It seems de rigueur to hate banks. But there some good ones. A former NSW State Bank in Moss Vale in the New South Wales southern highlands (Gundungurra and Dharawal lands) is now the delightful Flour Bar eatery, resplendent with light-grey walls, chic décor and modern fittings. Contrasting with a previous more sombre-looking self, it offers great coffee, cake and other sumptuous food while patrons can relax and watch the world go by through large picture windows. In Queensland’s Townsville (Wulgurukaba lands), HeyDays Cafe in a former life was a Commonwealth Bank. Nowadays it lends itself to ambience similar to that of cafes in old warehouses in Melbourne. And in the tiny heritage village of Ulmarra (Bundjalung, Gumbaynngirr and Yaegl lands) in the NSW northern rivers district, the original Australian Joint Stock Bank has been beautifully restored to become the Bank Heritage B&B. Set in a quiet nook by the Clarence River just a stone’s throw from the historic Ulmarra Hotel, art galleries, book shops, boutiques, quaint cafes and other shops, the B&B offers tastefully-decorated bedrooms, comfortable beds, delightful dining and sitting rooms, and a large kitchen, all sympatico with the dwelling’s original look. Moss Vale’s Flour Bar is open daily from early morning until late into the night for dinner, wine and cocktails. Known for its great coffee, HeyDays Café (7am-2pm) is a great spot for brunch, lunch and morning tea. Meanwhile at the Bank Heritage B&B, a generously-stocked pantry of bread, cereals, cheeses, fruits, fresh eggs, milk, spreads and good coffee and tea, make for convivial breakfasts where you’ll likely meet fellow travellers who appreciate this lovely old dwelling. HeyDays’ patrons include office workers, retirees, parents with babies and children, gym enthusiasts, tourists and maybe some North Queensland Cowboys footy players. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities, musicians, thespians, artists and writers in and around Moss Vale’s Flour Bar – it is the southern highlands after all. Yes there’s lots to like about these banks.
