17 June 2018

Canberra Day Trips: Discover Hall – a rural gem in our own backyard

| Canberra Day Trips
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Pet-friendly café in Hall, via Daughters at Hall.

Despite its proximity to Belconnen and Gungahlin, the tiny village of Hall (population under 300) is full of rural charm and character. Surrounded by hobby farms, it’s a perfect place to while away a few pleasant hours soaking up its rich history and fabulous country hospitality.

Why you’ll love it

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  • Before Canberra was established, there was Hall, with the village dating back to the 1800s. Numerous historic buildings and cottages including the Cooee (1900), Glenowa (1900), Winarlia (1901) and Ottocliffe (1907) are still around, as well as two historic Take the Heritage Walk which takes around an hour and a half and covers 20 heritage-listed locations in the village, including Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre located in the former Hall Primary School.
  • The Hall Markets are one of Hall’s most well-known claims to fame. They have been going strong since 1987, growing to become one of Australia’s largest charity markets showcasing hand-produced and locally grown goods. There are stalls selling food, plants, jewellery, crafts and much more, and there’s always barbecues, food vans, music and other entertainment. And all this for the cost of a gold coin donation to support Hartley Lifecare’s disability programs and services.
  • There is a small village shopping centre with a few places to grab a meal. We especially like Daughters at Hall and Wandering Goose for breakfast, lunch or coffee.
  • When you’ve had enough of markets or history, grab a craft beer from Hops and Vine or some locally produced wine from Capital Wines. Their cellar door is in Hall’s Gladstone Street. Pankhurst Wines’s cellar door is also nearby. Check opening times before you go.

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Getting there

Getting to Hall from Canberra is straightforward. It sits close to the NSW border but only around 13 kilometres from the city centre. Make your way to the Barton Highway, and you’ll find the turnoff to Hall just past Canberra’s outskirts. Take Victoria Street, and you’ll be in Hall in no time.

When to go

Anytime is a good time to visit Hall but if you’re heading to the markets, they’re on from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the first Sunday of each month.

Key details

  • Hall is an easy drive from Canberra. The drive from the city takes around 10 minutes.
  • Recommended for: history buffs, market lovers, foodies and those who enjoy a drop of local red or white.
  • More information: Village of Hall and District Progress Association.

Have you been to Hall lately? Do you have a favourite activity to do in the tiny town?

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