Tucked in the Hilltops Region of New South Wales, Boorowa is a proud country town with deep Irish roots and a long history of fine wool production. Its wide streets, stone cottages, and welcoming pubs tell stories of early settlers who built their lives around the land and their community. This quiet town blooms every spring as visitors gather for the Irish Woolfest, a festival celebrating Boorowa’s heritage through music, food, and laughter.
Beyond the festival, Boorowa invites travellers to slow down and explore. The town’s historic walking trails trace the legacy of its Irish settlers, while nearby farms and vineyards capture the flavour of regional life. Located just over an hour from Canberra, it’s an easy detour from Cowra or the wine-rich towns of Young and Harden. Whether you come for the country charm or the festival spirit, Boorowa’s warmth stays with you long after you leave.
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On an October weekend, the peaceful town of Boorowa springs to life for the Irish Woolfest, a festival that celebrates local industry, Irish ancestry, and rural pride. It’s one of the most spirited events in the Hilltops Region, where sheep, music, and laughter take centre stage. The headline act, the Running of the Sheep, began in the 1990s as a tongue-in-cheek twist on Pamplona’s bull run. Instead of danger, Boorowa offers delight: flocks of well-groomed Merino sheep parade down the main street, cheered on by crowds dressed in green and gold.
For those exploring the Hilltops Region, Boorowa is ideally positioned between Young and Yass, about 100 kilometres from Canberra. The surrounding countryside is dotted with boutique wineries and historic homesteads that offer a taste of rural life beyond the festival. Whether you’re drawn by heritage, humour, or the hum of bagpipes echoing across the plains, the Irish Woolfest offers a genuine slice of NSW country life and a joyful stop along your New South Wales travel route.
Travelling to Boorowa is easy for those who prefer to explore in comfort. It’s about an hour from Canberra or three from Sydney, ideal for scenic drives through the Hilltops Region, where every turn reveals rolling farmland, vineyard views, and quiet towns. Early arrivals enjoy visiting the Boorowa Historical Museum or joining a short guided heritage walk before festival day begins.
Accessibility is another highlight for over-50s travellers. The festival’s layout keeps all main attractions within easy walking distance, and local volunteers are always happy to lend a hand. The Hilltops Council provides helpful visitor maps, including designated rest spots and public facilities. After the festivities, explore nearby Cowra, home to Japanese Gardens and boutique wineries, or head toward Young for cherry orchards and cellar doors.
Boorowa may be small, but its Woolfest captures something rare: a community’s heart on full display. Between the music, laughter, and the soft shuffle of sheep hooves on the main street, it’s an experience that stays with travellers long after the last parade passes.
The Boorowa Irish Woolfest is a much-loved spring celebration honouring the town’s Irish roots and long-standing wool industry. Visitors can enjoy the Running of the Sheep, live entertainment, street markets, and shearing displays that capture Boorowa’s rural charm.
Yes, plenty! The festival features regional produce, homemade treats, and classic country meals. Expect everything from lamb rolls and fresh-baked scones to locally made preserves and wines, ideal for visitors who love outdoor dining.
Boorowa’s Irish spirit shines throughout the festival with folk music, traditional dancing, and plenty of green and gold. Locals proudly embrace their heritage, creating a joyful atmosphere that makes every traveller feel part of the celebration.
The town is known for its high-quality Merino wool, friendly locals, and scenic drives through the Hilltops region. Boorowa’s heritage buildings and art trails offer a laid-back way to explore its history, making it a favourite for over-50s travellers.
Nearby highlights include Cowra’s Sakura Matsuri and Young’s Cherry Festival, both offering vibrant seasonal experiences. You can discover them through Fun Over 50 Holidays’ NSW tours, which connect travellers with the best of regional New South Wales.
The Woolfest began in the late 1990s as a small community event celebrating local woolgrowers and Irish heritage. It has since grown into one of NSW's most distinctive country festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each October.
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