Bungendore
Bungendore town in Queanbeyan, Country NSW
Bungendore
Tucked into a picturesque valley in southwest NSW, the historic village of Bungendore is a charming rural escape. Not far from the national capital, Canberra, here you’ll find lovingly preserved colonial buildings and artistic craftsmanship along with abundant farmer's markets and renowned cool-climate wineries.
Highlights
Things to do
The village of Bungendore dates back to 1837 and many of the original colonial buildings still stand. Take a heritage stroll starting in the western end of Malbon Street and head toward the 19th-century red brick railway station, a distinctive landmark in the townscape. Look out for The Old Stone House and The Carrington Inn. Along the way, be sure to look at the town’s galleries, gift shops and antique stores to unearth great vintage vinyl, bric-a-brac, local art and pottery, such as Village Antiques, The Malbon, Phil's Emporium Op Shop and Bungendore Fine Arts Gallery.
The Old Stone House, Bungendore – Credit: Queanbeyan-Palerang Region Council
Eat & drink
Bungendore has a number of great restaurants that will suit the food-loving, wine-sipping crowd. Navigate your way from lunch at the Contentious Character, part of the nearby Canberra District Wine region, to dinner at Scrumpers Kitchen, a produce-driven restaurant with an adjoining cellar door, Sapling Yard. Curl up with a cosy fireside drink at The George Bar and Dining, and drop into Lark Hill Winery for a tasting.
The Contentious Character, Wamboin
In winter, enjoy a mouthwatering gourmet experience on a truffle hunt with Turalla Truffles and their Jack Russell dogs who are trained to seek out the elusive black delicacy. The renowned truffle farm is a short drive from Bungendore, near the southern end of the vast Lake George.
The Southern Harvest Farmers Market sells a tempting range of sustainable regional produce as well as local gourmet treats every Saturday morning. Check out the events calendar for more markets, including Captains Flat Country Markets in Captains Flat, a 40-minute drive south of Bungendore.
Turalla Truffles - Credit: Damian Robinson
Getting there
Bungendore is just under three hours’ drive from Sydney and 40 minutes from Canberra. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes around 3.5 hours, or fly into Canberra and hire a car to explore the region. Places to stay include farm-style cottages, campgrounds, historic inns and The Old Stone House , a boutique hotel built in the 1860s.
