YOUNG'S RICH CHERRY HISTORY
HISTORY
Cherries have been part of Young’s story since the 1850s, when the first trees were planted by early settlers drawn to the region’s rich soils and cool winters. By the early 1900s, cherry growing had flourished, and in 1949, the town celebrated its first official Cherry Festival, a tradition that continues to this day.
Now proudly known as Australia’s Cherry Capital, Young’s connection to the cherry runs deep. For generations, families have worked these orchards, perfecting the craft and growing some of the country’s most sought-after fruit. The National Cherry Festival is a celebration of this legacy, a tribute to the growers, the land, and the community that make it all possible.
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST CHERRY ORCHARD
Young is home to Australia’s very first commercial cherry orchard, planted in the 1870s. The region’s ideal climate and soil conditions quickly turned it into the heart of the country’s cherry production.
THE CHERRY FESTIVAL BEGAN IN 1949
The National Cherry Festival has been held annually since 1949. What started as a small local celebration has grown into a major regional event that draws thousands of visitors each December.
CHERRIES ONCE TRAVELLED BY TRAIN
In the early days of cherry farming, fruit was packed into wooden crates and transported by steam train from Young to markets in Sydney, a journey that helped put the region on the map as a premium fruit-growing district.
THE CHERRY CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA
Growing cherries here isn’t just farming, it’s an art form shaped by time, tradition, and terrain. Every cherry tells a story that begins with temperature. These fruits need a specific kind of chill, around 1,400 hours below 7°C to wake up and bloom with flavour. Luckily, Young delivers the perfect cool winters needed to set the scene.
But the true magic is in the ground beneath your feet.
Young’s deep red granite soils have been forming for millions of years. Rich in nutrients and quick to drain, they provide the ideal foundation for cherry trees to thrive. This rare soil composition is the unsung hero of cherry cultivation, creating balance, promoting growth, and locking in flavour from root to fruit.
As November arrives, the orchards begin their transformation. With less rainfall during harvest months, the cherries are spared from unwanted splitting, allowing them to mature to perfection. And the variety? A visual and flavour journey in itself. From the soft blush of early-season Supreme to the rich, dark skin of Black Douglas, these cherries come in a palette as diverse as their taste, sweet, tart, firm, juicy. Each one offers something new to discover.
The season runs from early November to late December, with every week bringing something new to the trees and to your tastebuds. Cherries remain one of the last truly seasonal fruits, a rarity in today’s world of constant availability. Their short window is part of their magic, a treat that can’t be replicated or rushed.
So, take a moment to walk through the orchards. Meet the growers. Taste the varieties straight from the tree. This isn’t just fruit, it’s the flavour of the Hilltops, captured in each bite. Scroll down to explore more about the cherry varieties grown in Young, and plan your visit to experience this delicious tradition for yourself.
PICK YOUR OWN + SHED SALES
Now in 2025… the story continues in the orchards.
Discover where you can pick your own cherries or buy them straight from the growers across the Hilltops Region.