Where to eat, drink and play in Queanbeyan this winter
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Only minutes from Canberra, there’s one town with everything you could want for a weekend getaway: Queanbeyan.
And while you might think you already know everything you need to know about this fast-growing city, it might be time to reconsider.
Quickly becoming the go-to destination for when you want to get out of the city without having to travel hours away, Queanbeyan is rich in art, food, heritage and culture, making it ideal for a rejuvenating reset – and there’s plenty to see and do.
Here’s your guide on where to eat, drink, and play in Queanbeyan this winter.
EAT & DRINK
Stop for a coffee at a cute café or linger a bit longer to wine and dine at some of the best venues in town. Just make sure to go hungry…
Breakfast/Brunch
Thirty4 Café & Restaurant. Credit: Janine Fabre.
The Mill Café
Housed in a heritage-listed building, this beautiful café is a favourite amongst the locals – and with a mouthwatering breakfast menu, it’s not hard to see why. Serving café classics and amazing pancake options (is there anything better than piping hot apple crumble pancakes served with ice-cream?), you won’t leave here hungry. Hot tip? They also serve woodfired pizzas and paninis made in-house and fresh to order from 11 am.
They’re also dog friendly – yes, they have puppacinos on the menu – and have an outdoor play area for the kids so you can make brunch a family occasion.
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 7 am – 2 pm, Friday 6 am – 7.30 pm and Saturday to Sunday 7 am – 2 pm | 57 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | facebook.com
Thirty4 Café & Restaurant
With a slew of awards under their belt (including Excellence Winner for Best Breakfast Restaurant of the Year 2021 and Award for Excellence Finalist for Best Cafe in Territory 2023), if you ask anyone in Queanbeyan where to go for a good coffee, we can guarantee they’ll say Thirty4 Café & Restaurant.
Offering a menu packed full of flavour, from Sour Cherry Toast served with whipped cinnamon ricotta to the Ottoman Poached Eggs – served with garlic yoghurt, melted butter, mixed seed, sujuk and herbs – a breakfast or brunch date at this café is a must.
Located in the heart of Queanbeyan, start your morning here before setting off for a full day of exploring.
Open Monday to Friday, 6 am – 3 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 7 am – 2 pm | 220 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | thirty4cafe.com.au
4th Seed Café
Looking for a location with great dietary offerings and a cosy atmosphere? 4th Seed Café has all this and more.
Serving premium coffee and fresh, innovative food, they have an abundance of vegetarian and gluten-free options, all served without fuss and with a smile. With plenty of alfresco seating available (perfect on a cold but clear and sunny winter day), sipping on an ONA coffee and digging into a smashed avo sounds like the ideal way to start a day in Queanbeyan.
Open Monday to Friday, 7 am – 3 pm and Saturday to Sunday, 7.30 am – 2 pm | 227 Crawford St, Queanbeyan | facebook.com/fourthseed
Lunch
Pronto by Trecento. Credit: Jarrah Knowles.
PRONTO. by Trecento
Here, the ethos is simple: classic and hearty Italian cuisine designed to be shared with family and friends. The sister restaurant to Trecento in Manuka, PRONTO is one of two restaurants certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, meaning if you order a pizza here, it adheres to traditional pizza-making methods – so, you know it’s going to be good.
Also serving up regional Italian pasta, speciality delicatessen products and some amazing local and imported wines, order yourself a Napoletana pizza and the house-made tiramisu for dessert.
Thank us later.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2.30 pm for lunch and Monday to Sunday, 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm for dinner | 11 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan | prontobytrecento.com.au
Cartel Taqueria
If you know you know – Cartel always hits the spot. Located right on the river, head to this restaurant for a relaxed vibe and tacos that are loaded with flavour. But just a warning: these aren’t your average tacos.
So big that it’s recommended you only order one (two if you’re very hungry), from melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder to an amazing butter-grilled sweet potato, they’re cheesy and filled to the brim – and there are gluten-free options as well.
Make sure to order some queso and jefe nachos for the table and try one of their flavoursome frozen margaritas. You might not actually be in Mexico, but it sure will taste like it.
Open Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm, Friday to Saturday 12 pm – 8.30 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm | Ray Morton Park, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East | carteltacos.au
Lime Leaves Thai Restaurant
Established in 2003, this Thai restaurant is the place to go for your next Thai food fix. From traditional Thai Green Curry to laksa, Pad Thai, Pad Med Mamuang and more, their authentic dishes will satisfy any kind of cravings you have.
