Queanbeyan District

Queanbeyan Vibrant

MINUTES FROM CANBERRA, THE DYNAMIC AND FAST-GROWING CITY OF QUEANBEYAN IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF OLD AND NEW.

HIT THE ROAD TO QUEANBEYAN

From Canberra: 10 minutes

From Bungendore: 20 minutes

From Braidwood: 50 minutes

IMAGES Opposite: Royal Hotel. Above, clockwise from left: Queanbeyan Suspension Bridge; Upper House, Royal Hotel; Riverbank of Queanbeyan Café. Currently enjoying a multi-year revitalisation project, Queanbeyan is set to continue its transformation into a city that respects and celebrates its rich history, while stepping into the future as a leading city in regional NSW.

SEE & DO

Go on a self-guided walking tour of fascinating historic buildings and museums. Enjoy captivating concerts and performances at The Q and explore the charming art galleries. Discover the picture-perfect parks and tour the breathtaking nature reserves nearby, or take advantage of the numerous sports facilities on offer that have produced national and international sports champions. Queanbeyan has countless cultural attractions, lively events, and natural hideaways to explore. While the city is an attraction in itself, it is also the ideal base for discovering the magic of the surrounding Canberra region. It is perfectly situated for quick access to Canberra, the NSW south coast, the Snowy Mountains and Sydney. With so much on offer, Queanbeyan is the perfect destination whether you’re in town for work, pleasure or simply to discover your undiscovered.

HISTORY

Nestled among Queanbeyan’s traditional high street retail, cafés and restaurants is a town full of history, dating back to the early 1800s. The name of the city originates from the Aboriginal word ‘Quinbean’ meaning ‘clear water’. European settlers arrived in the region in 1820 while searching for the Murrumbidgee River. In 1838, with a population of 50, Queanbeyan was proclaimed a township. The town started flourishing around the 1850s, thanks to the discovery of traces of gold and the brief operation of mines. Churches, public houses and historic buildings built in those days can still be seen today by taking the self-guided Queanbeyan Heritage Walk tour, available at visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au The town started to grow dramatically with the establishment of Canberra in 1913, creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth. With a population of over 15,000, Queanbeyan was officially proclaimed a city in 1972. Today, it is one of the fastest growing inland cities in NSW.

ARTS & CRAFTS

If you are appreciative of beautiful art and unique handcrafted works, you’ve come to the right place. Local artwork can be discovered all around Queanbeyan – on benches, street signs, parks and more. Some of the most well-known pieces of public art include the Ricky Stuart mural on the side of the Bicentennial Hall, which can be viewed from Blacksmith’s Lane, and the native flora and fauna stainless steel bin surrounds adorning the streets of the town.

Pay a visit to the Queanbeyan Art Society and Gallery to see more local art displayed in a charming 1880s cottage on the banks of the Queanbeyan River. Browse through their monthly exhibition, take an art class or purchase an original piece to take home with you. The city is also home to many other studios and galleries, which visitors are welcome to explore in more detail every October during the annual Arts Trail.

IMAGES Left to right: Riverbank of Queanbeyan Café; Googong Cascades.

EAT & DRINK

Take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere in the early mornings by dropping into one of Queanbeyan’s riverside cafés for a hearty start to the day. Explore the main streets of the city to discover new favourite restaurants and eateries.

Finish the day off with a drink with the friendly locals at one of the city’s many pubs, clubs, or restaurants. Several of the pubs were the go-to watering holes for Canberrans during the capital’s prohibition period from 1911 until 1928.

EVENTS

The city boasts numerous great venues for events of all kinds, including The Q Performing Arts Centre and the heritage-listed showgrounds. Highlights of the year include the Queanbeyan Show, a three-day event complete with food and market stalls, free rides, competitions, live music and fireworks, the Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival, the annual Music by the River and many adrenaline-fueled events including the 4WD Spectacular.

INSIDER TIPS

WITH KIMBERLEY PICKRELL @thestateofliving.co This area has an amazing energy! There is always something on around here. You can grab dinner at one of the pubs and then catch a show at The Q, where there are so many things on all year round. I’m a country girl at heart, so I get a buzz at events like the show and the rodeo. That blend of country and city creates a great vibe with everyone coming together. You see the same thing at the Multicultural Festival; amazing food and entertainment that the whole crowd can enjoy. And, if you are after something a little more laid back, the river walk is a great place to wander, grab a coffee or even check out Morty the giant snail in Ray Morton Park – a fantastic spot to relax while the kids burn off some energy.

