If you’re like me, you’ve probably drive through Bungendore a dozen times on the way to the coast, but never actually stopped there.
While the most visible part of the town is short and if you blink you might miss it, there is more than meets the eye in this New South Wales town only a half hour drive from Canberra.
While housesitting for a friend in Bungendore, I spent a sunny Saturday morning wandering the town to see what it had to offer.
If only I wasn’t trying to rid my life of material possessions at the moment to declutter, I could have spent quite a while exploring the antique shops in Bungendore. The one of the main strip had many eye catching items but a lot out of my price range. There’s also another antique shop just on the corner as you turn into Bungendore from the Kings Highway.
I was on the hunt for a bakery that Saturday morning, and found four bakeries throughout Bungendore so you won’t be stuck finding a sweet treat, meat pie or fresh bread in this country town. One of the bakeries even had a lolly shop attached to it for those with a really sweet tooth.
Next up, I wandered over to the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery which I’ve heard many good things about from friends. There are some very talented timber craftspeople out there with so many beautiful pieces. Again, a little out of my price range for the beautiful furniture pieces on display, but there were many smaller items that might be good for gifts to family or friends.
The gallery is housed in a specially designed building integrated around a house dating back to 1883. The gallery is constructed from Australian timber materials, such as Tasmanian Oak floors and New South Wales Flooded Gum wall panelling.
Attached to the gallery is a café, which I have on good advice serves the best breakfast in town. Other places to eat that come recommended include the Lake George Hotel, which has a nice bistro area with chesterfield lounges and a big open fireplace for those cool nights, or the La Porta Accanto Italian Restaurant. There’s also a French restaurant in town, Le Tres Bon, so there’s plenty of food offerings.
The other interesting place I found in Bungendore was a secondhand shop selling all sorts of goods such as books, records and various retro items. It would be a treasure trove for many and you could probably spend an hour or so browsing if you liked this type of place. This place is located on the main road in Bungendore on the right as you’re coming from Canberra.
While you may not be able to fill a whole day in Bungendore, it’s a good stop for a few hours on the way to Bateman’s Bay or some of the hiking spots around the area.
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