Canberra Day Trip Drive: Little Sutton Bakehouse & Sutton Village Country Markets

Why We Visited Sutton

My husband mentioned that there was a good bakery in Sutton, just outside Canberra, called Little Sutton Bakehouse, and suggested we try it as a short weekend drive.

I expected Sutton to be a bit further away, but it turned out to be much closer than I thought.
It’s an easy drive from Canberra and works perfectly as a relaxed half-day trip. 

The food at Little Sutton Bakehouse was genuinely good, and with the Sutton Village Country Markets happening nearby on the same day, the visit ended up being more enjoyable than expected.

Entrance of Little Sutton Bakehouse – welcoming exterior of the bakery in Sutton, NSW.

Outdoor seating at Little Sutton Bakehouse - four long tables with umbrellas, perfect for sharing

👉 Opening daily from 7 am to 4:30 pm 

Little Sutton Bakehouse – Cafe & Bakery Review

Chunky Beef Pie

This was my husband’s pick (he loves pies), and I only had a big bite.
The seasoning was well balanced — not overly salty or heavy, very much a homemade-style chunky beef pie.

One thing I really liked was how easy it was to eat. Even when you bite into it, the filling stays inside, so it’s clean and not messy.

The portion size felt just right, and after finishing it, there was no greasy or overly thirsty feeling, which made it even more satisfying.

Chunky Beef Pie cross-section - juicy, tender beef neatly bite-sized for easy eating.

Focaccia – Mortadella 

Ingredients:
Mortadella ham, stracciatella, pistachio pesto, fresh wild rocket, hot honey glaze

There were a few pre-made sandwiches available at Little Sutton Bakehouse, but we wanted something freshly made, so we ordered this directly from the menu.

• The mortadella was soft and mild, without being salty

• The cheese was creamy and nutty, pairing well with the ham

• The pistachio pesto added flavour and moisture without feeling heavy or oily

• The sauce amount was spot on — no dripping when biting into it

• The focaccia bread was crispy on the outside

• Fresh rocket added a slight bitterness that cut through the richness

• Lightly marinated red capsicum with hot honey glaze gave a nice crunch and gentle sweetness

Overall, it was not heavy at all and made a clean, well-balanced lunch.

Focaccia – Mortadella – moderate portion, light and clean, a satisfying meal for lunch.

Focaccia – Mortadella close-up – simple, not overly flavoured, perfectly balanced and satisfying.

Vanilla Slice 

The vanilla slice was something my husband wanted to try.
I personally don’t enjoy desserts that are very creamy or soft, so I only had a small bite — the flavour itself was good.

That said:

• It squishes out easily when eaten with a fork or when you take a bite.

• It’s a bit too creamy to eat comfortably by hand.

Vanilla slice & beef pie served

Berry Danish

The strawberry danish at Little Sutton Bakehouse came topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and smooth custard cream. The pastry itself was very buttery and flavourful, and when I removed some of the cream, it suited my taste much better.

👉 This is very much personal preference — if you enjoy custard or cream-based pastries, you would likely love both desserts.

Berries Danish – looked so good we wanted to eat it right away.

Custard on berries Danish – moist, creamy custard both on top and inside; even without cream, the pastry itself is delicious.

Coffee at Little Sutton Bakehouse 

It wasn’t the oat milk brand we usually drink, but both of us were still happy with the coffee.

Because Little Sutton Bakehouse was extremely busy that day, one of our orders was delivered incorrectly and had to be brought back, so the coffee arrived slightly cooled and had spilled a little in the holder.
A small downside, but understandable given how busy the cafe was.

Oat milk flat white – smooth, perfect with a pastry.

Atmosphere at Little Sutton Bakehouse

• Around 15 indoor seats

• Four large shared outdoor tables

The cafe itself isn’t small, but it becomes very busy during peak hours.
On this particular visit, the Sutton Village Country Markets were happening right in front of the bakery,
which added to the crowd.

People were lining up, picking up food, and leaving quickly.
On market days, it’s not the best place for a quiet, relaxed sit-down. We also felt the need to leave shortly after finishing our food.

Desserts in the display case

Premade sandwiches in the display case - ready-to-go options for a quick meal

Pies and rolls in the display case

Sutton Village Country Markets Review

On the same day we visited Little Sutton Bakehouse, and the Sutton Village Country Markets were held right across the bakehouse. It’s not a huge market, but with around 30 stalls, there was plenty to explore.

You’ll find:

• Dog products

• Candles

• Wooden boards

• Home decor and handmade items

• Vintage metal pieces

• Bags and baby clothes

• Soaps

• Tea and drinkable blends

There was also a live singer performing, which added a warm and lively feel to the market.

Entrance of Sutton Village Country Markets – vibrant market gateway in Sutton, NSW.

Market stalls on the green lawn and people exploring a variety of products

Two dogs playing at the market – adding to the friendly and lively atmosphere.

Live music at the market – guitarist performing under the green tent, energising the market vibe.

Sutton Village Country Markets – Upcoming Information

• Next Market: February 8 (Country Market)

Kids Activities

• Face painting: $5

• Photos with Santa

• Horse riding in front of the market ($10 per person)

❗❗❗Sutton Village Country Markets are held on the second Sunday of each month in Sutton. Horse and cart rides may be available on selected market days, so it is best to check the Sutton Village Country market's Facebook page for current details.

Children waiting for face painting under the tree – with Santa photo booth visible on the right for festive fun

Horses waiting for the cart rides – ready for visitors at Sutton Village Country Markets.

 Tips for Visiting Sutton

• Sutton is a very small town, with limited things to do outside the cafe → visiting on market days makes the trip much more worthwhile

• Expect crowds at Little Sutton Bakehouse during peak hours

• Visiting between September and October pairs well with the nearby tulip gardens

Canberra’s Floriade is well known, but if you’re after a quieter, less touristy alternative near Canberra, Sutton is a great option. We’re planning to visit again during the tulip season this year.

👉 Overall, Sutton makes a great short drive from Canberra for a relaxed weekend day trip.

✔️ Who This Trip Is Perfect For

• Couples looking for a Canberra day trip drive to Sutton

• Anyone who enjoys well-made, not-too-heavy pies and bakery food

• Families who want to explore markets with kid-frinedly envents near Canberra (check event schedule)

• Those wanting to step away from the city for a calm, nearby outing

👉If you’re deciding where to go and what to eat on a Canberra day trip, check out my post on a Cooma day trip, featuring Vietnamese food and a relaxing cafe with great coffee.

👉If you’re searching for more places to enjoy good pies and quiches near Canberra, consider a Bredbo driving trip.
Grab a pie in Bredbo, then visit the Christmas shop next door, which is open only six months of the year.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.