MOTEL / APTS

CENTRAL MOTEL & APARTMENTS Central Motel & Apartments feature large, contemporary motel rooms and apartments with a range of convenient bedding configurations, sleeping up to five guests. Book direct for the best rate. Travellers can unwind and enjoy our facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ, garden, free internet and a fantastic central location to explore all that Canberra and Queanbeyan has to offer. For a relaxing evening meal and beverage, the famous Peppermill Bar & Restaurant is open for dinner Monday to Thursday and breakfast seven days a week. Central Motel & Apartments is a 20 minute drive to Canberra’s CBD, and a short 10 minute drive to Canberra International Airport and the business hub of Fyshwick. The friendly team at Central looks forward to hosting your next visit to the Canberra region.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 11 Antill Street, Queanbeyan 02 6298 8988 reservations@centralmotel.com.au centralmotel.com.au

MOTEL

COUNTRY PLAZA QUEANBEYAN The Country Plaza is well located for an easy drive into Canberra, Queanbeyan or the snowfields. With a selection of 4-star rated rooms to choose from, the Country Plaza is a great base for any trip to the Capital Country - be it leisure or business. All rooms are non-smoking and include amenities such as coffee machine, in-room safe, work desk, LED TV, iPod alarm clock radio, bath robes and much more. Facilities within the property include an outdoor swimming pool, parking (subject to availability) free Wi-Fi, mini gym, BBQ and designated smoking area. Our licensed restaurant is open Monday to Thursday for dinner and daily for breakfast. As a thank you for supporting an Australian-owned and operated business please visit our website and use the promo code QP2020 for a discounted rate (not available on overseas websites such as booking.com or wotif.com).

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 147 Uriarra Road, Crestwood 02 6297 1211 info@countryplazamotel.com.au countryplazamotel.com.au

SELF CONTAINED VILLAS

HOLIDAY PARK CANBERRA AVENUE VILLAS Canberra Avenue Villas provides modern cabin style accommodation in a garden setting, for singles and couples. We are centrally located, one block from the shops. Our cabins are well maintained and contain small kitchens with a microwave. Generous off-street parking is provided. Please feel free to phone on 02 6297 1288 for enquiries and bookings. Book direct and save.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 43 Canberra Avenue (Cnr Cameron Road), Queanbeyan 02 6297 1288 villagecabins@gmail.com canberraavenuevillas.com.au

CRESTVIEW TOURIST PARK Crestview Tourist Park is a quiet, landscaped holiday park situated on the southern entrance into Canberra. Our accommodation offering is versatile, with a range of cabins providing deluxe to budget options, as well as powered and ensuite sites. Our cabins are self-contained, featuring flat screen TV, reverse cycle A/C, full cooking facilities and veranda with outdoor seating. Our park facilities are newly refurbished and we provide access to an offsite gym as well as Wi-Fi, solar heated pool and children’s playground.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 81 Donald Road, Queanbeyan 02 6297 2443 stay@crestview.com.au crestview.com.au

MOTEL

GOLDEN AGE MOTOR INN AND AGE RESTAURANT Golden Age Motor Inn is your home away from home when you visit Canberra and its surrounding regions. Golden Age Motor Inn is a self-rated 4-star motel with 60 large refurbished units. Our range of luxurious rooms cater for the single corporate traveller right up to the larger family groups and will suit all your travel needs. Golden Age Motor Inn is centrally located to Queanbeyan’s CBD including its entertainment and restaurant precinct. Only a short walk to the local sporting clubs and fields such as the famous Seiffert Oval. Canberra Airport is only 10 minutes away and the many tourist attractions on offer are a short trip by car. The modern Age restaurant can cater for all functions from an intimate table for two right through to large groups. Don’t forget to try our sunny breakfast room open 7 days. Our helpful staff will make your stay a friendly and comfortable experience. Enquire now on 02 6297 1122.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 56-58 Macquoid Street, Queanbeyan 02 6297 1122 contact@goldenage.net.au goldenage.net.au

LIME LEAVES THAI RESTAURANT Established in 2003, Lime Leaves Thai Restaurant is housed in a beautiful heritage building in the heart of Queanbeyan, with the warmth of old-style fireplaces creating a homely feel. The combination of authentic Thai cuisine and vibrant atmosphere makes Lime Leaves the go to place for your Thai food fix. We offer a contemporary Thai dining experience, with unique mouth-watering options that our team of chefs have put together. Our meals are prepared daily using the finest and freshest quality ingredients and herbs. Combine these elements with great service, friendly staff and the perfect ambiance, Lime Leaves is easily one of the best Thai restaurants in and around the Canberra region. Open for dinner 7 nights from 5pm and lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12-2pm.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 24 Lowe Street, Queanbeyan 02 6299 2000 limeleaves@bigpond.com limeleaves.com.au

