Must do
Fast facts
- Inland city on the Queanbeyan River
- Famous for its historic villages
- A three-and-a-half hour drive south-west of Sydney
Why go there
This area offers the true flavour of country Australia – the historic villages of Braidwood and Bungendore, colonial architecture and great food and wine. Braidwood, which presents a superb example of a 19th-century streetscape, was the first town in NSW to be heritage-listed. Bungendore's historic inn and local galleries are a great draw for visitors.
The lively city of Queanbeyan revels in its sporting, cultural and artistic communities. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Canberra, it’s a booming city that still retains a country town atmosphere.
The region boasts Deua National Park, one of the state’s largest natural forests, and Monga National Park nearby.
Things to do
- Fish, canoe or sail on Googong Dam, 10 km south of Queanbeyan.
- Picnic by the Queanbeyan River, where you might even spot a platypus or two.
- Discover London Bridge, a natural arch of limestone over Burra Creek, south of Googong Foreshores.
- Explore the limestone caves in Deua National Park, including the Big Hole, Marble Arch and Wyanbene Caves.
- Follow the 3-km walking trail through Molonglo Gorge, with its spectacular views into the gorge.
Don’t miss
- Train rides to Royalla with Michelangelo Tourist Railway on the first and third Sundays of the month.
- Bedervale, outside Braidwood, one of the best maintained colonial homesteads in NSW.
- The Lake George Wine Tour, which visits Gidgee Wine Estate, Hillbrooke Estate Winery, Madew Wines and the Lake George Winery.
- Braidwood Historical Society Museum, originally the Royal Hotel, to see the hotel’s kitchens and dairy.
- The award-winning Bungendore Wood Works Gallery.
Events
- Gundaroo Bush Races and Festival, Gundaroo, in March.
- The Airing of the Quilts, Braidwood, in November.
- The Queanbeyan Show, Queanbeyan, in November.
- Bungendore Country Muster in February.
