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 verandahs, 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, Mon to Fri 7.30am-2.30pm, Sat & Sun 7.30am – 3pm, and Fri & Sat 5pm – 9pm.
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 verandah. 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 through the Braidwood Heritage Walk
Step back in time as you wander through the historic streets of Braidwood, one of the Queanbeyan-Palerang region’s true gems, and the first entire town to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. As soon as you arrive in Wallace Street, you’ll find yourself surrounded by landmarks that bring the town’s past to life, with stories stretching back to the early 1800s.
The heritage walk is the best way to take it all in. Following the Heritage trail, you’ll pass close to 50 historic sites, from old inns and churches to former hotels, which were built to meet the demand of the bustling gold rush years.
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.
Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.