Now operating solo, Cafe Woodworks is exploring its new identity with a “light and fun vibe”. Photo: Supplied.
After more than 20 years of operating alongside the adjoining Woodworks Gallery, Bungendore’s Cafe Woodworks is navigating its new-found independence – starting with a fresh new look.
Following the gallery’s closure earlier this year, property owner Richard Graham seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the building, including “refreshing the identity of Cafe Woodworks in a post-Woodworks Gallery era”.
The Woodworks Gallery was founded in 1983 by David MacLaren OAM and operated from its purpose-built premises on the corner of Malbon and Ellendon since 1994.
Widely acclaimed for its Australian wood art and sculpture, the gallery supported more than 160 suppliers and craftspeople.
In 2001, Cafe Woodworks opened under the same roofline, with the two businesses operating in partnership to provide patrons with a uniquely cultural dining experience.
However, despite recently being named Best Gallery in Australia in the 2024 World Art Awards, the gallery closed its doors in June 2025, citing increasingly challenging economic conditions.
“Now that the gallery has closed, it removes the obligation of the cafe to display the gallery’s art on its walls,” he said. “That’s why the walls were so dark – to make the art stand out.
“But the dark walls didn’t create the light and fun vibe people want from a cafe, so we wanted to uplift the interior, such as painting the walls a lighter colour, introducing some plants, and our own ‘happy’ art to the walls.”
The cafe’s new look includes bright colour schemes and burgeoning greenery, with its walls adorned to showcase Bungendore’s agricultural industry and local wildlife.
With the initial revamp complete, Mr Graham now plans to turn to patrons and the wider community for their feedback, and establish “what they want in a top calibre cafe today”.
“Cafe Woodworks has been set into a formula that is over two decades old,” he said.
“I want to test with the market if it wants more of the way it’s been, or if they want us to shift it towards another direction in terms of atmosphere and menu.”
Mr Graham said the vacant gallery space was currently undergoing much-needed maintenance while he considered how it could best be utilised to benefit the local community.
“I will be considering some quality business concepts that can utilise the entire building – without portioning it into smaller shops – and whose main business or service engagement is affordable and primarily enhances local living.”
A significant local landholder, organic farmer and former Palerang councillor, Mr Graham also owns neighbouring venues The Carrington Inn and the Flock Restaurant & Beer Garden.
The Flock is also undergoing renovations and is set to reopen later this year.
Interior upgrades include kitchen improvements, fresh paint and new carpet in the dining room to improve acoustics, while new year-round turf in the beer garden is intended to extend the area’s use.
New electronic systems are set to bring modern conveniences to the heritage building, including CCTV and smartphone ordering.
Currently putting together an experienced kitchen team, Mr Graham said that while an official reopening date had not yet been confirmed, they remained on track for October.
Recently named Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2025, the accolade is expected to bring a boost to Bungendore’s businesses and the local visitor economy.
“The local community is the heart and soul of the visitor experience here, and the people of Bungendore are deserving recipients of this recognition,” said Queanbeyan-Palerang Mayor Kenrick Winchester. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing the rich stories, artistry and incredible hospitality that Bungendore is famous for.”
To provide feedback on the future of Cafe Woodworks, community members are encouraged to reach out directly via email.
