why visit Yackandandah?

Yackandandah is a place where history meets natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape with plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether you're interested in history, art, outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the serene countryside, Yackandandah has something to offer every visitor.

Scenic beauty

Surrounded by rolling hills and nestled in a valley, Yackandandah offers stunning vistas in every direction. The landscape is dotted with historic buildings and lush greenery, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

  • Follow the Yackandandah Forest Drive starting and finishing in Yack.

    https://www.exploreyackandandah.com.au/touring-routes/

    See if you can find the magic forest

    https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/the-magic-forest-from-stanley

  • Enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, tube-riding, and stand-up paddleboarding. The foreshore is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, fire up a barbecue and experience the mountain views while you connect with friends and family.

    https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/the-murray/albury-wodonga/attractions/lake-hume

  • 130km round trip.

    Turn off at Carroll's Road Mudgegonga on the way to Bright and then come back via Myrtleford for some gorgeous views.

  • 180km round trip.

    If it's the high country and snow views you're after!

  • 125km round trip.

    Head to Rutherglen via Chiltern, then home via Beechworth.

    Our fellow historic towns offer some stunning scenery along the way.

  • There are lots of places to walk around Yack. Use the MTB trail network, or the rail trail, or just explore!

Heritage

The town is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, with many buildings constructed during the gold rush era still standing proud.

Arts & Culture

Yackandandah has a thriving arts community, evident in its galleries, studios, and regular exhibitions. The town hosts events celebrating local artists and artisans, showcasing everything from paintings to pottery and beyond.

RETAIL, FOOD & DRINK

The main street is lined with boutique shops selling unique gifts, local crafts, and antiques. You'll also find cozy cafes, distilleries and bakeries where you can savor homemade treats, great coffee and award winning whisky.

Boutique Retail

  • Item description

Services

Food & Beverage

  • Yack Creek Distillery is situated beside the upper reaches of Yackandandah Creek.  Once a mecca for settlers endeavouring to fill their pockets with gold, today the Creek is again a serene setting for Blue Murray Spiny Crayfish.  And of course supplies the water for our distinct new-age spirits.

    231 Bells Flat Road, Yackandandah

    https://yackcreekdistillery.com.au/

  • At Backwoods Distilling Co, we proudly embody Australian craftsmanship, with each bottle of whisky and gin telling a story of local heritage and innovative spirit. Nestled in the heart of Yackandandah, Victoria, our family-owned distillery is dedicated to creating premium, handcrafted spirits that capture the essence of the Australian landscape. We offer more than just a drink; we provide an experience that fosters connection and creates unforgettable moments with family and friends.

    6 Turntable Lane, Yackandandah

    https://backwoodsdistilling.com.au/

  • Bring together community over quality American style barbeque, live music, regionally sourced ingredients and high quality local beverages.

    30 High Street, Yackandandah

    https://www.starhotelyack.com.au/

  • Known locally as the 'Bottom Pub', with a real country feel, old world charm and character this pub is well supported by locals, mountain bike enthusiasts and tourists alike.

    1 High Street, Yackandandah

    https://www.theyackandandahhotel.com.au/

  • Two Sisters on High, nestled in the charming town of Yackandandah, is a delightful café that captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

    23 High Street, Yackandandah

    https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/high-country/eat-and-drink/cafes-and-bakeries/two-sisters-on-high-yackandandah

  • Our Award Winning Pies are of the highest quality and locally made!
    Our ingredients are all fresh and prepared by hand. Our Pies are made DAILY. They are filled and pressed with puff pastry for a golden crunchy finish before being delivered to our stores every day!

    10 High Street, Yackandandah

    https://gumtreepies.com.au/

  • Call 0476 071 362 to order or book at table! Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.

    13 High Street, Yackandandah

    https://www.facebook.com/gracesplacecafeyackandandah/

outdoor activities

Surrounding Yackandandah are opportunities for outdoor adventures. You can explore nearby walking trails that lead to scenic lookouts or enjoy fishing, swimming or gold/gem panning in the nearby creeks and rivers.

  • Yackandandah to Beechworth 22km

    Yackandandah to Osborne Flat 7km

    https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/murray-to-mountains-rail-trail/

  • 56km All Mountain single track mountain biking trail connecting the historic towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah.

    https://www.ridehighcountry.com.au/mountain-biking/indigo-epic-trail/

  • "Yack Tracks" in the Stanley State Forest

    https://www.exploreyackandandah.com.au/yackandandah-mountain-bike-track-network/

  • Or the "water hole" to locals.

    Popular swimming hole for locals, created during the gold rush days from dredge mining. Stocked twice yearly with rainbow trout and annually with golden perch.

    https://www.exploreyackandandah.com.au/listing/allans-flat-reserve-allans-flat/

  • The Yackandandah Skate Park is located in between William St and Isaacs Ave and across from the local swimming pool. It is a family friendly skate park and is suitable for all ages and abilities of skating levels.

  • Located on the corner of Isaacs Avenue and Railway Avenue, Yackandandah.

    The park is a popular stopping point for both locals and visitors, it features a shady playground, BBQ and picnic tables, public toilets and rotunda.

    It also has a Changing Places toilet facility.

  • Low Season: 11 November to 17 December 

    Peak Season: 18 December to 28 January

    Late Season: 29 January to 11 March

    Autumn Swimming: 12 March to 5 April

community & EVENTS

Yackandandah is known for its friendly locals who embrace visitors warmly. The community often hosts festivals and events that welcome tourists, offering a chance to experience local hospitality and traditions.

  • https://www.yackfolkfestival.com/

    Yack Folk Festival: 2025 is set for 21 – 23 March 2025.

    Performer applications open July 2024.

  • 9:00am-1:00pm on the third Sunday of each month (except March - that's our Folk Festival market).

    https://www.exploreyackandandah.com.au/listing/yackandandah-lions-club-market-yackandandah/

  • Arts Yackandandah provides a range of visual and performing arts experiences.

    https://arts.yackandandah.com/

  • Every Wednesday night at The Star Hotel from 8pm.

  • Check out the Yackandandah Cycling Facebook page for when the groups are next meeting for a ride.

  • A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

    Every Saturday at 8:00am.

    The event takes place at Yackandandah Rail Trail, Wellsford Street, Yackandandah, VIC 3749.