Gundaroo: finding a taste of home in a Lonely Planet-listed town

When people think of places to visit near Canberra, coastal towns such as Kiama and Gerringong often come to mind.

But less than 30 minutes from Canberra lies Gundaroo, a historic village that feels as though it belongs in a storybook. The town also earned a place on Lonely Planet’s list of Australia’s top 500 destinations.

Established in 1847, Gundaroo is still home to just over 1,000 people. Along its main street are preserved 19th-century cottages, old pubs, former general stores and churches. Walking through town can feel like stepping back into Australia’s golden rush era.

Here are some of the best places to eat and explore in Gundaroo.

Cork Street Gallery Cafe

Cork Street Gallery Cafe is one of Gundaroo’s most popular stops, particularly for its pizzas.

The entrance is hidden along a small garden path, while the cafe itself occupies a converted historic cottage. Inside, the atmosphere is warm, rustic and welcoming. There is also a small gallery in the courtyard displaying pottery and hand-painted artworks, which you can browse while waiting for your meal.

Pizza is the cafe’s speciality, but the freshness of the produce was what stayed with me most.

I ordered a seasonal vegetable salad, and the first bite immediately took me back to childhood. It tasted like the simple cucumber salads my grandmother used to make with vegetables picked straight from her garden.

The cafe opens from Thursday to Sunday, making it a lovely weekend destination for anyone planning a short trip from Canberra or Sydney.

Here are two dishes worth trying.

Mediterranean Pizza

It is a seafood pizza topped with prawns, mussels and baby octopus. We ordered a medium, which was enough for two people.

Pizza is clearly the star of the menu. It appeared to be cooked in a wood-fired oven, as the smoky scent of burning timber drifted through the cafe whenever a fresh pizza came out of the kitchen.

The food can take a little while to arrive, so this is best enjoyed when you are not in a rush. It is the kind of place where you can sit in the sunshine and let the afternoon unfold slowly.

Greek Salad

The vegetables here tasted genuinely fresh. While waiting for our meal, we could even see some of the produce being picked and prepared.

The cucumber, capsicum and celery were crisp and juicy, and each ingredient retained its own natural flavor. I had not tasted vegetables like that for a long time. The closest memory was eating produce freshly picked from my grandmother’s garden as a child.

The serving was also very generous. It was the kind of salad that could easily fill you up on its own.

Grazing Restaurant

Grazing Restaurant is located inside the historic Royal Hotel, which was built in 1865.

Its chef previously worked at Courgette, one of Canberra’s best-known fine-dining restaurants. Grazing has now been operating for more than 20 years and is a good choice for anyone looking for a more refined, multi-course dining experience.

The lamb rump and ribs are particularly popular with locals.

Alongside its food, Gundaroo is known for the historic buildings lining Cork Street.

The town’s heritage walking trail includes 25 significant buildings, among them a former post office, church, bakery and several old shops. Each weathered wall carries traces of the families who lived and worked here over the past two centuries.

Gundaroo Colonial Inn

Built in 1873, the Gundaroo Colonial Inn is easy to spot along the main street.

It originally operated as a commercial hotel under a man named Noah. The Crowe family later transformed it into the Star Wine Saloon and Gundaroo Wine Bar.

The name Matt Crowe can still be seen on the building today. He continued working behind the bar until the age of 92, and his name became part of Gundaroo’s local history.

For generations, stopping here for a beer has been a familiar part of town life.

Sally Paskins’ Store

This tiny shop on the main street looks like a European cottage from a storybook.

Built from local materials in 1870, the shop was operated by Sally Paskins from the 1880s. She was reportedly known for keeping a cockatoo near the front counter.

The building is still full of character today. It immediately catches your eye from the street, while the interior is filled with vintage ornaments and nostalgic objects.

Anyone who enjoys antiques and second-hand treasures may find it difficult to leave.

The Gundaroo Store

Built in 1893, this brick building was constructed using bricks made on site.

It once formed part of Gundaroo’s small commercial centre and housed several local businesses over the years. Today, it is a private residence.

The Caledonia Store

The Caledonia Store was built in 1880 by William, one of Gundaroo’s early pioneers.

It once operated as a general store and became a thriving local business.

The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel was built in 1865 for the same William mentioned above.

After changing hands several times, its liquor licence was transferred to a hotel in Queanbeyan in 1928.

The building now is home to the award-winning Grazing Restaurant, where many Canberra locals come for wine and dinner.

Soldiers’ Memorial Hall

When it was first built in 1890, the hall was used as an exclusive skating rink.

Today, it hosts community meetings, trivia nights, weddings and film screenings.

I especially love the colour of the building. It is also one of the prettiest places in town for photos.

Spring is perhaps the best time to visit Gundaroo, when the flowers are blooming and Canberra’s seasonal events are in full swing.

Gundaroo is also close to Lake George, making it an easy stop for people travelling from Sydney to Canberra for Floriade or Tulip Top Gardens.

A relaxed afternoon road trip could follow this route: Gundaroo → Lake George → Tulip Top Gardens → Canberra.