Young is Australia's cherry capital. Around 600,000 cases of the juicy red balls are picked every season for domestic and international consumption. Apricots, plums, peaches and nectarines also thrive in local conditions.
When the fruit are in season, many orchards are open for visitors who enjoy picking their own fruit. The whole family can be involved and the price is right. Kelly Landry joined in the fun at Cherry Haven orchard and might just have eaten a few on the way.
Another reason for Kelly visiting Young was to meet sheep and cattle farmer Kieran Davidson, who is looking for love on the current Nine Network series
Farmer Wants a Wife. Who better to show off Young?
They started the tour for a chat at Art of Espresso. The Capra family opted for a tree change 11 years ago, and they have expanded and relocated to include an espresso bar, roastery and training centre. Their business typifies the sort of thing changing the face of Young, one of the fastest growing regional towns in NSW.
Over the Capras' delicious coffee, Kelly and Kieran talked about the difficulties in finding the right mate anywhere, let along in country towns. Working the farm takes so much time and it has to be just the right person who will adjust to country life. There is so much to offer, but it just may not be right for those hankering for the bright lights of the city.
Next spot was a visit to the Chinese Tribute Garden. It's in Lambing Flat, around 4km from town and the garden is beautiful and tranquil. Pack a picnic or the makings of a barbecue for an outing you're sure to enjoy.
The garden is reached by crossing a bridge and passing marble lion sculptures guarding the entrance. The garden opened in 1996 in recognition of the contribution the Chinese community made to the settlement of Young in the 1860s. They arrived for the gold rush and have contributed to not just the Young community but the country as a whole.
It's well established and a delightful place to wander through the gardens and absorb the serenity of the Pool of Tranquillity.
This year's National Cherry Festival will run between December 2 and 4.
It's just not the done thing to visit a country town without visiting a pub, and Kieran took Kelly to the little town of Bribbaree, 40km from Young. The Railway Hotel has been a community gathering place since the 1930s. It offers counter meals, darts, pool and a friendly vibe. Farmers call in to wash the dust from their throats, and these days spend quite a bit of time ribbing Kieran about being a television star!
Related video: Farmer Kieran takes his date to Young
Location
Young, a two-hour drive from Canberra.
Cost
Cherry Haven entry is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Cherries are $10 a kilo. You receive a free entry card for your next visit for each 5kg single purchase.
Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden is open between 10am and sunset.
Virgin Blue has one-way flights to Canberra from:
- Melbourne $114
- Brisbane $119
- Adelaide $154
- Perth $259
There are limited seats, which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at March 24, 2011, and are subject to change.
Hertz has a great range of vehicles and rates. For full details, visit www.hertz.com.au.
The Farmer Wants a Wife finale will air on Wednesday at 8.30pm on Nine and WIN.
Prices correct at March 24, 2011.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Hertz
Ph: 133 039
www.hertz.com.au
Art of Espresso
35 Main Street
Young, NSW 2594
Ph: (02) 6382 1151
www.artofespresso.com.au
sales@artofespresso.com.au
Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden
Pitstone Road
Young, NSW 2594
Ph: (02) 6382 3394
Railway Hotel
Weedallion Street
Bribbaree, NSW 2594
Ph: (02) 6383 2414
Cherry Haven Orchards
3850 Olympic Highway North
Young, NSW 2594
Ph: (02) 6382 4023
www.cherryhavenorchards.com.au
info@cherryhavenorchards.com.au
National Cherry Festival
www.visityoung.com.au
