Queanbeyan
Queanbeyan is a city of 36,000 people (2016) in New South Wales that could almost be considered a suburb of Canberra. It is a 15-minute drive from Canberra.
Understand
[edit]_in_Queanbeyan.jpg)
Queanbeyan is a convenient stopping point on the way to the Snowy Mountains on the Monaro Highway. It is also convenient to Canberra if you have a car. It is close to the airport, and free parking and motel accommodation is easy to come by.
There are some attractions in the town, and it offers the full range of facilities and supplies.
There is a large tourism information centre in town, offering information on Queanbeyan, and wherever you may be heading to next.
Get in
[edit]Queanbeyan lies to the southeast of Canberra.
The Canberra to Sydney NSW TrainLink service stops at Queanbeyan 3 times daily in each direction.
By car, from Sydney or Melbourne follow the signs to Canberra, and then turn off to Queanbeyan shortly before arriving. Driving from Sydney it is not necessary to go through Canberra at all. From Batemans Bay, Kings Highway leads to Queanbeyan.
By plane, Canberra airport is as close to Queanbeyan (9 km) as it is to Canberra.
NSW Regional Trains connect Queanbeyan with Canberra and Sydney's Central Station. There is no direct rail link with Melbourne.
Murrays Coaches travel between Sydney and Canberra and can stop at Queanbeyan on the way.
Get around
[edit]
Canberra's bus network does not extend into Queanbeyan.
CDC Canberra[dead link] bus service have buses to Canberra Civic and to Woden, at least every hour. You can interchange with the Canberra bus network at Civic. The ticketing system for ACTION buses in Canberra (MyWay) is not compatible with the one in use in Queanbeyan, and transfer fares are not available.
Queanbeyan has several dedicated mountain bike trails, making cycling a suitable option to explore the town and its natural surrounds.
See
[edit]- Queanbeyan Suspension Foot Bridge
- Queanbeyan Printing Museum, 20 Farrer Place, ☏ +61 2 6297 2541, +61 424 699 694, autosystem9@gmail.com. Su 2-4PM except public holiday weekends. The museum has preserved a collection of fully operational printing presses that were used in Queanbeyan from the 1870s to the 1960s. Free admission.
- Queanbeyan Art Society Gallery, 6 Trinculo Place, ☏ +61 2 6297 8181, rosanna.burston@gmail.com. Daily 10AM-1PM. Showcases the talent of local and regional artists. Competitions, exhibits and art classes are regularly run. Free.
- 1 Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, 22 Malbon St, Bungendore, ☏ +61 2 6238 1682. Daily 9AM–5PM. Has a great display of a variety of Australian woodwork and craftspeople. Free.
Do
[edit]
- Watch the Queanbeyan Whites Rugby team play at 'Campese Oval'. Former players include Wallaby Great David Campese, Australia's highest paid player Matt Giteau, Scottish International Dave Muir and James Wark.
Buy
[edit]- Southern Harvest Farmers Market, Crawford St, bungendore@southernharvest.org.au. A weekly event every Thursday 3-6PM. All of the produce on offer is locally grown or made. Raw produce includes vegetables, meat, fruit honey, dairy and eggs. Value-added produce ranges from olive oil to wine and preserves to cakes.
- Riverside Plaza, 131 Monaro St, ☏ +61 2 6299 2466. The main shopping centre in town.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Turquoise Turkish, 72 Monaro St, ☏ +61 2 6297 0209. M-Sa 1-9PM. The most authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant in the area. The pides, kebabs and meat platters are well spiced. Plentiful salads and vegetarian options too.
- Melita Food Bar and Coffee Lounge, 45 Monaro St, ☏ +61 2 6297 1071. Coffee with country-style cafe food and country town hospitality.
- Lime Leaves Thai Restaurant, 24 Lowe St, ☏ +61 2 6299 2000, info@limeleaves.com.au. Very busy and lively. Has a fireplace that crackles in the winter.
Drink
[edit]Just over the border from the Australian Capital Territory, Queanbeyan has a storied drinking history closely tied to the birth of the nation's capital. During Canberra’s early alcohol prohibition era, construction workers and politicians regularly crossed the state line into New South Wales to wet their whistles. Today, the town proudly retains that historic country-pub character, seamlessly blending sprawling heritage beer gardens and lively sports lounges with beautifully redeveloped community clubs.
Pubs and bars
[edit]- 1 Campbell & George, Corner of Campbell Street & George Street, ☏ +61 2 6209 5555. This venue marks a massive, contemporary revival of the town's original 1934 bowling club. Reimagined as a dynamic, family-friendly social destination, it preserves key heritage features like its original parquetry floors alongside modern comforts. The expansive precinct features multiple bowling greens, a relaxed outdoor beer garden perfect for social catch-ups, a dedicated sports bar, and a modern restaurant serving excellent pub fare and regional wines.
- 2 Hotel Queanbeyan, 59 Crawford Street, ☏ +61 2 6297 3299. M–Sa 7AM–2AM, Su 10AM–10PM. Located on Crawford Street near the railway station, this straightforward red-brick local icon has been a neighborhood favorite since 1927. It was originally built to house construction workers who moved to the area to build Canberra; during the ACT's alcohol prohibition era, residents famously flocked across the border here to buy liquor. Still affectionately known by locals as the "Top Pub," it features a public bar, a lively sports bar, a drive-through bottle shop, and a brand-new beer garden. A free weekend courtesy bus is provided for patrons.
