Queanbeyan Area

A place to linger longer

It’s only a hop, skip and jump to the national capital, but Queanbeyan is more than a stopping-off point en route to Canberra and beyond. Linger a little longer here and uncover its charms – wander along the Queanbeyan River, take in the grand heritage architecture (some now home to cool eateries and hip boutiques) and discover stunning attractions like Molonglo Gorge, Deua National Park and the Googong Foreshores.

Southern Tablelands Trails

Uncover the region's many charms on a curated day trip

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Towns & villages

In riverside Queanbeyan, you will find fascinating museums, heritage walks and a vibrant arts program at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. Follow the walking and cycling trails through town, learn about local history at the Queanbeyan Museum and enjoy the vibrant Multicultural Festival in February.

Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

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

The National Trust-classified town of Braidwood is a heritage treasure. The colonial streetscape has been the backdrop for several iconic films – such as The Year My Voice Broke – and you can learn about the town in gold rush times at the Braidwood Museum. Nearby is the beautiful Deua National Park, where you can bushwalk through remote wilderness past pinkwood rainforest and eucalyptus trees, walk past limestone caves, see gushing waterfalls and there are many places to swim and picnic while watching the birdlife.

Deua River campground, Deua National Park - Credit: Lucas Boyd/DPE

Bungendore, tucked into a picturesque valley, is also worth a visit. Explore the interesting woodwork at the acclaimed Bungendore Wood Works Gallery. Some of Australia’s best wood art, sculpture and contemporary furniture are displayed in the gallery.

Interior of Bungendore Wood Works Gallery at Bungendore in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, Bungendore

Things to do

Keen anglers should visit Wamboin and throw a line in at Rainbow Springs Fly Fishing School, which offers courses for anglers of all levels. You can also try your luck at Googong Foreshores, which is stocked with rainbow trout, golden perch, Murray cod and silver perch, and is a pretty place to picnic.

The big hole, Deua National Park - Credit: Lucas Boyd/DPE

Discover gold rush history in the tiny outpost of Araluen or hike the Big Hole walking track at Deua National Park, the extraordinary limestone marvel is a a roofless cave over 100m deep and 50m wide. Check out the fun regional events calendar for more shows, festivals and markets, such as the weekly Southern Harvest Farmers Market in Bungendore.

Canberra wine region

Just an hour from Queanbeyan is the renowned Canberra wine region. In Wamboin, there is Norton Road Wines making small-batch cool climate wines. You will also find some great cellar doors at Contentious Character, Lark Hill and Sapling Yard has a cellar door open for private tastings in Bungendore. In Lake George you can find more cool climate vineyards such as Lerida Estate.

Sapling Yard Cellar Door at Bungendore in Queanbeyan, Country NSW

Sapling Yard Cellar Door, Bungendore

Getting there

The Queanbeyan region is around a 3-hour drive from Sydney and just 30 mins from Canberra. You can also catch a train or fly into Canberra and hire a car to explore the region. Places to stay include hotels, motels, self-contained cabins, country pubs and caravan parks.