Yass derives its name from a corruption of the Aboriginal word "yarh", meaning running water. The district of Yass itself lay undiscovered for three decades after the first settlement at Port Jackson in 1788. It was Hamilton Hume, born in Australia in 1797, who first crossed the Yass plains and discovered Yass River in 1821. However, the district was not settled until a few years later, in 1824. One of the first applications for a permit to graze cattle in the area was made by Henry O'Brien, who became one of the first settlers in Yass.

Following the outspread of settlement from Sydney after the mountains had been crossed, Governor Brisbane fixed the boundaries in 1826, within which future grants would be confined. However, Yass was not noted on the 1828 census, although settlers had been establishing themselves there. Governor Brisbane's orders in 1829 described the boundaries in closer detail and, whilst Yass was just within the bounds of settlement, increasing numbers of settlers with their sheep moved to the district.

In the 1830s settlement began in earnest. Early founders of Yass include Moses Moses, who arrived in Sydney in 1813 and built Yass Inn in 1841. It was also Moses who unsuccessfully attempted to catch Massey the bushranger in 1842. Wheat production had commenced on the farms in the district in the 1930s, mainly to fill the needs of the district itself. Cattle raising was also established, together with sheep grazing. The demand for wool from English and European markets increased and, by 1829, a number of large sheep stations had been established. George Merriman established 'Ravensworth' stud in 1865, and his son Walter Merriman, who founded 'Merryville' stud in 1903, was knighted in 1954 for services to the Australian Wool Industry. The town today is situated in fertile agricultural and pastoral country, and is noted for its fine Merino wool, and for its sheep and cattle studs.

Overview

Yass is a 40 minute drive to Canberra and three hours to Sydney's outskirts, and derives its name from the Aboriginal "Yharr" meaning running water. The first European settlements arrived in the area following the expedition by the famous explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824. Villages in the area include Bowning, Bookham, Gunning, Wee Jasper, Binalong and Murrumbateman. The Yass area is world famous for its fine wools.

Museums and Historical Sites

Beautiful Victorian houses adorn the streets of Yass, and the court house, police station, and horses hitching posts have been recognised by the National Trust as being of historic merit. The Railway Museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of the Yass Tramway. Cooma Cottage is a colonial house located on the Yass river and acts as a house museum to display the life and achievements of Hamilton Hume, the famous explorer who lived there from 1839-73. The Hamilton Hume Museum next to the Tourist Development Centre is also worth a visit, in order to learn about local history and development. A simulation shearing stand occupies the rear of the museum, along with details of Sir Walter Merriman, founder of Fine Wool in the Yass district. Cooma Cottage is a single storey colonial house located on 100 acres beside the Yass River. The House was classified by the National Trust in 1974 and is an especially fine example of Australian architecture. Many other historic buildings may be visited in Bowning, Gunning and Murrumbateman.

Natural Attractions

The Burrinjuck State Recreation Area adjacent to the Burrinjuck Dam has a variety of activities to suit all preferences. Fishing, watersports, fossil fossicking, tennis and bushwalking on the Hume-Hovell Track can all be enjoyed in tranquil settings. Lake Burrinjuck Leisure and Good Hope Tourist Resorts provide various activities including boat hire, fishing, camping and picnicking areas. Carey's Cave in Wee Jasper is amongst one of the most colourful in Australia.

Other Attractions

The village of Murrumbateman is fast becoming one of the best producers of wine in the State. Visitors can attend wine tastings in many of the numerous vineyards in the area, and during the October Long weekend there are Winery Tours throughout the area. Toombah Park Murray Grey Stud is open to the public wishing to see one of Australia's top breeds of cattle. Golf and Bowling are two of the many sports which can be played in the district. The Southern Cross Glass Studio in Binalong is worth visiting to observe the skill of the glass blowers and cutters. Locally made artglass and pottery make up some of the displays to be admired at the Sheep's Back Gallery in Yass. Take a cruise on the Lady BJ Riverboat and admire the splendid waterways of Yass, including the Burrinjuck Dam, Carey's Cave and the Murrumbidgee River.

Finewool Centre of the World

The Yass area has a long tradition of producing superfine wool, and because the area is particularly suitable for sheep grazing, many large sheep stations sprang up in the area which has a worldwide reputation. George Merriman opened a sheep stud called "Ravensworth" in 1865 and his son Walter founded the "Merriman" Stud in 1903. To this day breeders still use the rams from the Merriman stud line to ensure the tag of "Finewool Centre of the World" will not be lost. Visitors can take a trip to Kuriong Sheep Station in Binalong to experience life on a sheep farm and partake of a meal in the authentic woolshed.

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