QUEANBEYAN LEAGUES CLUB The Queanbeyan Leagues Club is part of the Canberra Raiders group. It is situated on the main street of Queanbeyan with dining and an outdoor area overlooking the river. The Blue q Café offers a wide variety of delicious meals with blackboard specials each day and our popular specials nights are sure to please. The newly furnished sports lounge is a great place to come and watch your favourite footy team play on the HD big screen while enjoying a meal and a drink in front of the fire.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 164 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan 02 6297 2511 qlcadmin@raidersgroup.com.au qlc.com.au

THE TOURIST HOTEL Recently renovated in classic art deco style, the Tourist will surprise and charm you. Mere minutes from Canberra, with easy, free parking out the back, the Tourist has a lot on offer. Fine wine and fine dining are our focus. Come in and enjoy our sophisticated style and ambience. Whether it’s a workday lunch, an intimate date night, or dinner before a night of theatre, we provide the beautiful surroundings, delicious food and fine wines to make everything just right.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 31 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan 02 6297 3044 admin@touristhotel.com.au touristhotel.com.au

QUEANBEYAN MUSEUM At the Queanbeyan Museum, we tell the stories of the place and the people who lived here in the early days before Australia was a nation, right up until the present day. The Queanbeyan Museum is located in the historic Police Sergeant’s Residence, constructed in 1876. Queanbeyan Museum is open 1-4pm every weekend (except Christmas, Easter and public holidays). Admission is free.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 10 Farrer Place, Queanbeyan 02 6169 6213 qbnmuseum@yahoo.com.au queanbeyanmuseum.org.au

DUNSTONE DESIGN Dunstone Design is one of Australia’s premier fine furniture workshops. Owner Evan Dunstone is a Churchill Fellow, a multi-award-winning craftsman and a highly respected teacher of wood craftsmanship. Evan’s team of makers are all award-winning craftsmen in their own right. Dunstone Design is best known for its fine chairs and takes a wide range of commissions in all things wood. Dunstone Design has a showroom of contemporary fine furniture and offers woodworking Masterclasses and tools for the woodworker. Open 7am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm Saturdays.

ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEB 3/5 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan 02 6297 8200 evan@dunstonedesign.com.au dunstonedesign.com.au

02 6285 6290 THEQ.NET.AU

The Q is the premier performing arts centre and function facility located in the city’s centre. It is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and pubs that offer a variety of cuisine styles and beverages. With a seating capacity of 346, the venue provides an engaging, intimate atmosphere which is popular with both performers and audiences. The Q offers a variety of shows and entertainment presented by local, national and international companies that can be enjoyed all year round.

• Giant inflatables • Archery tag • Birthday parties • Bubble football • Sporting competitions • Court hire • Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery

1A Yass Road, Queanbeyan 02 6285 6993

qprcindoorsports.com.au

QPRC Aquatics Queanbeyan is home to an exciting range of programs and services for the whole family. • 25m indoor pool (open all year) • 50m outdoor pool (open Oct-Mar) • Wet play area (open Oct-Mar) • Electric BBQs (open Oct-Mar) • Birthday parties • Kiosk

Train ACT NSW Queanbeyan HIGH To North & Central Canberra & Canberra Airport YASS Station Cemetery THURALILLY RD ST To Bungendore,

KINGS MONARO ST ST MOWATT ST BOOTH ST MACQUOID ST HWY CRAWFORD CARINYA ST HIGH ST BUTTLE ST ATKINSON ST TRINCULO PL ST ST MORTON ST LOWE ST CRAWFORD MORISSET ST ANTILL ST ERIN ST COLLETT COLLETT ST ST COLLETT ST CAMPBELL ST FORD ST ELLERTON DR Oval Oval Blundell Park Queen Elizabeth Park Queanbeyan Park QPRC Indoor Sports QPRC Aquatics B52 B52 Library The Q Tennis Museum School TAFE School Tennis River Queanbeyan Braidwood & South Coast QUEANBEYAN GLEBE AVE WEST AVE IRENE AVE CAMERON RD FARRER KINGS HWY PL Showground School To South Canberra & snowfields COOMA ST ISABELLA RUTLEDGE ST ST HIRST AVE WHITE AVE School To Glebe Park Suspension Bridge River BROWN ST Golf Course Key TAYLOR PL Googong Visitor information, Hospital Place of interest, Post office QUEANBEYAN HERITAGE WALK Public toilet, Church Take a stroll around town and discover Restaurant / café, Shopping historic locations that have shaped this Supermarket, Gallery city into what it is today. Download Golf club, Playground the Queanbeyan Heritage Walk map Park or reserve at: visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com.au Shopping & dining areas