New Resident Guide

Hilltops is located on the south-western slopes of NSW, approximately 350 kilometres south-west of Sydney, 600 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, 140 kilometres north-west of Canberra and within 150 kilometres of the Special Activation Precincts in Wagga Wagga and Parkes. The LGA covers an area of 7,140 square kilometres. Hilltops LGA is well connected by road and rail to Sydney and Melbourne, and by road to Canberra, Wagga Wagga and surrounding regional towns in Central NSW. Hilltops has ready access to the Wagga Wagga and Parkes special activations, as well as the Inland Rail logistics hubs within these precincts.

Hilltops LGA forms the western edge of the Southern Tablelands sub-region and shares boundaries with Yass Valley and Upper Lachlan LGAs in the Southern Tablelands Region, Cowra and Weddin LGAs in the Central NSW Region, and Bland, Cootamundra – Gundagai and Temora LGAs in the Riverina Region.

Hilltops LGA has three towns, Young, Boorowa and Harden-Murrumburrah and thirteen villages – Bendick Murrell, Bribbaree, Frogmore, Galong, Jugiong, Kingsvale, Koorawatha, Monteagle, Murringo, Reids Flat, Rugby, Rye Park and Wombat. Young is the largest town (population around 11,000) with its retail and service catchment area extending into Weddin, Temora and Cootamundra-Gundagai LGAs. Boorowa and Harden are smaller towns (population less than 3,000) with local catchment areas.

Of the villages, Jugiong is a well-known and popular tourist destination drawing over 150,000 visitors per year. Wombat, Murringo, and Koorawatha are becoming increasingly popular with travellers.

Bribbaree has a historic pub; Bendrick Murrell has a recreation ground that is used for equine events; Galong has the historic St Clements Monastery and cemetery; and Reids Flat has an annual gymkhana and rodeo.

Agriculture is the main land use and economic activity, with the area producing cereal crops (wheat, oats and barley), canola and pulses; prime beef, lamb and pork; fine wool; poultry for meat and eggs; cherries, stone fruit, pome fruit and strawberries; and high-quality grapes for wine production. Other significant economic activities include agri-processing and agricultural support services, manufacturing, construction, tourism, health services and social assistance, and retailing.

“Throughout the region, we boast a wealth of entertainment, cultural, recreational, and sporting facilities, supported by local, state, and national organisations that reflect all aspects of modern life.

The true strength of our region lies in its people. Whether you’re exploring local shops, enjoying entertainment and sports, or engaging in activities, you’ll find countless ways to connect and make the Hilltops your home.”

– Brian Ingram – Mayor