Nestled high in the Southern Tablelands, Braidwood has wowed the likes of Hollywood glitterati, up-and-coming artists, travellers, antique hunters, and more. It’s been dubbed one of NSW’s prettiest towns and lives up to the reputation thanks to its charming colonial buildings, rustic atmosphere, and lively streets. With a tiny population of just over 1700 and a rich gold rush heritage, the picturesque town captures a strong 19th-century atmosphere and offers plenty of adventure to out-of-towners with easy access from Sydney and Canberra. Here is everything you need to keep on your radar if you’re visiting the charming town of Braidwood in NSW.
Braidwood, NSW
Braidwood was the very first town to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2007 and a walk down its meandering streets adequately provides a glimpse of its historical past. Gold was discovered here in 1851 with subsequent finds in places like Majors Creek and Jembaicumbene. This led to a population boom of over 10,000 people which eventually declined when the gold ran out. Braidwood has also appeared on the big screen for classic Australian films like The Year My Voice Broke, Flirting, and scenes for Ned Kelly starring Mick Jagger. Today, the town may offer a more laidback experience but manages to punch above its weight with its myriad offerings for all types of travellers. Here are some of the must-do things in the area.
1. Visit the local boutiques and stores
Braidwood is home to kitschy boutiques, antique stores, speciality shops and lovely galleries making it a shopping lover’s haven. Head to Saloon Design House for some seriously chic clothes and jewllery and Sandalwood Homewares for furniture, textiles, books, stationery and unique pieces from around the world, then make a beeline to Len Mutton & Co, a country general store established in 1913. For collectibles and unique finds, head to Born Vintage Collectibles and Oldwares. Other stellar shopping spots include The Vintage Drawer, The Original Lamp Shop and Mingei Studio among others.
2. Check out the bakeries and cafes
Like any self respecting country town, Braidwood offers plenty of bakeries and cafes, serving wholesome food and excellent coffee. Deadwood is a charming coffee spot that also sells indoor plants, locally made cakes, teas and vintage wares, another spot to check out is The Braidwood Bakery, established in 1932 and dishing out a stacked menu of pies and pastries in a community atmosphere to this day. Other local cafes and bakeries that come highly recommended included Dojo Bread and Vanilla at Altenburg which offers indoor, outdoor and leafy garden seating.
3. Head to the Deua National Park
If you like to get outdoors, the sprawling Deua National Park is an easy drive from Braidwood and offers nature lovers plenty of recreational opportunities including hiking, wild swimming, birdwatching, camping and more. Another national park that makes for an easy day trip from Braidwood is the Monga National Park, home to serene picnic areas, ample walking and horse riding tracks and lush forests.
4. Go on the historic Braidwood Heritage Town Walk
To experience Braidwood’s colonial charm to the fullest, embark on the Heritage Town Walk which offers a peak into the yesteryear’s with 49 historic landmarks spread throughout the walk. The walk meanders through the main street, Wallace Street, the Eastern and Western sides of town and Garvey Street. Visitors should look out for heritage buildings like hotels, churches and museums inlcuding the Old Post Office, Braidwood Museum, Braidwood Hotel, St Andrews Anglican Church and the Britannia Brewery Site. Find the full map and more information about the walk here.
5. Shop at the Braidwood Farmers Market
Filled with fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, beef, jam, honey and more, the Braidwood Farmers Market is the place to stock up on fresh food and pantry items. The busy country market takes place in the National Theatre in the main street of Braidwood on the first and third Saturday of each month in the morning. You can also get your hands on the famous Braidwood black garlic at the markets. Find more information here. Read more about Braidwood and find accomodation options on Visit NSW.
Getting there
Braidwood is located in the Queanbeyan area in south-eastern NSW, around a 3-hour drive from Sydney with lovely, open views on the way and just one hour from Canberra. There is no feasible public transport route available and driving is the quickest way to get here.