A leisurely stroll around one of the locals’ favourite spots in town, the Queanbeyan River, is the perfect way to spend an hour or two getting to know the town. Starting from the early morning hours, you can see locals take to the streets surrounding the lake for a walk, run or cycle, stopping by for a morning coffee at one of the riverside cafés of the city, overlooking the tranquil river. In the afternoons, families gather out at the riverbank parks for a play or the occasional event taking place along the riverbank.
Destination NSW
The Queanbeyan river is over a 100 kilometres in length, spanning through the Monaro and Capital Country regions. The river also connects to Molonglo River near Oaks Estate.
In the early days of Queanbeyan, the river played a vital part in the growth of the town’s economy. Evidence of this can still be seen today, with many historic sites still standing along the river trail. In fact, the river even inspired the name of the city as it is believed that the first inhabitants of the land, the Ngunnawal and Ngarigo people, used the word ‘queanbean’, meaning ‘clear water’, to describe the river.
Destination NSW
This walk takes you past some of the most scenic spots in town, right along the Queanbeyan River. Learn more about the city’s history with a visit to churches, schools and residences along the river, dating back to the 1800s. Walk across the city’s first bridge, the Suspension Bridge, built in 1938, and the more recent Queens Bridge, which was opened in 1975 replacing two earlier bridges.
If you’re up for a longer walk, go see the junction of the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers over at Oaks Estate, near the Queanbeyan Railway Station, or combine this walk with the Queanbeyan Public Art Walk to learn more about the design and arts scene of the region. Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to listen to the native birds and other wildlife. And remember to keep an eye out, as you may catch a glimpse of platypus playing in the river!
Destination NSW