Braidwood
NSW 2622 • Rest of NSW
About Braidwood
Braidwood is a historic rural town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, situated 91 kilometres east of Canberra and approximately 325 kilometres south of Sydney within the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council area. Perched at 687 metres above sea level, the town has a population of 1,720 with a notably mature median age of 50, reflecting its appeal to retirees, tree-changers, and established long-term residents. The town covers a substantial 234.6 square kilometres of rolling tablelands country and is characterised by its well-preserved 19th-century streetscapes, including the heritage-listed Braidwood Courthouse built in 1901.
Braidwood is widely regarded as one of New South Wales' best-preserved colonial towns, with a thriving arts and culture scene, boutique galleries, antique shops, and local cafés lining the heritage main street. The town is a popular weekend destination for Canberrans seeking a historic escape, and its cool-climate setting, farmers' markets, and community events give it a vibrant small-town character year-round. Its position on the Kings Highway means Braidwood is well-connected to both Canberra (91 km) and the South Coast at Batemans Bay (62 km), making it an appealing lifestyle choice for those who value history, community, and open countryside.
Braidwood falls under postcode 2622 and is governed by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monaro electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- NSW TrainLink coach — Canberra and Batemans Bay 1.5-2 hr to Canberra / 1-1.5 hr to Batemans Bay
Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)
🛣️ Kings Highway connects Braidwood to Canberra (91 km) and Batemans Bay (62 km); car is the primary transport mode
The heritage main street and town centre are very walkable, but a car is needed for most errands beyond the compact village core
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Braidwood Central School ICSEA 1005Wilson St
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Park Lane
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 10 heritage-listed places in or near Braidwood, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Crime Statistics
NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Braidwood by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Braidwood Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Braidwood" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 72
- 2. New Zealand 17
- 3. France 10
- 4. Scotland 10
- 5. Philippines 8
- 6. United States 8
- 7. Wales 7
- 8. Canada 6
- 9. South Africa 6
- 10. Thailand 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)