Young accommodation from AU$65

Young was originally called Lambing Flat because it was an area reserved for lambing ewes. Anti-Chinese race riots, goldmining and bushrangers have all made up parts of the history of Young. Now, it's part of the Hilltops wine region, and hosts the annual National Cherry Festival. This three day celebration has been running since 1950. Each December, the town springs to life with a street parade, market stalls, a cherry pie eating contest, a cherry pip spitting competition, and many other events. The annual Lambing Flat Chinese Festival is another popular local festival, which commemorates the friendship between Australians and Chinese, and the contribution that the Chinese migrants made towards the development of this nation during the gold rush. If you're here in September, make sure you attend the Young Annual Show, which showcases country life in the town.

Young is most famous for its stone fruit orchards, wineries and gourmet food. In November and December, you can hit up the local orchards and pick your own cherries. The Young and Region Farmers Market is held twice a month, and you can pick up some yummy local produce here. In town, you'll find plenty of antique stores and boutique gift shops, as well as the Lambing Flat Folk Museum, a building which was constructed in 1883, and houses local artefacts from 1883 onwards. There are two local heritage walks available and a quiet afternoon in the Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden is the perfect way to unwind. While you're in town, make sure you pop into Art of Espresso, the multi-award-winning coffee roastery/espresso bar, and the Blue Still Distillery, where you can purchase local rum, whiskey and wine.

Young is only two hours' drive from Canberra. There is a bus service available from the airport but the public transport service within the town isn't great, so it's best to hire a car. Check out our cheap flights to Canberra and get ready to explore Young and the surrounding areas, such as the quaint old-world town of Harden, or Iandra Castle, which is only 30 minutes away.

Now all that's left to do is book your Young accommodation and enjoy your holiday in the nation's cherry capital.