Whether it’s a summer holiday, a cheeky long weekend or a winter escape to get out of the city, a road trip from Canberra to the coast is always a good idea.
The Queanbeyan-Palerang region is flush with sightseeing opportunities, an array of outstanding eateries and bars, captivating art galleries, and top-notch accommodation options.
Whether you can draw out your road trip by a few hours or a few days, you are spoiled for choice here.
Here are the top 10 pit stops and stays along the way from Canberra to the coast, stopping through Bungendore and Braidwood.
1. Breakfast and brunch in Bungendore
Every road trip must begin with an awesome breakfast or brunch spot to get things started off right. So, skip the meal at home and indulge in a sit-down affair just 35 minutes into the drive.
In the historic village of Bungendore, tuck into some amazing, freshly-made meals at Scrumpers Kitchen or The Gathering Café. Both establishments focus on local and seasonal produce and pride themselves on high-quality food made from scratch.
Café Woodworks is also a local gem, serving up all-day breakfast, barista-made coffee and much more. Dogs are welcome here—for those travelling with their furry friends!
2. Bungendore’s thriving arts community
Before you hop back in the car, make sure to visit Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, Bungendore Fine Art, Suki & Hugh, Water Through Reeds and X Gallery for a glimpse into the local arts scene.
Bungendore might be a small community but it has a wealth of talent and creativity, with makers in disciplines like ceramics, glassworks, paintings, textiles, jewellery and more. Whether it’s a keepsake from your road trip or a gift for a loved one, you’re sure to find something here.
3. Stretch the legs with Braidwood’s Heritage Walk
After the easy 40-minute drive to Braidwood, take the self-guided Braidwood Heritage Walk to immerse yourself in the town’s rich history of pioneers and bushrangers, colonialism and gold rushes. This walking tour takes you to 49 historic landmarks. Many of these are beautiful near-original colonial buildings that date back to the 1800s.
4. A pub lunch in Braidwood
Now you’ve walked up an appetite, it’s time for some good old-fashioned pub fare. Try the bistro at the historical Royal Mail Hotel or the restored Braidwood Hotel. Both venues not only offer delicious meals, but are housed in impressive Georgian-style buildings that were constructed in the late-1800s.
After something different? Experience the vibrant flavours of Indonesia at Java Braidwood or a café-style lunch at The Albion Café.
5. Just passing through?
If you’re keen to get back on the road, a go-to baked good is a must-do.
A traditional pie from Braidwood Bakery is simply iconic—as are the sourdough pizzettes from Casanova’s, which are the perfect size to try a few different ones!
Dojo Bread is also another Braidwood-favourite, serving up traditional German-style breads, made from scratch on-site. Their hardy and hearty breads are great to travel with so grab enough to see you through your coast trip.
6. Got a sweet tooth?
The magical thing about crepes is that you can enjoy them at any time of the day. Provisions serves up the best ones in the region; choose a classic butter and sugar crepe or go the whole hog with house-made lemony caramel, caramel honey, macadamia ice cream, grilled pineapple AND crushed meringue.
Stop by Oscar’s Donuts, started by a young 3rd-generation Braidwood foodie, for delectable yeast-raised donuts. It’s also near-impossible to go past the homemade cakes at Vanilla at Altenberg, with combinations like orange, cardamom and almond and rhubarb and coconut.
7. Stay a night in historic Braidwood
Braidwood, a heritage-listed town, is truly worth a stay in its own right. There is a range of lodging options to cater to every type of traveller.
For a warm country guesthouse experience, The Doncaster features elegantly restored rooms that are full of vintage charm and contemporary details. Established in 1905 and set on gorgeous grounds, a night here will have you feeling completely in holiday mode.
For a B&B that is truly unique, Bedervale awaits. Nestled on the outskirts of town, this Estate was established in 1836 by Captain John Coghill and is now managed by the family. You can stay in the original house or a new tiny house nearby, as well as partake in a tour to get a rare and picturesque peek into the past.
For dinner, try Smokey Horse for Himalayan flavours or on a Thursday or Friday night, join Garanvale Woolshed for some delicious American-style low and slow barbeque and burgers.
8. Stroll Braidwood’s renowned boutiques
Before you take off again, browse Braidwood’s eclectic boutiques for unique antiques, vintage treasures and collectables, handmade jewellery and beautiful homewares.
At Sandalwood, you’ll find hand-picked items from travels all around the globe, as well as pieces from Australian artists and makers.
Saloon Design House offers a vintage-inspired country aesthetic, featuring handmade dresses in signature fabrics.
After some one-of-a-kind furniture pieces? Pop into Born Vintage, located in what used to be the Old Maternity Hospital.
For a genuine country general store experience, you can’t go past Len Mutton & Co, established in 1913.
9. Dive into the region’s history at Braidwood Museum
Learn more about this diverse and significant region by spending an hour or two at the Braidwood Museum. Volunteer-run, this Museum houses a rich collection of objects and archives preserving the region’s indigenous, colonial, multicultural and 20th-century history. Adults and kids, alike, will be fascinated by artefacts like old newspapers, a 1970s telephone switchboard and Chinese relics from the 1850s gold era.
10. Get a hefty dose of nature
Mix things up by exploring some of the National Parks in the region like Monga, Deua, Tallaganda, Budawang and Morton National Parks.
Whether it’s taking the bikes out on the tracks in Tallaganda, to riding horses along the Corn Trail, or hiking to Corang Arch from Wog Wog Campground or the Big Hole in Deua National Park—you’ll have endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
BEFORE HEADING OUT, PLEASE ALWAYS CHECK THE NSW NATIONAL PARKS WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON CAMPGROUND AND TRACK CLOSURES.
*Check all opening times prior to visiting
Written by Thuc Do, Fiction Agency, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.