- 3 Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, ☏ +61 2 6297 1444. M–W 10AM–midnight, Th–Sa 10AM–2AM, Su noon–10PM. This historic and award-winning pub has been an iconic site since it was first built in 1850 and rebuilt in 1926. During the construction of Canberra, politicians and dignitaries regularly stayed here to enjoy its comforts. Today, the venue boasts a striking glass atrium, a sprawling outdoor terrace, a massive central bar pouring a wide range of tap beers, and a high-tech sports bar with a massive outdoor screen. Its premium bistro serves elevated pub meals that consistently exceed standard expectations.
- 4 Walsh's Hotel, 40 Monaro St, ☏ +61 2 2 6297 1001, bookings@walshshotel.com.au. M–Th, Su 11:30AM–9PM, F–Sa 11:30AM–10PM. This classic destination is the oldest pub in Queanbeyan, originally opening its doors as the Globe Hotel in 1885. It brings traditional, unpretentious pub hospitality to the main street, boasting the biggest outdoor beer garden in town. The venue features regular live music entertainment, raffle events, a drive-through bottle shop, and pub-style accommodation. Its on-site bistro, Michael's Restaurant, specializes in innovative cuisine utilizing locally sourced produce and daily fresh seafood alongside a great boutique wine and cocktail list.
Sleep
[edit]Because Queanbeyan is located just across the New South Wales border, its motels, historic pubs, and caravan parks are generally much less expensive than those in Canberra. This makes the town an incredibly popular alternative for budget-conscious travelers, particularly when federal parliament is in session and ACT rates skyrocket.
Budget
[edit]- 1 Hotel Queanbeyan, 59 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, ☏ +61 2 6297 3299, functions@hotelqueanbeyan.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located just a 4-minute walk from the Queanbeyan Railway Station and close to the local golf course, this historic 1920s pub features 14 simple rooms. While the cheaper rates require sharing a central communal bathroom, the rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Downstairs, the venue hosts a lively sports bar, a drive-through bottle shop, and a popular bistro serving exceptionally generous food portions. Rooms are located on the upper level, accessible by stairs only. Shared bathroom from A$55; ensuite from A$123.There are unhandled parameters: website;
- 2 Crest Motor Inn, 60 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, ☏ +61 2 6297 1677. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Queanbeyan Train Station and a 15-minute drive from Canberra Airport, this established, no-frills motel is a reliable budget staple. The 30 well-appointed rooms range from twin configurations to multi-bedroom apartments, all equipped with heating, air-conditioning, a workspace, satellite TV, and a mini-fridge. Free off-street parking, luggage storage, guest laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi are provided. From A$73.There are unhandled parameters: website;
- 3 Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park, 41A Morisset St, Queanbeyan, ☏ +61 2 5114 3313. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located right on the scenic banks of the Queanbeyan River, this highly rated park is just a short stroll from Queanbeyan's main street shopping centers and restaurants. It features modern caravan facilities with powered waterfront sites, drive-through layouts for larger RVs, and self-contained cabins. Guest amenities include a modern camp kitchen, high-quality communal barbecues, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome in the caravan and camping sections. Powered sites from A$32; cabins from A$110.There are unhandled parameters: website;
- 4 Crestview Tourist Park, 81 Donald Road, Karabar, ☏ +61 2 6297 2443, stay@crestview.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located in the leafy southern suburb of Karabar, this quiet, beautifully landscaped park sits near the entrance to Canberra, only a short drive from the dining precincts of Kingston and Manuka. The park caters to campers and caravanners with powered and ensuite sites, alongside a broad selection of self-contained cabins ranging from 1-bedroom studios to 3-bedroom villas. Amenities include a solar-heated swimming pool, a playground, BBQ facilities, guest laundry, and free Wi-Fi, alongside complimentary local gym membership during your stay. Powered sites from A$45; cabins from A$115.There are unhandled parameters: website;
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 Golden Age Motor Inn, 56 Macquoid Street, Queanbeyan East, ☏ +61 2 6297 1122. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located just off the Kings Highway, seconds from the Queanbeyan River walking tracks and golf club, this premium 4-star motel is one of the region's best-rated stays. Guest rooms are spacious and modern, featuring NBN Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and great shower water pressure. Guests enjoy excellent perks, including freshly ground specialty coffee, daily muffins at reception, and fresh milk and biscuits replenished in-room. Modern conveniences include EV charging stations and generous free parking with space for large trucks. From A$120.There are unhandled parameters: website;
- 6 Hamilton's Queanbeyan Motel, 53 Tharwa Rd, Queanbeyan West, ☏ +61 2 6297 1877. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located in West Queanbeyan, just minutes from the Monaro Highway for an easy run into South Canberra's major attractions. This highly rated, contemporary motel features freshly refurbished ground-floor deluxe rooms, spa suites, and a spacious three-bedroom holiday house. Rooms feature fully equipped kitchenettes, Smart TVs with Foxtel, high-speed NBN Wi-Fi, and private parking. Dedicated, step-free accessible rooms with grab-rails are available, as well as EV charging stations. From A$110.There are unhandled parameters: website;
- 7 Grand Manor Motor Inn, 45 Macquoid Street, Queanbeyan East, ☏ +61 2 62992800. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Located on the eastern edge of the town center near Seiffert Oval, this comfortable 3-star motor inn provides peaceful, soundproofed rooms. Accommodations are equipped with basic kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and clean bedding. The motel features an on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor BBQ facilities, daily housekeeping, and free self-parking. Fully wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers are available. From A$98.There are unhandled parameters: website;
Go next
[edit]| Canberra ← | SW B52 E | → Bungendore → Batemans Bay |
| Canberra ← | W Canberra XPL NE | → Bungendore → Sydney |
- You're a short drive away from the nation's capital Canberra.
- Explore the rest of the Southern Highlands starting with the small town of Braidwood.