Heritage sites abound in this part of NSW. Drive your way through Queanbeyan, Bungendore and Braidwood to savour its 19th century history and modern country charms.
DAY 1: QUEANBEYAN TO BUNGENDORE
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast inside or out under the trees at The Mill Café in Queanbeyan. Then head over to the Queanbeyan Museum, which sits within a 1876 building that represents the Victorian Regency Style of the late-19th century. Interestingly, the bricks for the building were made by the builder at his own brickworks nearby. Inside, look through the galleries and outdoor areas to explore the collection of memorabilia from the area.
The Queanbeyan Heritage Walk is a gentle self-guided option for exploring 26 locations that have shaped the town since the 1800s. You’ll see the Queanbeyan Showground, which was an Aboriginal campsite, and Christ Church, the first church and school in Queanbeyan in the mid-1800s. Allow about an hour and follow the helpful interactive map.
Time for lunch at the Royal Hotel QBN on Monaro Street. First built in 1850, then rebuilt in 1926, the Royal is a place of many memories. Enjoy a high-quality meal at the bistro – otherwise known as ‘pub grub the royal way’.
Jump back in the car and drive along the Kings Highway towards Bungendore for about 10 kilometres and you’ll discover the Glenburn Heritage Precinct. The trails provide valuable insights into the European heritage of Australia. Take a hike or ride the area on your mountain bike. To get to the trail head, follow the signposts along the highway and park at the Glenburn Precinct car park, on Charcoal Kiln Road. On the Glenburn Heritage Loop Trail (follow the green trail markings), you can see the old Kowen School site, shearing sheds, and even the oldest graves found in the Canberra region. This loop is 12 km so allow plenty of time.
Head to Bungendore (about 15 minutes’ drive away) for a relaxing stay at The Carrington Inn. Dinner options for lovers of charm include The George Bar and Dining and Flock at The Carrington.
DAY 2: BUNGENDORE TO BRAIDWOOD
Awake to the early morning bird sounds and stroll into the courtyard for a game of giant chess! Then head over to The Gathering Café for delicious fresh poached eggs, granola and a pot of tea.
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, the Southern Harvest Farmers’ Markets offer a delightful insight into the local region. Grab the chance to chat with local growers, roasters and makers.
Wander through the town of Bungendore using the interactive Bungendore Town Walk map. Be sure to drop into local galleries such as Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, which has been part of the fabric of the town since 1983. The building features beautiful Australian materials, such as beams and posts made of Jarrah, and wall panelling made from NSW Flooded Gum. The superb scent of timber is enough to rouse your interest in the fine wood craft. You can then enjoy a wholesome lunch at Café Woodworks.
Why not take a country detour on your way to Braidwood? First, head to Captains Flat where you can discover mining relics from yesteryear and remarkable heritage buildings. Captains Flat is nestled on the Molonglo River, so take the old mine road to the lookout for some epic views. Then journey to Majors Creek, where gold was discovered in 1851 and the town ballooned with about 2,000 miners. Each was making an average of an ounce of gold each day back then! You can still try your luck panning for alluvial gold in the creeks near town.
Now you’re about 20 kilometres from Braidwood – named Canberra Region’s Top Tourism Town in 2023. You could stay overnight at B&B Bedervale – a heritage-listed homestead and 450-hectare working cattle farm – or the elegant The Doncaster guest house, which is tucked behind a hedge and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Try dinner at the Georgian style Braidwood Hotel for great pub fare, or Vanilla at Altenburg for inspiring meals prepared with local ingredients.
DAY 3: BRAIDWOOD TO NERRIGA
Next morning, take the Braidwood Heritage Walk starting with breakfast at the Albion Cafe on the corner of Wallace Street. The Albion Hotel was built by the MacDonald family in 1872 and then named the ‘Modern Hotel’, where it was known for its excellent food. Today, the Albion Café continues that tradition by serving delicious meals in comfortable and welcoming surrounds.
Explore the many colonial buildings from the 19th century in Braidwood’s main street. Wander to the gorgeous Commercial Banking Company building with its imposing Italianate façade, behind which you’ll find Vanilla at Altenburg. Also worth a look is the Old Maternity Hospital, which was operated by Anne Gardiner in the 1860s. Anne was the sister of the brutal Clarke Brothers bushrangers. The old hospital is now home to eclectic and unusual finds at Born Vintage Collectables and Oldwares.
Find out more about the bushrangers, see an old telephone switchboard, or view Chinese artefacts of traders from the Gold Rush era on display at Braidwood Museum. Staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, you can have a chat about the people and events that shaped the district’s history.
Finish your Braidwood visit with a stop at the Bushranger Restaurant within the Royal Mail Hotel for a country lunch.
From here, take Nerriga Road for about 45 minutes to reach the small village of Nerriga. While home to a population of just over 70 people now, back when gold was discovered on the Shoalhaven River in 1851, it was a thriving town. The Nerriga Hotel is a must for a real bush pub experience. Sit out in the beer garden with a cold ale to complete your heritage feast.
*Check all opening times prior to visiting
Written by Shae Lalor, The Write Path, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.