Explore Braidwood
The 124 acre property known today as Mona Farm, dates back to 1836 when Thomas Braidwood Wilson settled in the district with his wife Jane and their first two children Mary and James. In return for service to the Royal Navy, Wilson was granted acreage in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) in 1824, which he exchanged for 5,000 acres in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. He purchased additional land to establish the 12,000 acre family property "Braidwood Farm". Wilson relinquished some of his land to create a township named Braidwood, in his honour (which in 2006 became Australia’s first heritage listed town).
Modern day Braidwood is a mix of impressive colonial buildings standing amongst an eclectic and busy township. Located within a 3 minute drive from Mona Farm, the town is home to over 14 cafes, a number of antique shops, country pubs and a 9 hole golf course. Braidwood is an artistic hub with many designers, artists, potters and ironworkers residing here. It has also been a popular film location (The Year My Voice Broke, Ned Kelly, On Our Selection filmed at Mona Farm), and is famously the location where Mick Jagger wrote Brown Sugar.
Braidwood is uniquely positioned halfway between Canberra and Bateman’s Bay, offering visitors easy access to both rural and coastal settings. Visitors love to explore the weekly farmers markets and hunt for local artisan’s wares. A few of our local favourites and recommendations include:
Dojo Bread
The best bread in town can be found at Dojo Bread, located via a laneway off Wallace Street. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional bread making techniques, all varieties of bread are made on the premises, and often sell out! Dojo Bread is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 1pm. And if you miss out, don’t fret, a selection of Dojo Bread can be found in IGA.
Casanova’s
Jacquie and Jo will warmly welcome you to Casanova’s family run restaurant. Casanovas offers modern Mediterranean food and tapas in a beautiful setting, complete with veggie patch.
Wynlen House
For freshly picked, locally grown, pesticide free, nutrient dense and incredibly delicious vegetables you can’t do better than Wynlen House produce, open from 9am to 12noon Saturday in the courtyard of Provisions Deli & Grocery (Wallace Street near the IGA).
Provisions Deli & Grocery
We highly recommend a visit to Provisions – they stock a fabulous range of gourmet foods and breads that are ethically sourced and taste delicious!
Mr Mr Store
A modern jewellery concept store, Mr Mr features the work of store owner & jeweller Laura Miers, alongside a carefully curated selection of her favourite accessories and apparel designers. For beautiful jewels, swimwear and a range of accessories in a sunlight filled store, Mr Mr shouldn’t be missed.
Saloon Design House
This local fashion label creates stunning handmade dresses, skirts, shirts and waistcoats in the finest fabrics. This is bohemian glamour, made to be worn everyday. Stop to admire their beautiful, historic store front on Braidwood’s main street before getting lost in the whimsy of their most recent collections.
Bernardoff
For lovers of furniture and antiques, look no further than Bernardoff. Located on the main street of Braidwood, this gorgeous store is full to the brim with twentieth century design pieces and bold wares.
Braidwood Golf Club
The Braidwood Club offers an 18 course golf course and shares the facilities of the Braidwood Services Club and has a beautifully landscaped vista.