Queanbeyan-Palerang: a gateway to the Southern Tablelands

Renowned for its food and wine, arts and culture, and widely accessible great outdoors, Queanbeyan-Palerang is not just a destination, but also a gateway to the wider Southern Tablelands region.

The Southern Tablelands is a country location where you can not only recharge and enjoy the simple life, but also take in a sophisticated host of offerings, experiences, and more.

Authentic wineries, fresh produce, and big local personalities are peppered throughout the region.

When visiting the Queanbeyan-Palerang region, guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding districts that comprise the Southern Tablelands.

Food and wine

Queanbeyan, Braidwood, and Bungendore are now well and truly known for being home to regional food, wine and fresh produce that punches well above its weight. When in Queanbeyan-Palerang, be sure to visit one of the many acclaimed vineyards, cafes, and restaurants.

Grab lunch at a quirky café, a bottle or two from a boutique vineyard, or take your taste buds on a trip around the globe by indulging in the multicultural cuisine on offer.

Just half an hour’s drive east of Canberra, Bungendore has established itself as a premier food destination. Packed with cafés and restaurants and surrounded by cellar doors, this charming village offers everything from cooking classes to immaculate dining experiences, and simple pub meals that will exceed expectations.

Further east, Braidwood’s renowned and long-established farming community make the most of the region’s cool climate by offering top notch produce well worth the drive. A burgeoning food scene sees trendy cafés and eclectic restaurants next door to bakeries and providores along the town’s historic, bustling main street.

Arts and culture

The Queanbeyan-Palerang region boasts a strong creative and artisanal community with an astounding array of artistic talent, and its many galleries pay testament to this.

Handcrafted jewellery, glass, ceramics, paintings, wood, sculptures and more all come from the region, with galleries routinely hosting compelling exhibitions of emerging and established artists both local and visiting in Braidwood, Bungendore, Queanbeyan, and Captains Flat.

Queanbeyan-Palerang’s local arts scene is brimming with talented, creative minds, along with numerous active community art groups helping others participate and join in on the fun.

The Queanbeyan Public Art Walk introduces you to the bevy of public art scattered throughout the heart of town- local artwork can be discovered all around the city – on benches, on street signs, in parks and more!

Explore the outdoors

Queanbeyan-Palerang features an overabundance of breathtaking nature reserves and picture-perfect parks ready to be explored on foot, bike or by car.

Take to the roads and marvel at the unending scenery of rolling countryside and diverse bushland. Explore the caves and canyons of Deua and adventure through the region’s fire trails.

Enjoy a peaceful picnic or canoe down the Shoalhaven River and drop in a fishing line in perfect tranquillity.

Venture off the beaten track and bask in the region’s abounding natural beauty and spectacular scenery. Take some time to unwind by exploring local fishing spots and exhilarating 4WD tracks in our national parks.

Dust off your walking shoes and go back in time with Braidwood’s Heritage Walk, featuring colonial buildings brimming with antiques, specialty shops and charming cafés. The Captains Flat Heritage Trail is another stroll through time and history. Otherwise, meander along the Bungendore Town Walk past heritage buildings, quirky giftshops, and galleries, or take a walking tour around Queanbeyan’s beautiful riverside.

Other outdoor locations in and around Queanbeyan include the Googong Foreshores, where you’ll find a heap of activities on offer like fishing, hiking, cycling and canoeing; and the Molonglo Gorge, a peaceful escape with unspoiled bush, cascades, and gorges.