Postcodes – Queanbeyan

Aaron Papahatzis from Belle Property Queanbeyan has been selling real estate in Queanbeyan for more than two decades, and says they are seeing more people relocate from other areas, especially Canberra. While it was once predominantly affordability that drew in a lot of new residents, now it’s attracting people in its own right.

“Especially in the cottage precinct, the charm of some of the residences around there and the location; it’s an easy walk to parks and to restaurants and shops. The ease of living in that kind of pocket has drawn a lot of buyers from [Canberra’s] inner south or inner north that want that heritage style”, says Papahatzis. “Then we’ve also got surrounding areas with acreage that offer some rare opportunities like up in Greenleigh and The Ridgeway and Kingsway, where we’ve got large parcels of land, bush blocks and privacy blocks, that people generally can’t find too many of in Canberra.” Even as it’s grown up and developed, Queanbeyan still manages to maintain a small country town feel. “It’s got that old charm and it’s got a main street and it’s really, really easy to live in. There’s everything that you need in Queanbeyan, which is really great, but then also the ability and ease to go across to Canberra for anything, because it’s still really central,” says Papahatzis.

EAT and DRINK

The main street of Queanbeyan is dotted with traditional pubs, typical of many country New South Wales towns. But, if you haven’t visited in a while, you likely won’t recognise some of them. “In recent times, especially in the last five years, there’s been a lot of renovations and updates and changes to Queanbeyan, with a lot of pubs being renovated,” says Papahatzis. “A lot of business owners have put a lot of money back into their product in Queanbeyan and into their fitouts. You try and get a meal at one of the pubs, and a lot of the times during the week they’re really booked out, which is fantastic.”

Dig into hearty meals at The Royal Hotel, Tourist Hotel, Walsh’s Hotel or Top Pub. Settle in for top notch coffee or a cosy meal at 4th Seed Café, Thirty 4, or Vanilla Pod Food and Espresso Bar. For a relaxed meal with a side of lawn bowls, try the rejuvenated Campbell and George, while you’ll find classic Italian at Pronto by Trecento or Villa Olivo, and authentic flavours at Thai Queanbeyan Restaurant, Lime Leaves Thai Restaurant, or Punjabi Hut Indian Restaurant. Or head down to the Queanbeyan River where you can get loaded tacos and sip frozen margaritas at the always buzzing Cartel Taqueria.

SEE AND DO

Speaking of the river, it’s a relaxing area for a wander and to watch the world go by, while Queen Elizabeth II Park is a beautiful spot for a picnic, with a playground, cycle paths and barbecues. You can learn about the local history at the Queanbeyan Museum, or get outside and take the self-guided Queanbeyan Heritage Walk, which will lead you through 26 sites that have shaped the town into what it is today.

Catch a show or an exhibition at the main performing arts hub, The Q, or visit an exhibition at Queanbeyan Art Gallery or Rusten House Art Centre. Right in the heart of town, discover the bright murals of the recently rejuvenated No Name Lane and Blacksmiths Lane, which also tell the story of Queanbeyan.

“You’ve also got the Queanbeyan golf course if you like having a hit of golf,” says Papahatzis. For a stunning panoramic view of the area, strap on your shoes and get the heart pumping with a walk up Mount Jerrabomberra to the lookout. Or head out to the picturesque Googong Foreshore for some sightseeing, fishing, bushwalking, picnicking, canoeing or sailing.