"Braidwood" Braidwood by tiabunna

Braidwood Travel Guide: 66 reviews and 236 photos

Classic cars pass the Braidwood Hotel. - Braidwood

Historic Gem of the NSW Southern Tablelands

It would be somewhat remiss not to have a travel page on our 'local' town, just up the road a little. So this is a start - from here, it's likely to continue as a 'work in progress' with additions from time to time.

View across the Braidwood district.

So, where is Braidwood? You'll find it on the King's Highway, roughly half way between Canberra and Bateman's Bay on the coast, and 80 km south of Goulburn. It's about 300km south west of Sydney. The town has a population of about 1100 and is 600M above sea level.

The first European settlement in Braidwood was in the 1820s, which makes it older than most Australian capital cities! Cattle and sheep properties were established in the 1820s and 1830s, but life around here was pretty quiet until gold was found in 1851. Then the town and surrounding villages expanded rapidly. Eventually the gold ran out and the area reverted back to being a centre for primary industries, mainly beef cattle.

The area has more than its share of history. The champion racehorse 'Archer' (winner of the first two Melbourne Cup races in the 1850s) came from this area. Following the goldrush, in the 1860s, fast horses were also a key requirement for the bushrangers, most notably the Clarke Brothers and their gang, who created considerable problems in the district. Interestingly, "bushrangers" returned in the 1960s, when the film "Ned Kelly" was made here, starring Mick Jagger (unlikely as it may seem!).

Today the town is notable for its nineteenth century buildings, from grand country estates to workers' cottages and various public buildings. The town is listed by the National Trust and recently became the first entire town in New South Wales to be given State Heritage Listing by the State Government. It is a popular stop for motorists travelling between Canberra and the coast. The town also is known for its annual "Hanging of the Quilts" weekend - I now have added a travelogue of photos from the 2006 event.

New 'to do' and restaurant tips added February 2008.

Find out more here

The Tourist Information Office is across the road.

The surrounding area takes in the Shoalhaven River valley and surrounding mountains, much of which are National Parks. Visiting some of the scenic attractions of the area is well worthwhile, either as a motoring tour or as bushwalks. For more information on Braidwood and district, this is the local tourist office website.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Pleasant, scenic and historic town.
Cons:But the bright lights are few and far between.
In a nutshell:Quiet but comfortable

Intro Updated Feb 6, 2008
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Reviews (18)

St Andrew's Anglican Church, Braidwood - Braidwood

2 x St Andrew’s! Things to Do (10)

Braidwood has more operating churches (3) than pubs (only 2 of those), which may show what a God-fearing community this... more travel advice

A slightly different lunch stop Restaurants (1)

Writing restaurant tips for Braidwood is perilous, as some come and go while others change ownership. And so it is with... more travel advice

The Braidwood Hotel Things to Do (10)

As you enter Braidwood on the main road from the north, you turn right into the main street, Wallace Street, then ascend... more travel advice

Miners' cottages from the 1800s - Braidwood

Houses from the 1800s Things to Do (10)

Australia has no houses, or any other building, from before the 1800s. Even houses from the 1800s now are seen as having... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (46)

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starship Sep 17, 2009 at 8:29 AM

What a lovely place to live! Love the quilts! The lure of living at the beach must have been quite strong for it to take you away from Braidwood!
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BruceDunning Jul 15, 2009 at 3:18 PM

It looks to be a wonderful town and has a lot of hidden gems to see. Plus you are edged in between the town big cities. Great job
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mvtouring Jul 14, 2009 at 1:45 AM

Lovely tips you have here. Loved the quilts tip ;-)
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ViajesdelMundo Jun 2, 2009 at 12:31 PM

Nice group on the QUILTS! I hv some friends who make them here for the sick children in hospital.
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australia2 Apr 9, 2009 at 8:39 AM

NOW I know were Braidwood is! Hence Kangaroo Valley. I hitch-hiked through there from Nowra Naval Base a hundred years ago !! Beautiful location.
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Jenniflower Mar 31, 2009 at 3:36 AM

How interesting! Braidwood has such a lovely feel... had a good chuckle too. Love those quilt hangings - wow!
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Mikebb Mar 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM

Hi George, A very nice hometown. In the mid 90's I used to visit Batemans Bay on business. Have driven the BB / Canberra road early morning (icy in winter) but cannot recall Braidwood.
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lynnehamman Feb 7, 2009 at 2:16 PM

We are thinking about taking a drive to Canberra one weekend. Your Braidwod page is very informative- lovely historical buildings to see. Good pictures too.-Thanks George
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Trekki Feb 1, 2009 at 12:29 AM

Oh my god... how come that I never visited Braidwood? Shame on me. These quilt hangings are fantastic! I should come and learn how to make these :-)) Haha, laughed about the ratio pubs:churches and want to eat in the cafe!
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AusPinay Jan 31, 2009 at 4:26 AM

Great page! Will remember to check your town when we return to Canberra! We were there again Aus Day long wkd mate!