And with a cosy atmosphere (including an old-style fireplace), a winter day wining and dining here is a comforting experience that can’t be beaten.
Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2 pm and open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, 5 pm – 9.30 pm | 24 Lowe Street, Queanbeyan | limeleaves.orderlocal.menu
Dinner and Drinks
The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan. Credit: Janine Fabre.
Royal Hotel Queanbeyan
Craving some classic pub fare and a glass of something cold? You can’t go past the award-winning Royal Hotel Queanbeyan.
First built in 1850 and opened as the Royal Hotel in 1926, the historic location is known (and loved) for its impressive bar selection – which includes cocktails and zero alcohol options – and its seasonal pub grub.
And from twists on a classic chicken schnitzel (The Aussie with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, fried egg and mozzarella cheese has caught our eye) to Sicilian vegetarian pasta, there really is something for everyone on the menu. Lychee martini, anyone?
Open Monday to Sunday, 12 pm – 9 pm | 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan | royalhotelqbn.com.au
Campbell & George
With cold craft beers, and a carefully curated list of wine and whisky (as well as pub classics), Campbell & George is a great place to unwind after a long day.
From having a bevvy in the beer garden to dining on Italian-inspired dishes in the bistro or watching a game in the sports bar, there are plenty of options depending on what kind of vibe you’re after. Cheers to that!
Open from 10 am for drinks, open 12 pm – 2 pm for lunch and 6 pm – 9 pm for dinner | Corner of Campbell and George Street, Queanbeyan | campbellandgeorge.com.au
Walsh’s Hotel
They were the first pub in Queanbeyan (and they have the biggest beer garden in town), so it would be rude not to have a drink here. And if you love fine dining, then booking an intimate evening at Michael’s Restaurant at Walsh’s needs to be at the top of your bucket list.
Specialising in innovative cuisine using locally sourced produce, we have it on good authority that the steaks here are legendary and that seafood is delivered fresh from Sydney daily. Elevating pub classics like the Surf ‘N’ Turf (which is the best of both worlds), when you dine here, your expectations will be exceeded.
With a boutique wine and cocktail list, need we say more about this drinking and dining destination?
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2 pm for dinner and Tuesday to Sunday, 6 pm – 9 pm for dinner | 48 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan | walshshotel.com.au
PLAY
No Name Lane. Credit: Martin Ollman.
The perfect blend of old and new, take your time discovering Queanbeyan. From immersing yourself in art to getting back to nature, taking a break from Canberra has never looked so good.
The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
Theatre musicals, dance and exhibitions – all this and more can be found at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.
A premier entertainment facility with a program that ranges from blockbuster productions to shows created by locals, culture vultures are always in for a treat when booking tickets for a show here. And with plenty always on, no matter when you plan on going, we’re sure there’s something that will tickle your fancy.
253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | theq.net.au
No Name Lane
Sounds familiar, right? Totally different to Canberra’s own No Name Lane, this open-air art gallery is a new addition to the city, and it’s well worth a visit.
Sitting just off Monaro Street, at Queanbeyan’s No Name Lane you’ll find colourful and immersive artworks, neon lighting, greenery, and a collection of lightboxes that showcase rotating exhibitions from local photographers.
Pull up a chair and enjoy.
59 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan
Art by Anders
An art gallery and eclectic store all in one, Art by Anders is a carefully curated spot for art lovers to gather.
Featuring the works of renowned Queanbeyan artist Anders Mykkeltvedt, you’ll see his vibrant sketches and acrylic art of live music performances. But that’s not all.
Also, home to a treasure trove of mid-century homewares, clothing and more, you can easily spend hours in the gallery exploring the vintage wares and collectables.
Open Friday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm | 144 Uriarra Road, Queanbeyan | facebook.com
Outdoor Fun
Surrounded by natural beauty, there’s plenty to do outdoors in Queanbeyan (even when the weather is cold).
Take in the views over the city and beyond from Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout, enjoy a scenic bushwalk and picnic along the Googong Foreshore or hit the Heritage Walk to discover a hidden side to the city.
It might sound simple, but a few hours meandering through the natural wonders will be a memorable way to spend a day – and bonus, there’s no long drive home.
Feature image by Mode Imagery.
