20+ treasures you can find in Braidwood this weekend

Posted on 22 October, 2020

Is Braidwood the ultimate weekend road trip? We think yes—and now, we have the ultimate road map.

The Treasure Trail allows Canberrans to ‘dig a little deeper’ and discover the hidden gems of the Queanbeyan Palerang region, including our beloved Braidwood. Created as a response to the devastating Black Summer bushfires, the Treasure Trail is your guide to creating the ultimate road trip itinerary, whatever your tastes.

What’s more, spend $20 at over 90 businesses across Braidwood and you’ll have a chance to share in an enormous prize pool, with $10,000 of gift vouchers up for grabs. It’s called Shop & Win, and it’s the cherry on top of visiting this gorgeous region.

So where to start? We have a few ideas…

SHOP

Saloon.

While Braidwood might be known for its boiled lollies and sourdough, there’s so much more to browse. And yes, you really can shop up a storm.

For one, just try to go past Saloon’s epic vintage-western inspired clothes, all handmade in Braidwood. Simply stepping inside their gorgeous store is an experience, with its grand stained glass and wrought-iron exterior (pictured above) and interior filled with more deliciously patterned garments than you can poke a cowboy boot at (yes, they sell those too).

If buying second hand is more your thing, you’ll find a treasure trove of vintage goodies at Born Vintage, located a street back on Elrington Street. Make sure to set aside time to pore through a trove of vintage clothes, knick-knacks, antiques, retro furniture and more.

Speaking of vintage and antiques, you’ll find Francophile antique heaven at Gravitas Vintage and if you prefer something a little more unique, Blue Kingdom’s impressive collection of crystals, flowing dresses, candles and books will nourish body and soul.

If you’re looking to take home a gorgeous bunch of flowers or are en route to a celebration down the coast, pick up a bunch at Bunyip Jungle. They also have a huge array of pots and vases too, meaning if you forgot a gift, they’ve got your back.

Gorgeous homewares can also be found at Sandalwood Homewares, and Altenburg & Co has one of the most gorgeous shops on the main street—think jewellery, sculpture, artworks, clothing, leather goods and gifts galore.

Altenburg & Co.

Obsessed with house plants? You’ll find greenery to fill your metaphorical cup (and then coffee to fill your literal cup) at Deadwood Café and Floristry, where flowers and plants meet seriously excellent coffee. Name a better couple. I’ll wait.

Braidwood is also a mecca for jewellery, with artists such as Alison Jackson basing themselves here, and Vetro E Metallo (glass and metal), Willian Verdon Manufacturing Jeweller, and Thompson Bespoke Jewellers offering some especially luxe browsing.

EAT + DRINK

Deadwood Café and Floristry.

After all that browsing, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite, so it’s time to eat.

For breakfast, book a table at The Albion Café, whose wholesome, locally-sourced menu (and Lonsdale Street coffee!) is sure to hit the spot. For lunch and dinner, book in at the Smokey Horse, where delicious Himalayan-influenced food can be ordered with a size of Capital Brewing Co beer, or if you fancy a classic pub feed, The Royal Mail Hotel’s Dining Room welcomes all.

Feeling snacky? The epic Braidwood Bakery has stood the test of time, serving some of the best pies and sausage rolls in all the land, according to many. You might baulk at the (physically distanced) lines, but with service this swift, you won’t be waiting long.

If you’d prefer to pick up a few things for later, make sure to grab a loaf of famous sourdough or a baguette from Dojo Bread before heading down to Provisions Deli, where you can snap up artisanal cheese and pasta or even a paella kit. Or stay a while and order a traditional French crepe. Bon appetit!

And we’re not forgetting the sweet tooths either. For the ultimate artisanal treat, head to Much To Do About Chocolate, the main street’s newest foodie experience. We’d walk you through their offerings, but honestly, we’re sure you get the picture.

Got little ones in tow or looking for peak nostalgia? The beloved Boiled Lolly is waiting, with its shelves of glass jars filled with colourful confections and ice cream scoops.

WANT EVEN MORE ROAD TRIP INSPIRATION?

Explore the Treasure Trail at treasuretrail.com.au

Photography: Simona Photography