Sitting just 90 minutes from Canberra, the charming country NSW village of Jugiong has a lot to offer grey nomads … including an exceptional ‘by donation’ camp on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
Although the first European to settle in the area was sheep grazier, Henry O’Brien, the settlement didn’t really start to grow until the mid-19th century when a store and a pub – the still popular Sir George Tavern – opened to cater to the steady stream of travellers passing between Sydney and Melbourne.
But it was the events of November, 1864, that really put the area on the map … for all the wrong reasons.
That’s when bushrangers Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert, and John Dunn held up the mail coach between Gundagai and Jugiong, and police sergeant Edmund Parry was killed in the ensuing shootout.
A memorial to police sergeant Edmund Parry, who was killed in a shootout with bushrangers Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert, and John Dunn. PIC: Cizza
A memorial cairn for the dead officer has been erected at the murder scene at Black Springs, about five kilometres south of Jugiong. There is also a memorial in the village that includes a plaque, sculpture and an information board.
Despite its violent past, Jugiong – which sits just off the Hume Highway near other attractive townships such as Cootamundra, Gundagai and Yass – is now well known for the friendly welcome it extends visitors.
The historic Sir George Tavern was built in 1852. PIC: Cizza
At the centre of that welcome is the Sir George Tavern, which was built with solid sandstone walls in 1852 and has since been completely restored to offer a stylish restaurant, boutique bar and artisan bakery.
Until 1995, the Hume Highway actually ran straight through Jugiong – which boasts a permanent population of around 250 – but it seems being bypassed has not done it too much harm at all. Canberrans now head out this way on the weekends in big numbers, and travellers are also drawn by the olde world charm.
The Long Track Pantry is a produce store and café that has earned itself a reputation for excellence all the way to Canberra and beyond.
The business is housed in the lovingly restored Jugiong General Store, and is an absolute must-visit … and the homemade jams and chutneys are an absolute must-try.
For grey nomads who enjoy a tipple, the Jugiong Wine Cellar which sells wines from across southern New South Wales is also well worth a look. Among the other interesting businesses to discover is a wood turners and the Quirky Crow gallery, where visitors will find a range of stunning artworks.
The Long Track Pantry is a produce store and café that draws customers from far and wide. PIC: Cizza
Other historic buildings worth a look are the former Christ Church Anglican Church, which was built between 1872-73 and is now privately owned, and the beautifully maintained St John the Evangelist Catholic Church which opened all the way back in 1860.
It’s an interesting little village then in a wonderfully scenic part of the world, but what about camping?
There is a fantastic free camp located on the site of the old showground right on the Murrumbidgee River. It’s a huge area and, although there are no powered sites available, there are toilets, water and rubbish services. There is a donation box there for campers who wish to show their appreciation.
