YASS Yass is the next major centre the traveler will arrive when heading south on the Hume Highway. The town has recently been by-passed and as a result the locals have got their town back. Yass is a nice town with plenty of heritage characteristics. The name appears to have been derived from an Aboriginal word, "Yarrh" (or "Yharr"), said to mean 'running water'. Yass has an impressive and historic main street, with well-preserved 19th century verandah post pubs (mostly converted to other uses). It is popular with tourists, some from Canberra and others taking a break from the Hume Highway. The Yass area was first seen by Europeans in 1821 and by 1830 settlement had begun. It was founded where the nascent Sydney to Melbourne road crossed water in the form of the Yass River. The Anglican Church is an historic and over 100 year old building. Other denominations are represented. There are two Museums in Yass. The traditional and the Railway Museum. The Yass War Memorial is represented by the Memorial Hall. Yass is a great centre that its heritage and growth ‘the glory days’ on the back of the Merino Sheep. Allow a couple of days to get the most out of this historic centre.