Day Trip to Murrumbateman: Explore Murrumbateman

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Nobody’s quite sure where the name comes from, or what the word meant in the language of the Ngunawal people, but everyone knows that Murrumbateman has its own particular cachet and charm.

A property in the area was named Murrumbateman Station and the town takes its name from this. The local Ngunawal language has "murra" meaning "hand", "murun" meaning "alive", and "murrin" meaning "man" but there is no explanation for Bateman although one local wit insists that the town's name comes from a regular customer ordering rum from a Mr Bateman at the local pub and calling out "More rum, Bateman." 

In 1821 the explorer Hamilton Hume and his party became the first Europeans to reach the Yass Plains. Hume returned with William Hovell in 1824 on his expedition to Port Phillip Bay. Settlers followed the explorers and brought flocks of sheep and sought good grazing land. By 1825 a bush track joined the Goulburn and Yass Plains. Gold was discovered in the area in the 1850s although it was a very small operation.

Sir Walter Merriman, the Australian wool pioneer, was born in the district in 1882 and attended Murrumbateman Public School. 

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Murrumbateman is the focus of the Canberra district cool climate wine region, with more than 20 boutique wineries now achieving acclaim on Australian and international tables. Every cellar door provides a different and exciting experience.

Great food and wine is available at venues scattered throughout the region and there are many interesting places to stay. From intimate B&Bs to the Murrumbateman Country Inn which boasts motel rooms right in the heart of wine country.

You can spend you days roving from winery to winery, indulging in delicious food and wine and taking in the beautiful countryside along the way and explore the region while you spoil your senses.

The Makers of Murrumbateman are a vibrant group of food and wine producers who ensure this important cool climate region stays on the map. Visit their website at makersofmurrumbateman.com.au and take your pick of some gourmet delights. Shaw Vineyard Estate is a family-owned and operated winery and is worth a visit. 

To make sure you don’t have to lift a finger during your visit, hop on a bus tour with Canberra Day Tours or experience a day of indulgence while learning how to be a top taster with Vines and Wines.

The village markets are packed with local produce and artisan goodies. Time your visit around this event and you will have a pantry full of delicious items to remind you of your visit. See mvmarket.com for dates.

Murrumbateman is the ideal base to explore the entire area, where every season has something to offer.