Wallerawang Bakery

If you're passing through Wallerawang, this bakery in Wallerawang, New South Wales is the kind of country stop that tends to pull people off the road. It's a roomy place with seating inside and out on the verandah, and plenty of free parking, which suits travellers and locals alike.

Pies are what it's known for. People talk about the curry pie and the sausage rolls, and one traveller thought the pastry was excellent, even if the filling ran a touch dry. Another local took a few home and was pleasantly surprised at how well they reheated. Beyond the pie warmer, you'll find bread, pastries, lamingtons and custard tarts, plus quiche and salad for breakfast, a bacon and egg roll, and a hamburger with the lot that earned its share of fans. Milkshakes and good coffee round out the menu, and there's a gluten-free slice or two for those who need it.

Value comes up often. One visitor who travels between Mudgee and Wallerawang reckoned the quality and price are hard to beat, and another called the prices reasonable with short waits at the counter. The staff come across as friendly and the place has a calm, settled feel, with the same familiar faces behind the counter for those who drop in regularly. Everything has that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

We'll be straight with you: not everyone has the same experience. A couple of people have found the coffee less than hot or not to their taste, and one visitor felt service was rushed near closing time. Most visitors, though, leave happy, and several describe it as a proper country bakery.

You can dine in, take away, or arrange delivery. They take cards and tap-and-go payments, and there's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Hours run a little shorter on weekends, so check before heading in if you're timing a visit around closing.