Driving through Braidwood usually goes by pretty quickly, reminding you that you’ve got just under an hour until you hit Batemans Bay. But, have you ever thought to explore the quaint country town a little more? To find its hidden gems and learn more about its culture? Well, here are 10 reasons why you should stop by during your next trip down to the bay.
1. Authentic French galettes from Provisions Deli & Creperie
Known well for their French galettes, Provisions Deli & Creperie is worth aligning your drive past Braidwood smack bang at midday. Offering a gourmet deli and pantry, as well as a galette and crepe menu, sit back in the sunny courtyard, sip on French wine and get a proper taste of France. Made with gluten-free Australian buckwheat flour and a range of delicious toppings including, raclette cheese, potato, prosciutto, chicken and egg, once you’ve finished your first galette, we can assure you you’ll want to stop past again on the way home.
2. A tour of Mona Farm
A luxury estate with award-winning English-inspired gardens, grand buildings, contemporary art and rich history to discover, an interactive tour of Mona Farm is the best way to explore the beautiful grounds. With the choice of touring by foot or in an electric golf cart, let their farm manager take you through the family philosophy and sustainable techniques they employ. Or, if you’re interested in staying a little longer, book a guest house and soak up the spectacular views on your own time.
3. Sourdough pizzas from Casanova’s
Family-owned and operated, Casanova’s offers rustic Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and lunch options, as well as Friday night pizza and wine. While all their breads, pastries and small plates will have you leaving with a full belly and many goodies to take home, a local favourite is their sourdough pizzas. Available from midday, think flavours like prosciutto with mozzarella, pear, gorgonzola and walnuts, or chorizo, goats cheese, mozzarella, tomato sugo, fresh rocket and pecorino.
4. Studio Altenburg gallery exhibition
Promoting fine art, craft and good design since 1978, Studio Altenburg is bound to appeal to lovers of the arts. Presenting a regular programme of exhibitions in two gallery rooms for you to wander through, the studio also sells a range of handmade craft from local artisans and beautiful gifts, clothing, books and art materials.
5. Foot-long banh mi from Vanilla Braidwood
The newest addition to Braidwood’s food scene, Vanilla Braidwood offers something different to the usual café fare. With food inspired from around the globe, you’ll find everything from sandwiches, hearty soups, banh mi, tacos, tarts and sweets. If you’re a fan of a good banh mi, keep up with their socials as their famous foot-long Banh mi’s come on the special’s menu!
6. Momos and beer at Smokey Horse
Probably not the place you’d expect to find a Himalayan diner, but nevertheless, Smokey Horse has done an excellent job bringing those flavours to life in the small regional town. Their speciality and local favourite is the Tibetan dumpling, Momo. Done in soup, fried or steamed with various fillings, it’s the perfect energy booster paired with a chilled beer before getting back in the car.
7. Sweet treats from at Much to do about Chocolate
Specialising in artisan handmade chocolates sourced from all over Australia, let your sweet tooth run wild with a stopover at Much To Do About Chocolate. Guaranteed to have everyone’s favourite chocolate, every coast trip could do with a little naughty treat, right?
8. A fresh German loaf from Dojo Bread
Specialising in German-style bread, fresh pies, sausage rolls and cakes, grab lunch and pick up a fresh German loaf from Dojo. With five different loaves of bread to choose from, plus bagels, they have everything from a crusty white Vienna to a caraway rye sour.
9. Brunch at Albion Cafe
The stand-out neighbourhood café in town, Albion will fix you up for brekky and leave you packing with fresh, home-cooked frozen meals for your week ahead. With an elevated brunch menu, including sourdough from everyone’s favourite, Three Mills Bakery, and frozen meals including lamb and sweet potato massaman, lentil dahl and roasted red pepper and lentil bolognese, you’ll be one happy traveller.
10. Meat Pie and a custard tart at the famous Braidwood Bakery
While yes, we know most of you reading this would have stopped at the famous Braidwood Bakery more than once over the years, it is definitely one to add to the list! Established in 1932, stop off for your favourite pie, sausage roll, sweet treat and coffee made exactly how you like it, with no surprises, just quality ingredients.
Want more travel inspiration? Check out our travel guide.
