Horse regiment in 1897.

Food & wine

The twin towns are a great base to explore the wineries and orchards of the Young region, Australia’s cherry capital. You’ll find family-owned orchards where you can pick delicious fruits between from October to January. Enjoy local flavours with views and wine at acclaimed Grove Estate.

There are also delights at Barnes Store Emporium and Cafe, The Muddy Duck, Harden’s House of Honey and the Long Track Pantry. Sip and sample at the Jugiong Wine Cellar. For a hearty meal, The Sir George is a great heritage pub in Jugiong. You can also spend the night in its beautifully restored stables.

Harden Kite Festival

Visit in October for the Harden Kite Festival, a colourful kite-flying extravaganza suitable for all ages, with live music, market stalls and rides.

Getting there & where to stay

Harden and Murrumburrah are a 3hr 35min drive from Sydney, just over 90min from Canberra and half an hour from Young. Harden is also a stop on the Melbourne to Sydney train route. Places to stay include motels, retreats, apartments and the Light Horse Hotel, a classic country pub.