Nestled in the rolling hills of the Southern Tablelands, Braidwood boasts a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century gold rush era, and tens of thousands of years before then, the Indigenous history of the Yuin Nation. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, with intricate iron lacework and elegant verandas, serves as a testament to its past prosperity. Many of its local businesses are still inspired by Braidwood’s storied past. With this one-day itinerary, connect with both the old and new sides of town.
Fuel up at The Albion Café
119 Wallace Street. Open every day, 7am-2pm.
This Café is in what was formerly The Albion Hotel, another building on the NSW Heritage Register. The complex has a colourful and challenging past; it was known for its grand parties, it was once a general store and, like the Royal Mail Hotel, it also starred in the Ned Kelly film.
Today, you can enjoy local, seasonal and delectable food on the beautifully restored veranda. Expect delights like brioche French toast (from Three Mills Bakery) with poached pear, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup and honey roasted hazelnuts and smoked Snowy Mountains rainbow trout with organic black rice salad.
Dive into history at Braidwood Museum
186 Wallace Street. Open Friday and Saturday, 11am-2pm
The NSW State Heritage-listed Braidwood Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, with thousands of artefacts and hundreds of original photos that document the goldmines of the 1850s, early settler families and more. The Museum is run by volunteers, who are incredibly passionate and full of interesting facts and anecdotes.
The Museum also has a library of local records, newspapers and family histories, that can be used for research by appointment.
The building itself is part of the town’s history. Built in the 1840s, the Royal Hotel was the first significant hotel in Braidwood. It was purchased in 1970 by the Braidwood and District Historical Society.
Discover more of Braidwood’s history on the Braidwood Heritage Walk
Lunch at Bushranger Bistro
145-147 Wallace Street. Open every day.
Found in the Royal Mail Hotel, this Bistro serves up delicious country meals in a warm and relaxed setting. Share some light eats, wrap your hands around a burger or cut into a classic pub steak, schnitzel or fish and chips. The Hotel itself dates back to 1890 and features in a couple scenes in the 1970 Ned Kelly film!
Braidwood’s eclectic shopping scene
For vintage clothing and retro decor, browse the collections at The Vintage Drawer and Born Vintage. If you’re wondering what the difference is between vintage and antique, vintage typically refers to items between 20 and 100 years old while antiques are 100 years old or older.
Get a taste of lighting history at The Original Lamp Shop. The collection of antique and kerosene lamps is extensive, historic and beautiful, with some very rare. There is no doubt that you’ll find a unique and marvellous piece here for your home. The shop also sells lamp oil, replacement parts and does repairs.
For something left of field, check out Car Models of Braidwood and one of the largest collections of die-cast models (miniature models of a vehicle made primarily from metal) in Australia. This is a haven for car enthusiasts, collectors and hobbyists, with over 14,000 replicas in stock—and more arriving all the time.
Finally, adorn your home with a handcrafted quilt designed and made by local textile artist, Bronwyn Hill, at the Braidwood Quilt Store. Each piece is unique, with some featuring vibrant, hand-drawn designs. Custom quilting is also available—to make one-of-a-kind gifts and timeless keepsakes that honour special occasions and loved ones.
Garanvale Woolshed
248 Little River Road. Open for dinner Thursday-Sunday, 5-10pm.
From a shearing woolshed to a rustic, cosy restaurant (and wedding venue), the perfect ending to a day out in Braidwood is at Garanvale Woolshed. Settle in under the fairy lights and tuck into mouth-watering and hearty dishes, including pork ribs, slow-cooked ragu and aromatic curries.
Written by Thuc Do, Fiction Agency, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.