Canberra Day Trips: Bredbo

Crepes, a Christmas shop and the one of the longest-running pubs in Australia. What’s not to love about Bredbo? Just a stone’s throw from Canberra, the town is packed with rural, old world charm – and delicious food.

Set amongst the picturesque scenery of the Tinderry Mountains and Monaro Plains, Bredbo is in the heart of Merino Country. A former gold mining area, Bredbo’s historic buildings are a reminder of its prosperous past.

Today, Bredbo is particularly famous for the Bredbo Christmas Barn, the Bredbo Pancake & Crepe Restaurant, homemade pies from the Snowy Mountain Gourmet Food Cafe and the Bredbo Inn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTQMV2Xh_nr/

Why you’ll love it

We love Bredbo because you can swap the hustle and bustle of Canberra for country life at a slower pace.

For shopaholics, the Bredbo Christmas Barn offers a huge (and we mean huge!) selection of Christmas decorations you won’t find elsewhere.

For those who love to eat, the Bredbo Pancake & Crepe Restaurant sells a variety of pancakes, crepes and hotcakes. It’s in Bredbo’s former general store building.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2AiMLgE2T/

Are you a history buff? Check out the Bredbo Inn, one of the oldest running pubs in Australia.

First established in 1836, the hotel became a safe haven from bushrangers during the gold rush. Author Banjo Patterson frequently stayed at the inn, and legend says it is the place where The Man from Snowy River died.

If you prefer crafts and local produce to history, The Bredbo CWA Village Markets are held once a month in the community hall. Stock up on arts and crafts, woodwork, home wares and local produce including vegetables, honey and plants.

If you want to experience the natural surroundings, take a short walk to the Bredbo and Murrumbidgee Rivers – peaceful spots for fishing or picnicking.

Getting there

Bredbo is a short and easy 70-minute drive from Civic. After 83km on the Monaro Highway, turn left onto Braidwood Street, then right onto Jerangle Road. You’ll reach Bredbo after about 7km.

When to go

The best time to visit Bredbo depends on what you’d like to do during your trip.

For example, if you want to stock up on festive supplies at the Bredbo Christmas Barn, visit between June and December when the shop is open.

Want to go to the Bredbo CWA Village Markets? They’re held on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9am to 3pm.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVOqhi9F-Wm/

Key details

• Distance from Canberra: 91km
• Recommended for: anyone interested in rural towns and their history.
• More information: Go to the Australian Explorer website

What’s your favourite place to visit in Bredbo? Share your recommendations in the comments below.