If you’ve ever driven the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne, chances are you’ve spotted the turn-off to Gundagai. Maybe you’ve even pulled over for a coffee or a pie at the bakery. But this river town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains is worth more than just a pit stop, it’s a place that rewards a proper overnight stay.
Gundagai is steeped in Australian folklore. Home to the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox statue, just five miles from town and immortalised in bush poetry and song. There’s also the Captain Moonlite tale, the bushranger who staged a dramatic raid here in the 1870s. If you’re a fan of history with a dash of myth, Gundagai delivers.
One of the best ways to get a feel for the town is a wander along the historic bridges. The Prince Alfred Bridge and the Railway Bridge together make up the longest wooden bridge in Australia. While no longer open to traffic, the heritage-listed structures are an impressive reminder of the town’s importance as a transport hub. Another great stroll is along the Murrumbidgee River, with riverside trails perfect for a walk at sunset as the gum trees glow gold in the fading light.
When it comes to eating out, make sure you grab a booth at the Niagara Café. Opened in 1902, it’s a slice of Americana in the heart of rural NSW with its art deco and American streamline design. Pop into the Criterion Hotel too, not just for a drink but to admire the incredible 1960s murals by local artist Arnold “Don” St Clair capturing the terror of the 1852 flood, one of Australia’s deadliest Natural Disasters.
For something you’ll likely have all to yourself, take a self-guided tour through the old Gundagai Gaol. It’s a surprisingly atmospheric site, giving you a glimpse into the rougher side of colonial justice.
We stayed at Tuckerbox Tiny, a compact and cleverly designed tiny home on the outskirts of Gundagai. Hosted by the friendly and approachable Miho, it offered everything we needed for the night including a generous welcome pack of edible goodies and a bottle of local wine. It was the perfect base to explore the town while still feeling tucked away in the countryside.
Tuckerbox Tiny
You can’t visit without snapping a photo at the Dog on the Tuckerbox. It’s kitschy, yes, but also iconic. The Rusconi Marble Masterpiece in the Visitors Information Centre is another surprise, a miniature cathedral crafted from thousands of pieces of local marble. And if you’re visiting in winter, the Gundagai Rotary Markets are worth a browse for local produce and crafts.
The magic of Gundagai isn’t always obvious at first glance. It’s in the way the fog lifts off the river in the morning, or the quiet charm of its historic main street lit up at night. Spend a night here and you’ll see why so many travellers fall a little bit in love with this quintessential Aussie town.
