Queanbeyan

Easy reach of Canberra and the NSW South Coast and the Snowy Mountains, Queanbeyan has its own distinct personality. Perched on the highest edge of the Monaro Plains, it’s a place rich with arts, heritage and culture, vibrant seasonal colours and delicious food and wine.

Royal Hotel in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan – Credit: Queanbeyan-Palerang Region Council

Arts & heritage

Explore Queanbeyan’s history on a heritage walk of the town's beautifully preserved colonial buildings. In the historic Old Police Sergeant's Residence built in 1876, the Queanbeyan Museum tells fascinating stories about the local Ngambri Aboriginal people, early settlers, explorers and bushrangers of the gold rush era.

Visit the Queanbeyan Art Gallery, housed in an 1880-built cottage near a picturesque stretch of the meandering Queanbeyan River. Stroll across the river to The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, which is a popular venue for theatre, musicals, dance and exhibitions.

Things to do

Queanbeyan bursts into vivid colour each spring and autumn. Soak up this beautiful palette in Queen Elizabeth II Park or along the Queanbeyan River, where scenic hiking and biking trails wind through the pretty landscape. Walk to the top of Mount Jerrabomberra for spectacular views over the historic town and beyond.

Woman enjoying views overlooking the historic town of Queanbeyan from Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout, Queanbeyan

Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout, Queanbeyan - Credit: Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang Council (QPRC)

Go kayaking or cast a line for trout, perch and Murray Cod at the peaceful Googong Foreshores. Check out the calendar for fun events in Queanbeyan, including the colourful spectacle of the Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival. Car enthusiasts will love the annual Big 3 Car Show and the 4WD Spectacular.

Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival - photo credit Queanbeyan-Palerang Region Council

Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival, Queanbeyan - Credit: Queanbeyan-Palerang Region Council

Eat & drink

There are plenty of delicious food and wine experiences in Queanbeyan, ranging from breakfast at award-winning Thirty-four cafe to a pub lunch at the historic Royal Hotel. Tuck into classic wood-fired pizzas at the family-friendly The Mill Cafeor relax by the river at the Riverbank of Queanbeyan cafe.

Queanbeyan is also a great base for exploring the Canberra wine region. Visit the Contentious Character Winery for tastings and cheese-making classes, as well as acclaimed cool-climate wineries Norton Road Wines and Lark Hill.

Contentious Character Winery in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

Contentious Character Winery, Queanbeyan

Getting there

Queanbeyan is a three-hour drive from Sydney and just 20 mins from Canberra. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, which takes around four hours, or fly into Canberra and hire a car to explore the region. Places to stay include motels, pubs, and holiday parks.

 

Highlights

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Southern Tablelands Trails
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