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Drive around three hours south from Sydney and you’ll find Braidwood, New South Wales’ only heritage-listed town. With its Georgian-style buildings that date back to the 19th century, a stroll through this pretty town feels a little like walking through history. In fact, that’s not too far off. Once the location of bushrangers, artists and movie stars (the 1970 Ned Kelly starring Mick Jagger was filmed here), a visit to Braidwood is one for the history buffs. But that’s not all – the area also boasts an art-filled farm stay and tasty eateries well worth travelling for.
Where is Braidwood?
Located in the Southern Tablelands, Braidwood is about 200 kilometres south of Sydney and about 80 kilometres east of Canberra. As you near town, you’ll drive through the countryside with rolling farmlands and quiet roads to keep you company.
What are the best things to see and do in Braidwood?
The best place to start is Braidwood Museum, where you can get up to speed on the town’s history. A collection of paintings will take you through the storied past of early settlements, bushrangers and gold mining. Continue your exploration on foot with the official Braidwood Heritage Walk which showcases all the town’s most significant buildings. Then, browse for antiques and homewares along the main street’s many stores including Born Vintage Collectibles and Old Wares and The Vintage Drawer.
If the sun's out, make your way to the nearby Monga National Park, where you can roll out the picnic rug among the gum trees. If you’re in town on the first or third Saturday of the month, the Braidwood Farmer’s Market pops up at the National Theatre with fresh fruit, veg, jams, wines and the famous Braidwood Black Garlic.
Where are the best places to stay in Braidwood?
Set on 124 acres of perfectly preserved farmland, the charming Mona Farm is hard to top. Just minutes from the town’s main street, the property offers seven stunning guesthouses, along with indulgent in-room dining experiences and on-site wellness treatments. Be sure to take a tour of the grounds where you’ll find a number of sculptures and artwork spread across the manicured gardens.
If you prefer to stay amongst it, Cedar Lodge offers affordable and comfortable motel rooms in the heart of town, or opt for the Braidwood Hotel which has newly renovated apartments in the backyard fit for the whole fam.
Where are the best places to eat in Braidwood?
This small town packs a punch when it comes to food. Start at Trooper’s Rest, one of the oldest buildings in town, for a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner. For lunch, head to Java, where the Indonesian head chef has shaped the menu around the flavours of her culture. Mona Farm also has two foodie spots in town, including the French-style deli and creperie Provisions and The Albion, where seasonal produce drives the menu.
You can also grab a loaf of sourdough to-go from Cassonova’s, sink some cold ones at Royal Mail Hotel or the Braidwood Hotel and order up a side of momos with your beer at Smoky Horse.
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