When it comes to small towns with big personalities, Braidwood is easily among the top of the class. Perched high in the Southern Tablelands, it’s long been touted as one of the prettiest towns in NSW, with a distinctly old-world atmosphere, vintage buildings, antique stores, gold rush history and a charming main street. It also holds a unique claim to fame — Braidwood is the only town in NSW to be entirely heritage-listed, arguably making it the state’s most quintessential heritage gem that continues to attract travellers who want to experience the finer things in life. It also happens to be home to a medley of year-round activities, from heritage walks to seasonal treats and local produce, all within easy reach of Sydney. Keen to visit this time-capsule spot? Here are some of the best things to see, eat and do in Braidwood for an end-of-summer getaway.
Things to do in Braidwood
With a population just shy of 2,000, Braidwood might be small, but it packs in plenty once you start exploring, offering a welcome respite from the busyness of the city. The best place to begin is along the main street, lined with well-preserved 19th-century heritage buildings, vintage-style shops, galleries and independent boutiques, where you’ll immediately get a sense of the town’s history.
The easiest way to dig deeper is to do the Braidwood Heritage Walk, a self-guided route that links together 49 landmarks across town in a surprisingly short time. Winding past old hotels, churches and public buildings dating back to the gold rush era, this is the perfect way to spend a slow morning in town and discover it at your own pace. Also in town, you’ll find a noticeable creative streak. A handful of galleries and studios showcase local artists and makers, adding a contemporary layer to the otherwise historic setting. Stop by the Braidwood Regional Arts Centre to browse works by local artists and craftspeople, and keep an eye out for music and poetry events, open mic nights and a rotating lineup of classes throughout the year, from sewing workshops to pilates.
Thanks to its proximity to Deua National Park, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had for nature lovers as well. The sprawling wilderness is known for its rugged terrain, bushwalking trails, wide-open scenery and wild swimming holes, with plenty of spots for hiking, cooling off or simply soaking up the scenery. If you want to stay a while, there are also campgrounds scattered throughout the park, so you have the option of turning your visit into an overnight escape.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Back in town, you’ll find plenty of quaint cafes and quality eateries for a feed. Start with The Albion for fresh seasonal produce and charming country hospitality then make your way to Casanova’s for quality coffee. Other local favourite spots include Concept Cafe for classic breakfast staples and drinks, the famous Braidwood Bakery for baked treats and pastries, and Java for wholesome Indonesian flavours, vegan options and a cosy fireplace perfect for cooler autumn and winter days.
Housed in a lovely restored building from 1860, Trooper’s Rest offers hearty meals, live music and wines and cocktails, while Smokey Horse is the place to go for a cosy setting, delicious Himalayan food and live music. Also worth a visit: Vanilla Catering for vibrant decor and hidden gem vibes, Nerson’s for homemade pies and fresh roasted coffee, and Braidwood Hotel for pub grub and Georgian charm.
Shopping lovers will want to keep some local standout boutiques on their radar including Len Mutton & Co for kitschy finds and quality clothing, Born Vintage Collectables & Oldwares for antiques and reasonably priced vintage pieces, and Pendor’s Realm for herbal products and tarot readings.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s also worth timing your trip around the local markets. The Braidwood Farmers Market is held regularly at the National Theatre with stalls serving fresh produce, baked goods and small-batch pantry staples. You’ll also find community markets popping up in Ryrie Park, bringing together local makers, growers and artisans selling crafts, produce and more.
Read more about Braidwood and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Braidwood is located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, roughly a 3-hour drive from Sydney and just over an hour from Canberra. While it’s possible to reach via indirect regional connections, typically by travelling to Canberra, Goulburn or Bungendore and transferring to a regional bus, there’s no direct public transport option from Sydney, so driving is the most straightforward way to get there. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.