Put sunshine, donuts and playtime on your agenda as you explore Queanbeyan, Bungendore and Braidwood with the kids. It’s so easy to create a full day or a weekend of adventures – all within an hour of Canberra – so let’s get started.
1. Let’s play
Most young kids are more than happy to explore parks, playgrounds and sportsgrounds. We’re lucky to have 148 of them in the Queanbeyan-Palerang region! Take a picnic and sit by the river at the Queen Elizabeth II Park in Queanbeyan, with its vast array of interactive play equipment and a grassy play area – ideal for kicking a ball around. Let the children run free, splash in the wet-play area and explore the terraced amphitheatre. Nearby Moore Park also features the beautiful Queanbeyan Memorial Rose Garden and a skate park.
In Bungendore, the littlies will go wild for the incredible adventures awaiting them! Built in 2022, Bungendore playground has a flying fox, climbing nets and all sorts of inviting spaces to make up stories or games. Bring along bikes or scooters to use on the mini bike track. The skatepark on McMahon Drive also has a half court multipurpose court to shoot some hoops.
Braidwood is known for its central playground, Ryrie Park – an ideal spot to sit under the trees while the kids get busy climbing the windmill. There are shaded areas, picnic tables, rope bridges, accessible swings and loads more. Or head to Bicentennial Park near Gillamatong Creek (keep your eyes peeled for local platypus in the creek) to try out the outdoor play equipment or let the dog run free.
2. Let’s eat
After working hard throughout the term, it’s time to reward yourself (ok, and your kids) with a few sweet treats! At 198 Wallace Street in Braidwood, you can get your candy fix. Indulge in artisan handmade chocolates, boiled lollies, truffles, brittle and gifts at Much to Do About Chocolate. It’s a simple fact: Chocolate makes you smile (and that’s what the sign in the shop says too)!
Then be tempted with a vanilla glazed or Oreo donut at Oscar’s Donuts. There are plenty of tempting icing flavours, plus milkshakes and Niugini Arabica organic coffee.
Craving a mouth-watering meat pie? You’re spoilt for homemade pastry choice in Braidwood with Braidwood Bakery, Dojo Bread or Nerson’s, or try Gunna Doo Bakery or Nerson’s in Bungendore.
3. Let’s get active
QPRC is organising a range of youth summer holiday activities for kids ages 12 and over throughout January, starting with a pop-up art day in Bungendore on 16th January and a cartooning workshop in Queanbeyan on 23rd January. Alternatively, get active with a 3×3 basketball competition on 18th January in Queanbeyan, cool off for free at various locations in the region in the second week of January, or join the fun at Braidwood Skate Park Party, complete with live music, art activities and a sausage sizzle.
4. Let’s ride
The Saddle Camp in Braidwood is a brilliant opportunity for beginners to try horse riding. Explore the 168-acre property and its Galloping Track. Each attendee gets to take care of their own horse, including harnessing and grooming. Open to girls and boys for daytime riding – mini adventures, show days and picnic trail rides – while overnight camps are on offer for girls only. It’s the ultimate slumber party for horse-loving girls!
There’s an onsite bush café – we recommend the authentic Ploughmans Lunch – as well as a Farmstay and fully self-contained tiny houses, so mum and dad can enjoy some country quiet and relaxation.
5. Let’s explore
Googong Foreshores is only 10km from Queanbeyan and it’s brimming with outdoor family fun.
At Googong Dam, which is in the northern part of the Foreshores, explore the walking trails and lookouts. You can even launch a boat (electric motors only) or take out a kayak. No swimming is allowed in the dam (it’s a catchment for drinking water after all), so if you want to get wet, head to the Queanbeyan River below the dam wall. This is also a great spot for fishing, along with equally good options in the southern end, but make sure you carry a NSW fishing licence.
For families seeking an adrenaline hit, bring your mountain bikes and take on the Queanbeyan River Loop Ride or the Western Foreshores Ride. But please stay on the fire trails to avoid erosion caused by off-trail riding.
*Check all opening times prior to visiting
Written by Shae Lalor, The Write Path, for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.