Where to eat along the Hume Highway between Sydney and Canberra

While pollies and pen-pushers are likely to plane it from Sydney to Canberra, normal tax-payers are happy to drive the 300km-odd trip along the Hume and Federal Highways. Want to make a road trip out of it? Make sure you stop for a bite (or more) at one of these fab eateries.

A detour off the freeway is needed to find this hidden gem and why wouldn’t you, when Bowral is such a lovely town? The Hospital Shop isn’t actually in the district hospital but nearby where a converted weatherboard cottage serves lots of homemade goodies. The veggie lasagne is a slab of healthy melty goodness and if you’re eating for two (even if you’re not) the Maternity Burger with the lot is four-square nourishment. Leave room for a melting moment biscuit or a piece of banana chocolate cake and enjoy the intensive care of this beaut café.

Here’s a hint on how to find the Grit Cafe just outside Goulburn. See if you can spy the 15-metre tall, 97-tonne sheep statue just off the Hume and you’re getting warm. Avoid the fast food joints behind the Big Merino’s daggy bits and you’ll find true Grit, where the coffee is fabulous and the food is wholesome, authentic and inventive. You might get a vegemite and cheese sausage roll, a maple bacon cheeseburger or some fresh frittata and finish with a Nutella-filled chocolate cookie. There’s a gift shop and Grit also specialises in gluten-free options.

Not to be confused with the ‘big’ version at Goulburn, this Merino Cafe is in the historic town of Gunning, a small but worthwhile detour between Sydney and Canberra. Located in the gorgeous, red-brick London House built in 1870 the Merino serves up wholesome country cooking, some great cakes and slices and, of course, proper coffee to fuel your journey. If you want to break your trip and explore Gunning, the café has a lovely little two-bedroom apartment upstairs.

This ACT olive farm is right next to the Federal Highway approaching Canberra and you’d be crazy not to stop for a look. Established by Spiros and Fedra Konstantinou using plenty of Greek-style love and know-how, the olive oil is obviously top-notch, but the cafe is another level. Open for breakfast, there are also burgers and plenty more lunch options including home-crumbed calamari and some intriguing momo dumpling options.

You’ve nearly made it to Canberra (or barely left) when you come across Contentious Character, a cool climate winery established by a bunch of likely local lads at what used to be Lambert Wines. Sure, a tasting is always an option, and from Thursday to Monday the restaurant opens its doors. Grazing platters are named for hunger levels (Peckish, Ravenous or Insatiable), the menu is modern Australian and at night the pizzas appear. A great place to kick back, tell a few yarns and enjoy the food and wine.

If you're driving north of the ACT and NSW border, don't miss the opportunity to stop by the newly reopened Little Sutton Bakehouse. Located just off the Federal Highway, this charming artisan bakery has been completely transformed by its new owners in the last 12 months, and now offers a warm and welcoming space to enjoy a coffee, delicious baked goods and daily baked sourdough. There's an array of pies including pepper steak and chunky steak and of course, a delicious assortment of cakes and sweet treats including Nutella Cruffins. All products are made on-site from local produce and you’re able to stop by seven days a week between 7am and 4.30pm.

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