It could have been when you were eight and your brother was tediously mimicking every word you said (in that whiney older brother voice) in the back seat of the family’s minivan.
Or perhaps it was when you had just finished your all-important high school exams and you and your boyfriend had stocked his rusty station wagon with camping gear, homemade mix CDs and a variety of cheap booze.
Either way, if you’ve grown up in Australia – or have been lucky enough to visit – you’ve probably experienced the thrill (and often mind-numbing boredom) of a good ol’ fashioned road trip.
Whether it was the arduous slog from East Coast to West, or the popular route from South Coast to North, the Aussie road trip has become as synonymous with the nation’s culture as lamingtons, meat pies, Triple J Hottest 100 and Paul Hogan.
As we all know, the roadside stops throughout these ventures are often as enriching (and vital for the bladder) as is the ultimate destination. Here, we take a look at five of the best roadside cafes on the Hume Highway Melbourne to Sydney route, and decipher the all-important question: pie or pastie?
Holbrook Hotel, Holbrook
- 144 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW
The largest town in Greater Hume Shire, and one of the most richly diverse rural districts in New South Wales, Holbrook is a favourite stop for most highway travellers for two reasons: the towering decommissioned Australian submarine HMAS Otway, along with a model of the British submarine HMS B11 – and the mighty Holbrook Hotel.
The “Pub near the Sub” resembles your classic Aussie corner hotel: quaint Victorian-style architecture, an obligatory beer advertisement jutting from its rooftop, and a whole lotta’ small town charm.
When you’re done having a climb (and a requisite photo opportunity) at the famous monument, stroll down to the traditional establishment and enjoy great value bistro meals and a cold drink in the bar. And the best part? You can rest your head right where you rest your drink, with quality pub style accommodation available for the weary road tripper.
Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai
- 37 Annie Pyers Dr, Gundagai NSW
If you were a kid experiencing the annual family road trip from Melbourne up north, it’s likely you had your hopes set on stopping at this legendary Australian icon.
Nowadays, what once felt like a stop at Disneyworld may be slightly tinged with the banality of adulthood (it is just a statue of a dog, right?) but the thrill of throwing a coin into the fountain and making a wish is still not lost on tourists young and old that stop over at Gundagai’s famous Dog On The Tuckerbox.
Originally set up in 1932 to assist the local Gundagai Hospital, the attraction continues to raise vital funds for the hospital’s work, thanks to the celebrated wishing well and souvenirs sold onsite.
When you’re not making a wish, hit up the convenient kiosk selling all kinds of energy-boosting treats such as sandwiches, bacon and egg rolls, milkshakes, ice creams, coffees and the renowned Tuckerbox Burger. And before you leave, don’t forget to stock up on some quirky memorabilia to commemorate your visit.
Long Track Pantry, Jugiong
- Riverside Drive, Jugiong, NSW
A slightly more trendy offering than what you’d expect along the historical driving route, Long Track Pantry in the riverside village of Jugiong is a country food store and café serving up delectable homemade relishes, preserves, chutneys, jams and marmalades, as well as a range of gorgeous kitchen and giftware.
As the brainchild of owner Juliet Robb, Long Track delivers a daily blackboard menu of well-balanced fare with a focus on local, seasonal produce for breakfast and lunch. With seating inside and out, customers can enjoy free-range eggs in the sunshine or house made smoked trout pate in the cool interior of the Pantry.
If you’re super organised, pre-book into one of the establishment’s famous cooking classes, focused on a range of different themes and locally sourced produce and ingredients. Lessons are held in the kitchen at Long Track where students can enjoy Jules’ demonstrations and finish with a meal consisting of delicious food cooked in the lesson, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Rollonin Café, Bowning
- 144 Bowning Rd Bowning, NSW
With such a welcoming name, there’s no wonder this charismatic café, just 10-minutes from Yass, is a crowd favourite. Set in a quiet location, complete with a cottage garden, adorable farm animals and a rustic, corrugated tin roof, the Rollonin Café is as picturesque as it is charming.
A traditional slab hut café in the village of Bowning, the hidden treasure boasts a country atmosphere and friendly staff, delighted in serving up light breakfasts, Devonshire teas, cakes, sandwiches, slices and seasonal coffees. Don’t miss the flavoursome scones (Plain, Date or Pumpkin), which go hand in hand with some fresh cream and a steaming hot brew.
Take advantage of the abundant outdoor seating (especially if the weather’s fine), and relish the Australiana theme with chequered tablecloths and even a few scattered emus roaming about the nearby paddocks.
Trappers Bakery (The Bakery of Goulburn), Goulburn
- 4 Sowerby Street, Goulburn NSW
There’s nothing quite like the mouth watering taste of a freshly baked pie, straight out of the oven at a roadside Aussie bakery. The warming, sentimental feeling that washes over you after the first bite is enough to cure any driver’s frustration – which is why a stop at Trappers Bakery in Goulburn should be on every travellers To Do list.
As the story goes, boss Keith, known as The Trapper, was out on the land trapping rabbits with his father when he conceived the idea to become a baker after observing his father produce bush tucker on a simple camp-oven. Fast forward some 50 years on, and the renowned roadside bakehouse is now one part of a highly successful business, boasting another popular bakery in Braidwood, NSW and even a motel chain.
Made with genuine love, the team at Trapper’s Bakery hand makes nearly every product onsite at the award-winning establishment, taking great care in providing the most delicious offerings for every visitor.
Keep your eye out for the bakery’s famous sausage rolls, quiches, pastries, cakes, specialty breads and the crowd favourite, Pie Of The Month.
Featured image by Simon Yeo
