Gundaroo

Just a 30-minute drive from Canberra, Gundaroo is a tiny historic village that feels like a step back in time. With its 19th-century stone buildings, a famous pub, and a relaxed rural vibe, it’s the perfect escape for a lazy lunch or a wander through local artisan shops. The village sits on the banks of the Yass River, surrounded by rolling green hills that are particularly lovely in spring and autumn.

Highlights & What to See

• The Gundaroo Pub (The Sir George) – A legendary country pub dating back to 1860, known for its excellent wood-fired pizzas, live music, and a welcoming beer garden. It’s the heart of the village.
• Gundaroo Common – A large, unfenced common where you can see grazing horses and sheep, perfect for a picnic or a short stroll along the Yass River.
• Historic buildings – Wander the main street to see the old schoolhouse, the Anglican church (St Luke’s), and several beautifully preserved stone cottages.
• Local produce and crafts – Drop into the Gundaroo General Store for artisan bread, cheeses, and local wines, or visit the nearby wineries like Collector Wines for a tasting.
• Canberra International Balloon Spectacular – If visiting in March, the village is a great spot to watch the hot air balloons drift over from Canberra.

Suggested Time to Spend

Gundaroo is a half-day trip from Canberra, best enjoyed for a leisurely lunch at the pub followed by a walk around the common. If you want to explore the surrounding wineries or take a longer riverside walk, allow a full day. It’s also a charming stop on a self-drive loop through the Southern Tablelands.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia’s capital with its world-class museums, galleries, and Parliament House is just 30 minutes south.
• Collector – A tiny historic village 10 minutes north, home to the famous Bushranger Hotel and a couple of excellent wineries.
• Lake George – A mysterious, often dry lake with a scenic lookout on the Federal Highway, great for a photo stop.
• Yass – A larger town 20 minutes west with a historic main street, the Yass Valley Railway, and the Yass River walking trail.
• Murrumbateman – A wine-growing area 15 minutes south with cellar doors offering cool-climate Shiraz and Riesling.

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