After spending months at home it’s time to dip back into hospitality. Jump in the car, put on funky soundtrack (or a crime podcast) and hit the road to visit one of these understated venues just outside Canberra.

Some Café Collector

Located in collector, just 45 minutes from Canberra – you may have seen the sign on the way to Sydney – is the charming Some Café.

Some Café is a ideally located for the a day trip. Head over for a long brunch with great coffee, something of the pastry kind and some wholesome-style home-cooking.

Historic character flows through the venue, while bright white interiors with incredible natural light makes it hard not to take a snap for the gram. The revamped farmhouse vibes are both cozy and comforting.

At Some Café the food philosophy is all about paddock-to-plate, heroing home grown gems. Locally sourced produce makes the drive worthwhile.

5/7 Murray St, Collector NSW

Gundaroo Grazing

Just 30 minutes from Canberra, it’s hard to even call Gundaroo Grazing a venue to road trip to when it’s more or less like travelling to the other side of Canberra.

The restaurant lives inside the Royal Hotel known for stunning country-side weddings, but don’t let that stop you from visiting for lunch (Fri-Sun) or dinner (Thur-Sat).

The food carries the heart and soul of the country with a more delicate presentation and elevated technique. Fist and foremost the food is kept local and simple.

The dining experience is homely and historic. Guests are surrounded by produce garden, warmed by fireplaces and welcomed like they do in the country.

42 Cork St, Gundaroo NSW 

Albion Café Braidwood

We haven’t got to pass through Braidwood as often as we would have liked this year. With fires and Covid limiting travel we haven’t got to visit some of our favourite hidden gems in a while!

Albion has reopened their doors just in time for the long weekend and Canberra travellers passing by. You’ll be there in less than hours drive and fed well before heading embarking on the rest of the journey down the coast.

At this family-owned café you’ll find all thing healthy with an emphasis on top notch ingredients. And wholesome like they do so well in the countryside.

In the one place taste the best of Braidwood with all their ingredients sourced nearby.

119 Wallace Street Braidwood NSW