Established in the late-19th century, Captains Flat is a historically-significant town that grew around the mining of silver, lead and zinc — and that was once home to one of the largest mines in Australia. Today, it is a must-visit for those wanting to experience both the past and present of the Southern Tablelands region.

Captains Flat

History and Hospitality at Captains Flat Hotel

Captains Flat is home to a gem that blends rich history, delicious food and local charm — the Captains Flat Hotel. Sharanne Witt, the hotel’s current owner, has a deeply-personal connection to the venue and area: “My grandparents lived in the town. My father’s parents owned the local butcher shop. My maternal grandmother was the cook at the hotel in the 1950s. My mother lived in the pub with her mum for a few years — and both my eldest brother and I were born in Captains Flat.” 

The history of Captains Flat evidently runs through Sharanne’s veins, and she has worked to preserve that heritage while introducing exciting new additions to the pub. The hotel’s food offering is a delightful mix of traditional pub meals and new innovations. “We serve traditional pub food and pizza,” says Sharanne. The addition of a coffee shop and pizza bar has been a hit with visitors and locals alike — as well as the vibrant and spacious outdoor space: “We have extended the beer garden and offer live music most weekends.”

Visitors come not just for the food and drink, but also for the rich history embedded within the pub — and colourful stories. Sharanne shares: “One of my favourite stories is about the resident ghost who, if she is around, will float a beer glass in the corners of the bar. There is also a story of how we lost our status as the longest bar in the Southern Hemisphere when a disgruntled local caused such damage to the bar that it had to be shortened!” The staff at Captains Flat Hotel are full of tales like these — and the pub itself has many photos on display that create a nostalgic, intriguing atmosphere. Captains Flat Hotel is one of those places where you are transported back in time: “So many say when they first walk in, ‘Oh it hasn’t changed a bit.’”

While Sharanne is dedicated to honouring Captains Flat’s past, she is also always thinking ahead. “We are considering an enclosed outdoor area which would cater for events such as weddings and large functions,” she says. Upcoming events like High Teas, Murder Mystery nights and Trivia nights will make it an even more exciting destination for visitors looking for something lively and unique.

Sharanne Witt, Captains Flat Hotel

Outside Captains Flat: Exploring Nearby Gems

Though Captains Flat is a destination in its own right — its proximity to Canberra, Bungendore and the surrounding region makes it a convenient base to explore the area. If you are keen on a longer visit, Captains Flat Hotel is the only accommodation in the town, with 16 rooms available for overnight stays.

Just 40 minutes from Captains Flat, the Bungendore Wine Trail offers a fantastic selection of cool-climate wineries. 

Lark Hill Winery, a biodynamic vineyard, was established in 1978 and is known for a minimal intervention winemaking approach that celebrates the pristine terroir and diverse climates of the region. Their Cellar Door offers guests an intimate yet casual space to enjoy curated wine flights. 

Norton Road Wines also shares a similar winemaking philosophy, specialising in Pinot Noir and Riesling. Their vineyard restaurant, Biggie’s Barbecue dishes up low and slow American BBQ-inspired food in a scenic al fresco setting. 

Found in Bungendore proper, Sapling Yard Cellar Door also makes premium award-winning wines with the finest quality fruit carefully sourced from the region. They are loved for their entire range from Riesling and Rose to Four Pinots and Shiraz.

For those seeking to get closer to nature, Tallaganda National Park and State Forest offers exceptional opportunities for bushwalking, camping, mountain biking, orienteering, and four-wheel driving — thanks to its huge variety of unique forest environments. The highest points have subalpine snow gums and high-altitude swamps — while on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range, there are towering tall ribbon gum and narrow-leaved peppermint trees. Because of the untouched and vast nature of the Park and State Forest, there are plenty of wildlife that call Tallaganda home — and lucky visitors might just catch a glimpse of an owl, sugar glider or echidna!

For a unique experience, mark your calendar with an autumn visit to Hoskintown, less than 30 minutes from Captains Flat. At Tweenhills Chestnuts, you can pick your own chestnuts on weekends from early-April to mid-May. The orchard typically provides buckets and bags with the recommendation to bring thick gardening gloves (the burrs are spiky!) and wear sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing. For exact open dates, please reach out to Tweenhills directly as they differ across seasons.

Bungendore Wine Trail and Hoskinstown chestnuts

Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.