Braidwood – a charming little Australian town full of timeless history located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW has so many things to do and is definitely worth a visit!
With beautifully preserved 19th century architecture, wide Georgian streets and a rich gold mining history, you really feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit Braidwood!
We had never even heard of this old goldrush town until we were driving past and just had to stop because the buildings were so picturesque! Here’s all you need to know about visiting Braidwood!
Where Is Braidwood, NSW?
Braidwood lies around 280km southwest of Sydney and 87km east of Canberra.
If you’ll be driving to or from Canberra to the popular NSW seaside town of Batemans Bay on the Kings Highway, you’ll drive through Braidwood as it lies roughly halfway between the two.
It takes around one hour driving to reach Braidwood from either Canberra or Batemans Bay, so it makes for the perfect half-way stop off along the way to break up the journey.
Here is the Google maps location of Braidwood.
Is Braidwood Worth Visiting?
Despite being a major thoroughfare for Canberrans heading to the coast, the heritage town of Braidwood has still held on tightly to its 19th century charm.
Due to this and its convenient location, the small town has now become a chic destination in its own right, and is definitely worth visiting – this town is gorgeous!
If you are after a change of pace – a peaceful getaway in a historic area, surrounded by beautiful countryside with many outdoor activities around then Braidwood will be right up your street!
Where To Stay In Braidwood NSW
There is lots of accommodation in Braidwood to suit all types of budgets:
LUXURY
The Doncaster – a stunning elegantly restored Grand Hotel in the centre of town with 7 rooms.
MID RANGE
Royal Mail Hotel Braidwood – built in the 1890s, this historic hotel features in the 1969 movie Ned Kelly! There is also a restaurant and a bar here.
BUDGET
Cedar Lodge – a lovely motel 200 metres from the centre of Braidwood
What Is Braidwood Known For?
Braidwood is known as being one of the prettiest towns in the whole of NSW! Not only this, but it also has a rich gold mining history, plus it is also famous for its rare truffles!
Things To Do In Braidwood NSW
Here are the best things to do in Braidwood, NSW:
Historic Braidwood Town Walk
Do the Historic Braidwood Town Walk along Wallace Street – the main street in the town, and admire the well-preserved 19th century buildings housing boutique stores and chic cafes.
Some of the most prominent historic buildings on Wallace Street include:
The Commercial Bank
A lovely building from 1888 that is certainly worth a look at. It no longer operates as a bank and now houses the homewares store The Creative Edge.
Saloon Design House
Get a taste of the Wild West from the outside of Saloon – a boutique clothing store housed in a fantastic building.
Braidwood Post Office
A charming building dating back from 1865 – this was first the Telegraph Office and then later changed into the Post Office.
Braidwood National Theatre
Originally the town’s Picture Theatre and roller skating rink, this is a nice building from the outside. Whilst the building still bears the ‘National Theatre’ sign, this is now the Visitor Information Centre.
Public toilets are located next door if you need them.
The Braidwood Hotel
Another impressive historic building on Wallace Street is this three-storey Victorian building built in 1859.
The Braidwood Courthouse
This picturesque Courthouse was built in 1900 in the Federation style.
Braidwood Museum
Visit the Braidwood Museum, where you can learn about the history of the town. The Braidwood Museum is open from 11am – 2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
St. Bede’s Catholic Church
Located on the corner of Lascelles Street and Wallace Street is St Bede’s Catholic Church, built between 1856 and 1862. Built by the residents from local granite, it is a lovely church inside.
Plus there is an impressive bell outside of the church that was apparently supposed to be for St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney!
See the Wisteria At Ryrie Park
If you are here during the spring months, Ryrie Park just opposite the Post Office is absolutely stunning with all the wisteria.
Elrington Street:
See 1850s Houses On Elrington Street
Elrington Street – which is one street perpendicular to Wallace Street, has some historic houses from the 1850s that have been restored with the help of the NSW Heritage Office. Numbers 31, 33 and 35 in particular are worth a look at.
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church
Designed by the architect who also designed The University of Sydney quadrangle – Edmund Blacket, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church located on Elrington Street is unique in that it features some of the first gargoyles on a church in NSW.
Visit The Local Cafes in Braidwood:
Provisions Deli & Creperie
Built in 1870 this is a great place to go for some food. They also have a nice outdoor area!
Espresso Gelato Bar
Check out this cute hole in the wall cafe for some delicious coffee or ice cream!
The Albion Cafe
Serving delicious home-cooked meals with local produce, make sure to stop off at The Albion Cafe!
Things To Do Near Braidwood NSW
Surrounded by lovely forests and national parks, there are many outdoor activities to see and do nearby:
Braidwood Winery
Visit the nearby Half Moon Wines vineyard for some wine tasting and cellar door sales.
Bedervale
Bedervale is a Heritage National Trust listed homestead built in the early 1800’s – 2km from Braidwood. Situated on 450 hectares of a working cattle and sheep property, you can visit on a day trip or stay overnight in the B&B.
Terra Preta Truffles
On Sundays Terra Preta conduct truffle tours!
Monga National Park
On the drive to Batemans Bay, 20km from Braidwood on the Kings Highway you can explore the Monga National Park tourist loop.
The best walk to do is the Penance Grove Walking Track – a 250 metre loop walk on boardwalk (wheelchair friendly) where you can see all sorts of trees, moss and fern in an impressive canopy.
So there we go – I hope you enjoyed this gorgeous town as much as I did!