Updated: Jul 2012
Published: Jun 2006

Braidwood

Note: indicated routes and locations are approximate.Use official topographic maps for navigation

 

Braidwood is a charming town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, with plenty of scope for day rides or longer trips in just about every direction.

Braidwood at night
The Old Mill

This rustic old building has provided accommodation for several of my Braidwood-based events over the years.

I've also camped at the Braidwood showground, but The Mill is a much more comfortable option.

Cooking in The Old Mill (April 2006)
The kitchen is built around the framework that used to hold the grindstones.
Inside The Mill (September 2007)
There are three upstairs sleeping quarters, and some bunk beds on the ground floor

This is an easy 35km day ride to the south-west of Braidwood. The terrain is slightly undulating, about half the ride is is on unsealed roads, and at the time I rode it (April 2006) they were in good condition. Head out of Braidwood on Bombay Road, then turn left onto Farringdon Road. Just before the return leg on Cooma Road there is a ford over the Shoalhaven River. If there's been a lot of rain in the area this might be impassable, but when the river is flowing normally it doesn't present much of a problem for bicycles. As I recall we all made it across without getting our feet wet, but be warned that if you do this ride in winter the water could be quite cold if you do need to stop for any reason.

On Farringdon Road
A brief rest stop on Farringdon Road before heading down to the river crossing.
Ford on Farringdon Road
This scene is on Farringdon Road where it crosses the Shoalhaven River south-west of Braidwood.
Reflected Trees

This ride started at Tarago, headed east to the first campsite at Oallen Ford on the Shoalhaven River, then continued on to meet the Braidwood-Nerriga Road. From there we headed south into Braidwood, camped at the showground, and spent the next day entertaining ourselves with various day rides. The last day saw us complete the loop back to Tarago via Charleyong.

Leaving Oallen Ford campsite

Most people camp in the huge camping areas on the eastern side of the river, but they're really crowded during Easter so we found a little spot on the western side.

Braidwood Showground

For that genuine rural experience, you can camp at the showground for a minimal fee.

Mongarlowe to Braidwood

Approaching the outskirts of Braidwood after a day ride to Mount Budawang.

Leaving Braidwood

Heading north on the Braidwood-Nerriga road on the last day.

Looking back
Shoalhaven River

This is the next crossing south of Oallen Ford.

Ready to roll

Just after the crossing. All ready for the final leg back to Tarago.

This is a great day ride I did with some friends in April 2002. We rode out from Braidwood to Mongarlowe, headed south, crossed the highway, headed along Tudor Valley Road for a while, zoomed down the escarpment to Araluen, slogged our way back up the dirt road to Majors Creek and headed back to Braidwood. A really great ride, but was completely zonked by the end of the day.

Near Mongarlowe
Crossing the Mongarlowe River
Tudor Valley Road

Tudor Valley Road branches south off the Kings Highway about 10km east of Braidwood. Here we see Geoff and Tash admiring the view from a rise near the start of the road.

Bikes with Trees

A great spot for lunch a bit further along Tudor Valley Road.