Your Guide To Braidwood, Where History Meets Modern Style

The heritage-listed town of Braidwood is the perfect destination for a weekend away, boasting historic buildings, adventures in nature and fabulous local cuisine and wines.

The Southern Tablelands town of Braidwood is easy to love. At first glance, its spacious, inviting streets and heritage architecture evoke a bygone era, but as you stay a bit longer, you’ll discover that this NSW town is so much more than its beautiful facade. It’s also home to culinary delights (did someone say truffles?), talented artisans and national parks just awaiting exploration.

Braidwood quickly rose to prosperity after the discovery of gold in 1851, funding the town’s grand buildings, but its heritage charms are beautifully balanced with the area’s contemporary art galleries, luxurious B&Bs and chic wineries.

Listed on the NSW State Heritage Register thanks to its preserved Victorian-era architecture, Braidwood is a delight that deserves more than a coffee break on a road trip from Sydney or Canberra. Here’s how to make the most out of a trip to Braidwood, the cool country town that should be on your radar.

Braidwood Hotel exterior — You won’t miss the bright pink Braidwood Hotel. (Image: Adam McGrath)

Getting there

Braidwood is just over a three-hour drive from Sydney and an hour from Canberra, easily accessible from either city. The Southern Tablelands region sits within south-east NSW and is also just a short drive inland from the popular South Coast beach towns of Batemans Bay and Narooma.

Where to eat

Like any respectable Australian country town, Braidwood prides itself on its bakeries, the ideal first stop for a sweet treat after you arrive in town. The Braidwood Bakery , dating back to 1932, is worth any queue – you absolutely can’t beat their chocolate and fresh cream eclair, but the meat pies are also a fan favourite. Artisan bakery Dojo Bread is the best place to stock up on freshly baked German-style bread and bagels.

For a hearty country meal, Braidwood Hotel (you can’t miss it, it’s pink!), offers a roaring fireplace, Sunday roast and a convivial atmosphere. The Bushranger Restaurant within the Royal Mail Hotel is another heritage pub that doesn’t disappoint. Meanwhile, Smokey Horse , a popular Himalayan eatery offering craft beers and live music, has the best curries in town.

artisan bakery, Dojo Bread in Braidwood — Stock up at artisan bakery, Dojo Bread. (Image: Field & Film)

The Southern Tablelands climate and soil also creates ideal conditions for spirits and wine production. Lark Hill Winery , in nearby Bungendore, specialises in biodynamic, cold-climate wines; Agostinis at Lark Hill Winery, their on-site Tuscan eatery, is one of the best spots in the area for a long weekend lunch.

Time your visit with the bi-monthly Braidwood Farmers Market , held on Saturdays, to browse the stalls for delectable treats like local jams, honey and fresh produce. Braidwood is also known for its valuable black truffles, with several truffle farms open to the public for tours.

truffle hunting in Braidwood — Take a truffle farm tour at L’air du Wombat Truffles. (Image: Janine Fabre)

Things to do

Braidwood Museum is the best starting point for learning more about the region. It’s open on Fridays and Saturdays and is packed with historical artefacts tied to the area’s settler, gold rush and even bushranger past (Ned Kelly, starring Mick Jagger and released in 1970, was filmed not in Glenrowan or Beechworth but Braidwood).

As you continue along Wallace Street, the town’s main thoroughfare, there’s plenty of impressive architecture to discover on the Braidwood Heritage Walk , including the Old Post Office (built in late 1864), the Albion Hotel (home to the fabulous Albion Cafe ), the Court House and St Andrew’s Anglican Church.

The town centre is also a delight for antiquing, art galleries and boutique shops, run by passionate artisans. Studio Altenburg , within the heritage Commercial Bank building, has been family-owned since 1978 and has rotating exhibitions, plus an impressive gift shop of local crafts and clothing. The Braidwood Regional Arts Group Gallery is also a great option for affordable art.

Studio Altenburg, Braidwood — Wander the rotating exhibitions at Studio Altenburg. (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’re ready to explore beyond town, the Southern Tablelands are a treasure for hikers and walkers, with several national parks nearby. Monga National Park , about 20 kilometres from Braidwood, is home to an ancient temperate rainforest and important cultural sites for the Yuin and Walbunja people, the area’s traditional owners. Serious walkers will enjoy the 16-kilometre one-way Corn Trail walking track , an important historic route for both Indigenous peoples and settlers, but it can also be explored on horseback.

Deua, Budawang, Tallaganda and Morton National Parks are also just a short drive from Braidwood, each offering plenty of scenic walks for all skill levels. Morton National Park is home to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track , with the hike to the top offering some of the state’s most iconic views.

Couple enjoying panoramic views across to Pigeon House Mountain (Aboriginal: Didthul) in Morton National Park. — Take in the view at Pigeon House Mountain. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

You’ll find plenty of welcoming and unique accommodation in Braidwood, whether you want to stay for a night or a week. For luxury and history, The Doncaster is an excellent choice. As the town’s first hotel, dating back to the 1840s, The Doncaster has been a convent, boarding school and even a temporary safe haven during the Second World War. Today it’s an elegantly restored guest house with beautifully landscaped gardens and old-world style.

The Doncaster, Braidwood — Sleep in luxury and history at The Doncaster.

Farm stays and B&Bs are also plentiful throughout the Southern Tablelands. The dog-friendly Braidwood Farm Stay & Cafe is a working farm and offers tiny houses or shared bunks for guests. Enjoy a morning flat white on your balcony as you watch wallabies graze, cool off in the nearby swimming holes at Bombay Reserve, or join in on a horseback ride.

Cedar Lodge , a conveniently located and well-equipped inn, is a stylish and modern take on the traditional roadside motel that’s an ideal base for meandering around town. Meanwhile, Mona Farm ‘s award-winning gardens play host to seven luxurious historic guest houses, providing the perfect romantic getaway surrounded by contemporary art and sculpture.

Mona Farm Homestead, Braidwood — Stay at Mona Farm’s Homestead, one of seven accommodation options.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Your guide to Braidwood, where history meets modern style

The heritage-listed town of Braidwood is the perfect destination for a weekend away, boasting historic buildings, adventures in nature and fabulous local cuisine and wines.

Getting there

Where to eat

Things to do

Where to stay

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