Braidwood Travel Guide

Discover Braidwood, a charming town in Southern Highlands, New South Wales, with this comprehensive tour guide. From cultural and natural attractions to outdoor adventures and foodie finds, plan your perfect trip to Braidwood.


Introduction to Braidwood

Braidwood is a charming town located in Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia. Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, Braidwood is known for its colonial architecture, friendly locals, and relaxed pace of life. This guide will provide everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Braidwood, including the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore.

List of Places to Visit in Braidwood

Braidwood is home to a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in Braidwood:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Old Library Museum: Discover the rich history of Braidwood at this museum, which is home to a collection of colonial artifacts and local memorabilia.
  • Braidwood Heritage Walk: Take a stroll through town and see the best of Braidwood’s colonial architecture, with stops including the courthouse, post office, and historic churches.
  • Braidwood Folk Museum: Learn about the early days of Braidwood and the region’s gold rush history at this folk museum.

Natural Attractions of Braidwood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Big Hole: This dramatic 100-meter deep hole is a popular spot for bushwalkers, with a marked trail leading down to the bottom.
  • Palerang Way: Take a scenic drive through the rolling countryside and pristine national parks that surround Braidwood.
  • Abercrombie Caves: A short drive from Braidwood, these stunning limestone caves are a must-visit for anyone who loves natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Braidwood

Braidwood is a hiker’s paradise, with a range of marked trails that showcase the diverse scenery and landscapes of the region. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Braidwood:

  • The Elrington Track: This 8.5-kilometer walk takes hikers through the diverse landscapes of Braidwood, including dry woodland, creek crossings, and grassy plains.
  • The Bombay Track: A 15-kilometer hike that takes hikers through beautiful rainforest and past stunning waterfalls.
  • The Wombat Hill Loop: An easy 7-kilometer bike ride that offers stunning views of the region’s rolling hills and countryside.

Best Things to Do in Braidwood: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there’s no shortage of things to do in Braidwood. Here are some of the best activities and tours to enjoy:

  • Winery Tours: Discover the best of Braidwood’s wine country on a guided tour of the region’s premier wineries and vineyards.
  • Art Classes: Get creative in Braidwood’s thriving arts scene, with classes in painting, pottery, and more available for all ages and levels of experience.
  • Ghost Tours: Learn about Braidwood’s haunted history on a spine-tingling guided ghost tour of the town’s most haunted spots.

Week-Long Itinerary for Braidwood

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary that will allow you to make the most of your time in Braidwood:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Braidwood’s historic downtown and visit the Old Library Museum.
Day 2 Go on a guided winery tour of the Braidwood wine region.
Day 3 Hike the Elrington Track and enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Day 4 Take an art class and learn a new skill.
Day 5 Drive out to Abercrombie Caves and spend the day exploring the stunning limestone caves.
Day 6 Enjoy a relaxing day in town, browsing local shops and sampling delicious regional cuisine.
Day 7 Take a ghost tour and discover the spooky side of Braidwood.

Food and Drink Scene of Braidwood

Braidwood is home to a rich culinary scene that showcases the best of the region’s local produce and traditional cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Braidwood:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braidwood Beef: This flavorful, grass-fed beef is a local specialty and can be found on menus throughout the town.
  • Game Meat: Hunted in nearby forests, game meat such as venison and kangaroo are popular menu items in Braidwood.
  • Pumpkin Scones: A Braidwood delicacy, these sweet scones are made with fresh pumpkin and are served with cream and jam.

Local Beverages

  • Braidwood Wine: The town’s wine region produces plenty of award-winning wines, including Shiraz and Chardonnay.
  • Cider: Made from locally-sourced apples, Braidwood cider is a refreshing beverage perfect for warm days.
  • Beer: Braidwood’s craft beer scene is rapidly growing, with several breweries in town offering unique and delicious brews.

Where to Stay in Braidwood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Braidwood has a range of accommodation options to suit any budget or travel style. Here are some of the best places to stay in Braidwood:

  • Braidwood Motel: A family-run motel located in the heart of town, with clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
  • The Surveyor General Inn: This historic inn offers luxurious rooms and suites, along with an on-site restaurant serving delicious regional cuisine.
  • Big4 Braidwood Holistic Wellness Retreat: A unique retreat offering a range of wellness programs, including yoga classes and meditation sessions.

What to Buy in Braidwood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Braidwood is home to a range of locally-made products and souvenirs that make for perfect gifts or mementos of your trip. Here are some of the best things to buy in Braidwood:

  • Handcrafted Pottery: The town’s thriving arts scene is known for its beautiful pottery and ceramics.
  • Local Honey: Made by bees that feed on the region’s wildflowers, Braidwood honey is a sweet and delicious souvenir.
  • Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products: Made with natural ingredients and essential oils, these products are perfect for pampering yourself or loved ones.

Local Culture and Customs of Braidwood

Braidwood is known for its laid-back, friendly culture and welcoming locals. Visitors are encouraged to take time to meet and chat with locals, and to respect the town’s rich cultural history and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Braidwood

The best time to visit Braidwood is in the early autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer (December to February) can be hot and humid, while winter (June to August) can be chilly with occasional snowfalls in surrounding areas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Braidwood

Do:

  • Do take a guided wine tour of the region’s wineries
  • Do explore the town’s rich colonial history by visiting its museums and heritage sites
  • Do take a hike through one of the region’s many natural parks and enjoy the stunning scenery

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave without trying some Braidwood beef or other local specialties
  • Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for all the walking and hiking you’ll be doing
  • Don’t disrupt the town’s relaxed pace of life - take time to unwind and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Safety and Health

Safety in Braidwood

Braidwood is a safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors are advised to take normal precautions such as locking their cars and securing valuables.

Health in Braidwood

Braidwood has a medical center and pharmacy that can provide basic medical services. Visitors are advised to bring any necessary medications with them and to have adequate travel insurance coverage.

Getting to Braidwood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Braidwood is located approximately 280 kilometers from Sydney and is easily accessible by car, bus or train.

Airports Near Braidwood

The nearest airport to Braidwood is Canberra Airport, which is located approximately 90 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Braidwood

Braidwood is served by several bus lines, including Greyhound and Premier Motor Service. Buses arrive and depart from the local bus depot in town.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to rent a car in Sydney or Canberra and drive to Braidwood themselves.

How to Get Around in Braidwood

Braidwood is a compact town that can easily be explored on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or hire a car from one of the local rental companies.

Where to Go Next from Braidwood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Braidwood is located in the heart of the Southern Highlands region, which offers a range of nearby attractions and excursions. Here are some of the best nearby destinations to visit:

  • Canberra: Australia’s capital city is located approximately 100 kilometers away and offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, including the Australian War Memorial and Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Nelligen: This charming riverside town is located approximately 70 kilometers away and is known for its historic homes and beautiful river walks.
  • Jervis Bay: A two-hour drive from Braidwood, this stunning beach destination is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life.

Conclusion

Braidwood is a charming town that offers visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you’re interested in exploring the region’s museums and heritage sites, hiking and biking through its stunning natural parks, or sampling its delicious regional cuisine and local wines, Braidwood is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your perfect trip to Braidwood, and discover all that this amazing town has to offer.

The Braidwood Hotel, which dates from 1859 The Braidwood Hotel, which dates from 1859