Settlers first arrived in Upper Lachlan Shire 1840. They made hay from native grasses and cleared the land to grow wheat and potatoes. Not much has changed since then. The Shire of Villages is for people who prefer to keep things simple. It contains a circuit drive of pioneer villages, including Taralga, Laggan, Crookwell, Gunning and Collector.

Bushrangers had more or less disappeared from Upper Lachlan's hills by 1865, but their legends are very much alive today. In Collector you will find the Bushranger Hotel, dedicated to the stories of the outlaws, their dastardly deeds and their miserable ends.

Life is a lot more peaceful these days for the region's locals. Today they are masters of the art of home cooking, kicking back and enjoying life. Visitors can cycle or walk along historic trails or hide away like a bushranger in one of the many bed & breakfasts tucked away in small villages.

Upper Lachlan Shire is also home to the Wombeyan Caves.