Just relax, or get out and explore the historic twin towns of Harden - Murrumburrah, the villages of Galong, Kingsvale, Jugiong and Wombat,
 and the beautiful, neighbouring Hilltops region of New South Wales, Australia

updated 4 July 2009

JULY: Consistent autumn and winter rain has greened the countryside and spring and summer crops look promising. Crisp mild days with ever-changing wispy high cloud patterns are ideal for sport, exploring and photography.  Wander through the botanic garden at Stocks Native Nursery, followed by lunch or tea at the glass-walled cafe.  Stroll around the historic buildings and specialty shops in Murrumburrah. Bring your binoculars to marvel at the brilliant stars.  Enjoy dinner with your friends or partner, and fill your glass with one of a dozen top local red or white wines in front of the fire at the Commercial Hotel in Murrumburrah (bookings 6386 2210).

Harden-Murrumburrah nestles amid the 'Hilltops' district - the softly rippling hills of the Southwest Slopes region of New South Wales. It  is an easy 340 km drive from Sydney (3.5 hours from the CBD), 285 km from Wollongong, 125 km (90 minutes) from Canberra and 135 km from Wagga Wagga. The Burley Griffin Way slices through Harden-Murrumburrah linking Sydney and the Riverina, Temora, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Adelaide. This is a fast, alternative scenic route between Melbourne and Sydney, via the Olympic Highway and Wagga Wagga.

Harden Shire is home to 3,800 people, half living in the twin towns of Harden and Murrumburrah. The villages and localities of Galong, Jugiong, Wombat, Cunningar, Kingsvale, Prunevale, Nubba and Aurville are within Harden shire, and all are interesting places to visit. Today the district produces wheat, canola, wool, lamb, beef, cherries and stone fruit, olive oil, mustard seed oil, vegetables, honey and premium red and white wines.

Harden-Murrumburrah is a convenient and tranquil base to relax, to explore the region or attend events in nearby towns such as Binalong, Boorowa, Cootamundra, Temora, Gundagai, Yass and Young - all less than an hour away, and all with their own character. It's also a good place to break a long journey and rest.

Harden Shire offers scenic countryside, historic attractions, sporting activities, events and boutique outlets selling arts, crafts and fresh local produce. Local wines, fruit in season, eggs, virgin olive oil, mustard seed oil and distinctive flavoured honeys are of exceptional quality and freshness. The historic village of Murrumburrah celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008.

Facilities in Harden Shire include a hospital, two medical centres, pre-schools, primary schools, high school, churches, Olympic swimming pool, 18-hole golf course, squash courts, gymnasium, bowling club, tennis courts, racecourse, showground and playing fields, retirement villages, caravan park, cafes, restaurants, hotels, motels, a retreat and the Murrumbidgee River at Jugiong. Community clubs cater to sports, hobbies and many activities.

Directions
Driving south from Sydney, turn west off the Hume Highway onto the Burley Griffin Way 12 km south of Yass Service Centre, signposted to Harden (47 km) via  Binalong. Coming north from Melbourne, turn left off the Hume Highway to Wagga for the scenic route via Junee, Cootamundra and Wallendbeen, or at Jugiong and follow the signs (35km) to Harden.  From Canberra, take the Barton Highway to Yass, then the Hume Highway south until you turn right onto the Burley Griffin Way. From Wagga or Adelaide, take the Olympic Highway via Junee and Cootamundra to Wallendbeen, follow the signs to Harden. For a map, click here.

Rail services operate twice daily to Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Melbourne by XPT fast passenger train. Countrylink and Greyhound coaches link Canberra, Harden-Murrumburrah, and Wagga Wagga.

Local news: go to The Harden Murrumburrah Review
Local government: go to Harden Shire Council

Contact us  for more information