Why Jugiong is still the Hume Highway's best pitstop

This historic town just two minutes off the Hume Highway is still one of the best places to stop for a break on a road trip. 

Swap overcrowded service centres for 12-hour roasted lamb shoulder, bushranger tales and country service.

Jugiong is having a moment. Again. A longtime Hume Highway pit stop, warm hospitality, great coffee and a new wellness retreat mean the tiny town between Yass and Coolac has fresh appeal for tired commuters on the Sydney and Melbourne drive.

Best coffee 

Stop in at the Long Track Pantry for lunch and coffee. Picture: Destination NSW

Serving the best coffee in the bush, Long Track Pantry is a favourite with locals and visitors. There’s a cafe serving a seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch, tasting room and gelato bar. Or shop here for house-made relishes, jams, chutneys and more. Open daily (except Tuesdays) 8am to 4pm.

Get pampered

Take some time out for pampering in Jugiong.

The just-launched Parlour J Health and Beauty salon offers deluxe facials, massages, infrared saunas and lush body scrubs.  Owner Juliet Robb (who also owns Long Track Pantry) says Jugiong is a popular destination for girls’ trips. “We want to make sure our little village has everything available,” she says. Open Wednesday to Saturday.  

Starstruck apples

Gino's your man for prime produce. Picture: Prue Lewington

There’s a buzz in town every Wednesday when Gino’s Fruit and Veg opens on the main drag. For over 25 years the wholesaler has been supplying locally grown produce to customers and cafes around the Hilltops region. New owner and fifth-generation farmer, Owen Duffell, is passionate about serving the community.  “We now offer a pop-up delivery service for the Hilltops area,” Duffell says. Don’t miss the rickety wooden bench out back where Hollywood besties Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth once hid from paparazzi. Riverside Drive. Every Wednesday 10am to 4pm. 

Catch of the day

Even fresh seafood is on the menu in inland Jugiong.

Fishing enthusiast Matt Moy drives his Seafood Express freezer van into town every Wednesday with a fresh load of prawns and oysters. “I always have good yarn with the locals about how to fry up the king dory and salmon,” Moy said. He drives to Sydney Fish Markets a couple of times a week to stock up, with special orders available on request. Riverside Drive, 11am to noon. Ph 0409 033 743.

Al fresco fun

Beat the heat at the Jugiong Community Pool. Picture: Prue Lewington

Jugiong is packed with outdoor recreational opportunities. The 25m community pool is open daily from 2pm all year round, the community grounds include a half-pipe skate park, barbecue area, sports oval and free camping. There are polocrosse horse fields and a tennis court is available free of charge - just head to the Long Track Pantry to grab the keys. Travelling with your pooch? The best dog-friendly area is opposite Long Track Pantry near the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. 

Ales and tales

Take time for a dram or two at the Sir George Hotel.

A handsome whisky bar, 8110sqm of formal gardens, leafy beer garden and a seasonal menu that includes a mouth-watering slow-cooked lamb shoulder. The Sir George is much more than a pub. Lovingly restored a decade ago by mother-and-daughter duo, Liz Prater and Kate Hufton, this mid-19th century watering hole’s handcrafted stone fireplace is the perfect spot to sit back and hear tales of the notorious local bushranger, Ben Hall. 

Retail therapy

Shop up a storm at Curators Collective. Picture: Prue Lewington

Located upstairs at The Sir George, Curators Collective is a treasure trove of antiques, ceramics, homewares and designer clothing. Owner Carlie Oates, a former stylist, handpicks brands she knows tourists will love. “People are usually surprised to see such a large range on offer. I travel around the world to find beautiful, quality pieces,” Oates says. 

Artisan markets

Check out Lemon Tree Gifts at the Jugiong Markets. Picture: Prue Lewington

If you love the thrill of a local find, time your visit to Jugiong to coincide with the bi-monthly artisan markets. Over 30 stalls spread out across the lawns at The Sir George, selling everything from locally crafted ciders and gins to meats, jewellery and cowhide tote bags. Upcoming dates:  Sunday, April 13, July 6 and September 28.

Originally published as Why Jugiong is still the Hume Highway's best pitstop