Candelo
SAPPHIRE COAST
Things to Do in Candelo
Travelling inland along the valley of the Bega River, the road ambles through rich dairy and beef country, passing the historic pastoral estate of Kameruka, and arriving at the delightful little village of Candelo. Built around the crossroads of Merimbula, Bega and Bombala in the early 1830s, Candelo remains a meeting place and through fare for travellers and, increasingly, musicians and artists.
Set on the banks of the Candelo River and with a population of just 300, you’ll be surprised by the local fare and busy events calendar. On the first Sunday of each month the town hosts one of the region’s oldest markets and there are regular music festivals, open recordings and performances at the historical town hall and St Peter’s Church.
CANDELO MARKETS
The monthly
markets
transform the village. In the warmer months there can be 150 traders but even in winter it’s worth going for the drive, the food and the stroll around the beautiful park (which has a flying fox!). Expect to find old wares, books, fresh produce and local products, as well as services like massage or hairdressing that you don’t see at other markets.
CANDELO ARTS SOCIETY
The group behind a vibrant live music scene, Candelo Arts Society meets monthly and holds regular music and variety nights in charming venues like Candelo Town Hall. The famed
Candelo Village Festival occurs every two years and is a celebration of music, arts, crafts and village life. The next one is in 2025.
SURROUNDED BY NATURE
Venturing further afield, Candelo is surrounded by native forests and clear waterways. The undulating country changes dramatically with a steep drive up the mountain towards South East Forests National Park. Here you can walk through old growth forests, go boulder hopping through the network of waterways, picnic by a creek or take exploratory drives along the forest trails.
PLACES TO EAT
The restored Candelo General Store & Cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch, every day of the week. It also has a little shop that will delight people who love to cook.
The Candelo Hotel is a great local pub that overlooks the river and host the Candelo Blues Club on the second Sunday of every month.
Candelo is also the home to Wheatley Lane Bread, although you can’t visit the micro-bakery you can get the bread at markets right along the Sapphire Coast and at some wholefood outlets and cafes. The artisan breads are made from cultured leaven based on a time honoured method of baking by hand in a wood fired oven.
RICH IN HERITAGE
Earlier settlers of Candelo had the foresight to establish the beautiful park beside the river, and today it offers shade in summer, a spectacular colour show in Autumn and a year-round meeting place for locals and visitors. It will beckon you as you drive past, so why not stop for a while and take a walk along its banks.
Candelo today still retains many of its nineteenth century old buildings. Offering a warm and open reception to travellers, they are invited to share in the every day lives of the countryfolk.
Although bullock teams no longer pass through town and there is little need for blacksmith’s shops, a walk along these streets conjures up images of a past way of life.
Looking for accommodation in Candelo? Search for 'Candelo' on our Accommodation page.
sapphire coast stories
Plan your trip
If you're dreaming of your next holiday to the beautiful Sapphire Coast, now's the time to start planning. Check out our accommodation, maps & guides, visitor information, weather and more.
