Sam McClymont enjoys the ultimate weekend reset in charming Gundaroo, NSW
You know that feeling when the calendar is bursting, your mind won't stop racing, and your to-do list has a to-do list?
Sam McClymont has found the ultimate reset button. All it takes is a tank of fuel, an open road, and a little town called Gundaroo.
Location:
Gundaroo, NSW
Info and Costs:
Cork Street Cafe www.corkstreetcafe.com
Open Thurs - Sun, 9am to 8pm
Sally Paskins' Store www.sallypaskinsstore.com
Open Sat & Sun, 11am to 4:30pm or by appointment
Gundog Estate www.gundogestate.com.au
Cellar door open Fri – Sun, 11am to 5pm
Tastings start at $15pp
The Gundaroo Inn www.gundarooinn.com.au
Open Wednesday - Sunday
Bushfield Farm Camels www.bushfieldfarmcamels.com.au
Ultimate Camel Experience costs $75pp including camel ride & farm animal feeding
Old Saint Luke's Studio www.oldsaintlukesstudio.com.au
Pottery classes run across 8 weeks & cost $560pp
Gallery open by appointment with open studio twice a year
Prices and information correct at 21.02.26
Highlights:
Located just 30 minutes north of Canberra's CBD, Gundaroo is a heritage-listed 19th-century village where every wall has a story to tell. It's a place where the clocks slow down, and the community spirit is as thick as the local Shiraz.
The heartbeat of the village is Cork Street, and in the old police stables, Sam found a rustic café with the 'best pizza around'. In the 1886 general store, Sally Paskins is a treasure trove of antiques and homewares. The old Royal Hotel has been beautifully restored and houses the award winning Grazing restaurant and Gundog Estate cellar door. Sam tried the Gundaroo Riesling made from grapes grown just down the road.
A short meander up the road Sam met Ron, the unofficial mayor, at the Gundaroo Inn. There were plenty of yarns told and loads of country hospitality over a meal and a beer. Ron explained that Gundaroo is a unique place to live; in a town of 500 people, there are 30 community groups, and the locals run everything themselves, with strong community pride.
Beyond the main street, Sam visited Bushfield Farm where you can trade the car for a camel and trek through scenic local paddocks, a fun outing for the whole family. For those who might prefer art over camels, renowned local potter Ian Jones has lovingly restored an 1848 stone church, once abandoned, into a studio and gallery. He hosts classes, open studios and gallery visits by appointment.
Gundaroo isn't just a day trip from Canberra, it's a hidden gem full of heart, heritage, and hospitality that reminds you exactly what "community" is supposed to feel like.
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