Bredbo is a quaint rural village on the Monaro Plains of New South Wales. It developed to accommodate squatters' runs in 1848 and was proclaimed a village in 1888. Gold was discovered in the late 1800s and the field was worked until 1921. A 1930s geological survey lead to a mine opening and operating until 1942.
In the heart of merino country and the Kosciuszko National Park, Bredbo has old-world charm and the true nature of Australian rural life. It has a number of historic buildings, including the 1839 Bredbo Inn which was the original stagecoach stop on the way to the south coast and Snowy Mountains. It often hosted the Australian poet Banjo Patterson in the early 20th century.
One of the earliest settlers in the district, John Cosgrove, was believed to be the largest landholder in southern New South Wales and in one year, 68,000 sheep were shorn in the Billilingra shearing shed.
Bredbo has some delightful shops, including the Christmas Barn which has a fine selection of imported decorations. It's open from June to December. The Bredbo Pizzeria has wood-fired pizzas to be enjoyed while taking in the views over Settin Estate vineyards, and the Pancake Parlour serves up delicious crepes, pancakes and hotcakes.
Paddington Hills Rural Retreat is a most unusual place to stay. It is actually two Art Deco-style railway carriages which have been renovated to luxurious accommodation. One is for couples with spa and full kitchen; the other is for families with kitchenette and bunk room.
The two Sydney red rattlers have reverse cycle air-conditioning, gas barbecue and bathroom facilities.
The setting is beautifully tranquil and the farm has horses, donkeys and alpacas to feed and pat. There is a creek bubbling from a spring and delightful walks rewarded with beautiful views.
Controlled pets are welcome visitors. The carriages are fenced in dog-proof fencing so they will not always need to be on the leash.
A real treat is a visit to Miss Heidi's Austrian Tea House in Cooma. Overlooking the Gladstone Mountains in the middle of the bush, the log cabin serves pancakes, strudel, schnitzel and goulash — all home made with quality ingredients to recipes handed down through generations. They also serve mulled wine and schnapps.
