Yass Valley located an easy 45 minute drive from Canberra, Yass Valley has its own unique charm and country friendliness. You can be assured of a warm welcome when you visit the Valley. During the early 1800's, the natural beauty and superior agricultural land of the Yass district led famous explorer Hamilton Hume and the poet Banjo Paterson to settle in the district. Today, the main street of Yass is brimming with architectural treasures reminiscent of early settlement days. Many of the wonderful heritage features of Yass are best visited on foot. Whilst walking down Comur Street you can browse through the antique shops and galleries or stop for a cup of freshly brewed coffee in a sidewalk cafe. Located just 5 minutes from Yass, you can visit National Trust Property Cooma Cottage, which was once the home of Hamilton Hume, or venture further afield to the studios of internationally renowned glass artist Peter Crisp. Yass also has many rural and adventure activities available to visitors including horse riding, paragliding, caving at Wee Jasper, abseiling, boating and water skiing. Visit an alpaca stud or a working sheep farm. Burrinjuck Dam was built in the early 1900's, as a water storage system for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The dam is a popular attraction and offers cruises, water-sports, fishing, camping, and bushwalking. The surrounding eucalypt forests boast an abundance of sightseeing and wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies and crimson rosellas, some of which can be hand fed. Yass Valley has a wide range of accommodation styles, ranging from four star motels and historic Bed & Breakfasts, to luxury hideaway cabins and farm stays on working sheep properties.