In the Queanbeyan-Palerang region, we are lucky to have a multitude of local cafés and award-winning restaurants at our doorstep. But sometimes, we can amp up the flavour with a short and scenic drive. It’s as though the travel whets our taste buds and heightens the anticipation for what awaits. So, if you’re up for a culinary adventure, here are 3 venues that more than deserve the short journey.
The Elrington Hotel, Majors Creek
As it stands today, this quintessential country pub was built in 1913. But its history stretches far back with the original hotel having been built in 1856 during the gold rush.
The Elrington is full of charm, tucked away close to the creek, with delicious comforting pub meals at great prices, including burgers, steaks and vegetarian options such as lasagna. There are also specials like beef wellington—but perhaps what makes the Elrington a true treasure is the exceptionally friendly service. The locals are always welcoming and ready to share stories and facts about Majors Creek.
On a sunny day, the beer garden and verandah are a treat. Across the road, there is a lush park sheltered by huge trees, making it the perfect spot for kids and dogs to run around. Want to linger longer? There is accommodation available here, including camping and caravan sites.
Open every day except Monday.
Scrumpers Kitchen, Bungendore
In the historic village of Bungendore, the spirit of local is very much alive. At Scrumpers Kitchen, you can experience this in full force—as the menu is entirely local and seasonal and everything is served by the owner herself, Ruth Gaha-Morris.
The menu changes every day but will always feature hearty and wholesome dishes like lamb shoulder with new potatoes and apple pudding cake. There is often a Lebanese flair to reflect Ruth’s heritage. Choose one, 2 or 3 courses and settle into the warm, cosy space surrounded by local art and furnishings. Next door is Sapling Yard Cellar Door where you can enjoy wine tastings with cicchetti (Italian small plates) from Scrumpers.
Open for dinner on Monday, lunch and dinner on Thursday and Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and lunch on Sunday.
Casanova’s, Braidwood
Tucked down a driveway just off the main street of Braidwood, Casanova’s is a beautiful, family-run cafe and restaurant that features high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, polished floors, and custom green leather booth seats. When the sun’s out, you can take a seat out in the courtyard and see the cafe’s expansive garden filled to the brim with seasonal vegetables and herbs.
The restaurant has picked up quite the raving fan base over the years for its rustic atmosphere, friendly service and amazing food. Part bakery, part cafe, Casanova’s serves up freshly baked sourdough bread and hand-made pastries daily—as well as rustic Mediterranean inspired breakfast and lunch menus. Recently, the cafe has also opened on Friday nights for pizza and wine.
Open for breakfast and lunch Wednesdays to Saturdays and dinner on Fridays.
BONUS: Walsh’s Hotel Queanbeyan
For most of us, this is merely a short drive away—and the minutes quickly fade into distant memory when the legendary Surf n Turf comes out. Typically, your rump steak might come with a prawn topper but at Michael’s Restaurant inside Walsh’s Hotel—it will be served with pan-fried soft shell crab, mussels, tiger prawns AND salt ‘n’ pepper calamari.
At Michael’s, 20 years of business have earned them a very high reputation. The team at Michael’s have a strong commitment to the finest ingredients; they visit the markets daily and get their seafood fresh from Sydney.
Walsh’s Hotel is noteworthy in itself. It was the first pub in Queanbeyan, opening as the Globe Hotel in 1885. Though we could debate whether Queanbeyan is still a country town or not, there’s no questioning that the pubs here boast good old-fashioned hospitality and incredible pub fare.
Open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday with bookings at 02 6297 1001.
Written by Thuc Do, Fiction Agency, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.