Sunday lunch spots with heritage charm

Is anyone else nostalgic for a Sunday drive in the country? In the Illawarra we are lucky to be able to drive through stunning scenery to the north, west and south and within one hour be in a great foodie venue.

Here are just five of the options – which all happen to be in repurposed historic buildings.

Audley Dance Hall cafe

This cafe is set within Audley “pleasure grounds” on the Hacking River in the Royal National Park. The Dance Hall was built in 1949 by the Australian military and restored in 2010 by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, faithful to the original look, feel and purpose. The cafe is the perfect spot for enjoying a meal before or after a walk in the park.

Visit the Audley Dance Hall cafe website.

Vaby’s, Picton

This dining and entertainment venue is within the Old Cheese Factory, which dates from 1920. There’s a well-rounded menu and an extensive drinks list including cocktails for those long Sunday lunches.

Visit the Vaby's website.

Hickory’s, Bowral

Part of the Peppers Group, this is another heritage building repurposed as a restaurant and bar. There are views of the surrounding golf course and Mt Gibraltar in the distance. The menu is adapted regularly for locally sourced seasonal ingredients – choose from the lounge bar menu for lunch. Hickory’s also supports local wine, beer and cider makers.

Visit the Hickory's website.

Briars, Burradoo

This family friendly venue, built in 1845 and revitalised in 2021, has a casual bistro with a seasonal menu. Alternatively, you can choose woodfired pizza in the outdoor dining space with views over the neighbouring highlands countryside.

Visit the Briars website.

Jack's Grill, Gerringong

Shaun and Carly Smith’s venue Jack’s Grill is in Cronin’s Hotel. The site has been a hotel since 1890 with current owner – rugby league legend Mick Cronin – taking over the licence in 1997 from his father. Not much of the original Gerringong Hotel fabric remains after several extensions and renovations. Jack’s Grill “serves up classic pub fare with a few fancier dishes thrown in and some pretty epic specials”, according to the website.

Visit the Smith St Foods website.