Affordable house prices and a country lifestyle: The NSW town an hour's drive from Canberra

This week, we shine the spotlight on the town of Yass, only an hour’s drive from Canberra’s CBD, where you’ll never run out of things to see, do and try in the area.

Brimming with 19th-century charm thanks to its well-preserved pubs and buildings, there’s no wonder why Canberrans flock to Yass for a break from the city rat race.

In 2018, Yass shot to international attention when the widely popular Queer Eye television show visited the town to makeover a local resident and refurbish the bistro at the suburb’s popular Club House Hotel.

Galleries, boutique shops and dining options make for a great day out but with more happening in the town and with an affordable house price median of $516,000, according to the latest Domain House Price Report, Yass is a historic pocket of NSW that should be considered as more than a weekend destination. 

Yass at a glance

Population: 6506

Median house price: $516,000

Median unit price: $387,000

Top sales

3047 Wargeila Road, $1.6 million

4 Dairy Place, $1.475 million

70 Rossi Street, $1.175 million

1 Shearsby Crescent, $1.15 million

33 Reddall Street, $970,000

Eat and drink

Good morning! It’s time for a caffeine fix so head straight to Six8 Coffee Roasters and try its locally roasted coffee. 

One fun fact about this cafe is that it donates $1 from every kilogram of coffee and 10 cents from every cup sold to organisations working towards social change.

Only a few minutes’ walk away is Tootsie Gallery Cafe offering a place to unwind in a colourful and bright setting. Be sure to try its Frida Kahlo fresh juice, a favourite among the locals.

For our Thai lovers, Silver Gully is top of the list and for a classic chicken schnitty, head to Club House Hotel. 

And just before you head on back home, stop by Yass Valley Bakery to take away some freshly baked scones and pies.

See and do

A picnic in the park, while the kids kick a ball around sounds like the perfect weekend family activity and Banjo Paterson Park is your best bet. Named after the Australian bush poet, this park is surrounded by lush greenery and there are also swings and a playground for the kids to roam free.

To fine-tune your golf swing, try the Yass Golf Club. Or you could stop by the Yass Railway Museum and walk through the old train tracks and find out more about Yass’ rich history.

Take home a piece of the town with you and shop for antiques at Ross’ Relics Yass, or Comur House for the latest in homewares and gifts. 

Move in

View property

Spread across 1474 square metres of land, this four-bedroom property is fit for a family of entertainers.

Price guide: $795,000

Private sale

Agent: LAWD, Trish Brewer 0409 524 901