A Day in Bungendore

New to Canberra, we’d driven through Bungendore a few times on the way to the coast, but we’d never stopped to savour its delights. We decided that this had to change, and planned a daytrip to Bungendore.

Originally inhabited by the Ngarigo people, Bungendore was one of the first villages to be settled by Europeans in the region, and is located around 30 minutes’ drive to the east of Canberra.

This little village has a small population but a huge personality, with an impressive offering of cafes, restaurants, galleries and gift shops.

Come on a journey with us as we share the businesses we visited that made our day in Bungendore one we didn’t want to end.

The Gathering + Rushe Photography

There’s no better way to start your day in Bungendore than breakfast and coffee at The Gathering on Gibraltar Street. Their coffee is made with Lonsdale Street Roasters’ iconic infrared roasted beans and is sure to put a pep in your step, and their breakfast menu has a carefully curated selection of homemade delicacies. We tried the freshly made corn fritters topped with poached eggs, homemade relish and crispy bacon, as well as the perfectly proportioned breakfast burrito—so delicious!

If you’re just popping in for brunch, I recommend balancing the thrilling bitterness of your morning espresso with a fresh pastry from Three Mills Bakery — The Gathering stocks a range of croissants and Danishes.

While we were visiting The Gathering, we also checked out the Rushe Photography exhibition, featuring a collection of photos from Jerusha McDowell, a freelance photographer and filmmaker based in the NSW Southern Tablelands. To see more of Jerusha’s work, head down the street to The Malbon, where you’ll find the Rushe Photography Gallery. 

Sage Natural Living — Eco Homewares & Gift Shop

After your appetite has been sated, it’s time to browse the businesses of Bungendore, of which there are many!

Started by Louise Sailer almost 20 years ago, Sage Natural Living is a homewares and gift shop on Ellendon Street. It’s filled to the brim with ethically sourced, chemical free and sustainable living products, many of which have been produced in the region.

Wandering through the shop, I felt a little overwhelmed at the array of ethical gifting options — organically-grown bamboo basics, face and body care made with natural ingredients, and a huge range of oils, crystals and teas for all of one’s self care needs.

Bungendore Leather and trading

The next must-visit is Bungendore Leather and Trading. Stepping across the threshold is like entering a living museum of craftsmanship. The air is saturated with the warm, earthy aroma of tanned leather, accented by subtle hints of polished timber rafters and aged memorabilia suspended overhead. Sunlight filters in through various windows, lighting rows of boots, belts, hats and buckles. 

The textures and tones draw you deeper, burnished russets and chocolate browns, highlighted strategically with bright bursts of pinks, blues and oranges to make each piece unique. Though the products here are for sale, the space feels more like a curated gallery, a tactile exhibition of tradition, skill, and timeless design.

The sense of heritage is rooted in the story of Brian and Wendy Lake, who established the shop in 1994. Their passion for Australian skins and furs is woven into every beam and stitch. Over more than 30 years, Bungendore Leather and Trading has evolved into a region-loved landmark, where retail meets storytelling.

Norton Road Wines — Vineyard & Restaurant

Last but not least, on our way back to Canberra we stopped in at Norton Road Wines… how could we not!

Norton Road Wines is a family-owned vineyard, cellar door and restaurant located in Wamboin, owned and run by Karen and Simon. They specialise in growing and making small batch, cool-climate wines, and also offer a delightfully particular menu of slow-cooked meats in their American BBQ themed restaurant, Biggie’s BBQ.

We enjoyed a wine tasting on the balcony overlooking the vineyard, with rows and rows of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Riesling, first planted in the 1990s. My personal favourites were the Pinot Noir and the Rosé.

Without a doubt, Bungendore offers the perfect day trip for couples or families. After our day in Bungendore, our bellies and hearts were full—the small business owners we met showed us the best of what regional culture has to offer and we couldn’t wait to return—and given it’s located so close to Canberra, why wouldn’t we!