Escape to the country with a trip to the historic township of Gunning, a delightful base for exploring the Canberra’s diverse landscapes. Gunning offers easy access to acclaimed wine regions and the natural caves and prehistoric fossils near Bungonia National Park.
Things to do in Gunning
Step back in time with a visit to Pye Cottage Museum where you can relive the history of Gunning’s colonial era. Wander through the corrugated iron cottage and view a variety of agricultural artefacts and written records of Gunning’s rich merino wool heritage.
Explore the Wombeyan Caves, a magnificent underground maze of streams and caverns adorned with striking limestone rock formations. Nearby, traverse through a canopy of towering gum trees and vibrant ferns to see the majestic Wombeyan Waterfall, where you can often spot native wallabies and lyrebirds.
Cycle or drive through the picturesque countryside of the Yass Valley and enjoy wine tasting at award-winning wineries, such as Helms Wines and Clonakilla Wines. Buy fresh regional produce at the Yass farmers Market every alternate Saturday or visit during April for the Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival.
No visit to Gunning would be complete without sitting back with a cold beer at the historic Telegraph Hotel. Watch the world pass by from old veranda and have a gander with the locals. For a greater appreciation of Australian art, head to The Picture House Gallery and Bookshop. Set in the original Coronation Theatre, this historic gallery showcases contemporary pieces from emerging and established talents across the country.
Getting around Gunning
The pedestrian-friendly township of Gunning is a delight to explore on foot. The town is just a one-hour drive north of Canberra and 2.5 hours’ drive south-west of Sydney. Gunning Railway Station receives one daily train from Melbourne and Sydney, with local buses running to Goulburn, Yass and Canberra.