Bungendore

Turalla Truffles - Credit: Damian Robinson

Things to do

The Wood Works Gallery is a local institution, showcasing some of the finest wood art, sculpture and contemporary furniture in Australia. After exploring its collection, you can look around the town’s galleries, gift shops and antique stores such as Village Antiques to unearth great vintage vinyl, bric-a-brac, local art and pottery.

Australian-made wood art made on display at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery in Bungendore, Queanbeyan

Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, Bungendore

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.

The Old Stone House in Bungendore, Queanbeyan in Country NSW

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 Le Tres Bon, a French bistro inside a farmhouse. Curl up with a cosy fireside drink at The George Bar & Dining.

The Contentious Character at Wamboin in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

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.

People hunting Truffle at Turalla Truffles Tour in Bungendore, Country

Turalla Truffles Tour, Bungendore

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-min drive south of Bungendore.

Getting there

Bungendore is just under three hours’ drive from Sydney and 40 mins from Canberra. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes around 3 hours and 30 mins, 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.