Restaurants

The Poachers Trail

The Poachers Trail, a recommended self-drive route through the ACT's wine country, is a great way to explore Canberra's surrounding regions of Hall, Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, and Yass while indulging in some of the area's best wine and food along the way. The cool climate wines of the Canberra district are coming of age, with more than 140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors open to the public, and eateries such as the Poachers Pantry are redefining the Capital's culinary landscape. Try some gourmet smoked meats and taste the wines at the Pantry's Smokehouse Café, 431 Nanima Rd., Hall, ACT, 2618 (tel. 02/6230 2487; daily 10am-5pm) and enjoy a long lunch at the Royal Hotel in Gundaroo, at the corner of Cork and Harp streets, NSW 2620 (tel. 02/6236 8777; Fri-Sun and most public holidays for lunch, Thurs-Sat for dinner). The menu at the Royal is uniquely focused on the Canberra district, showcasing the best local fresh farm produce and probably the world's largest Canberra district wine list. Download a map of the trail and cellar-door opening times at www.poacherstrail.com.au.