There is something deeply special about meeting the person behind the work. The painter standing beside a canvas, sharing a story through colour. The potter whose hands have shaped clay into something both beautiful and useful. The jeweller, photographer, quilter, sculptor or musician who quietly turns inspiration into something we can hold, wear, hear or carry home.
It’s a chance to discover local art, hear the stories behind it, enjoy a coffee or a meal along the way, and support the talented creatives and small businesses that help our communities thrive.
BraidWood Arts Trail:3-4 October
Wander through Braidwood’s charming streets and heritage buildings as the town opens its doors to creativity. Across the Arts Trail weekend on 3-4 October, you can meet the makers behind the work, explore their creative practices and see how art and craftsmanship are woven into the character of this historic town.
- Braidwood Clayworks – explore beautiful ceramics and browse the home studio Seconds Sale for a bargain or special gift.
- Braidwood Regional Arts Group Paper Trail – enjoy a thoughtful display of works on paper.
- Troopers Rest / Hold Fast Distillery – experience live distilling demonstrations, tastings, live music and an exhibition by Jo Parsons.
- St Andrew’s Anglican Church – enjoy an afternoon of music with the return of Jazmourian Ensemble on Sunday Afternoon.
- Braidwood Museum’s Oddfellow’s Hall – settle in for an evening of reimagined Australian songs from the 1980s with Mikelangelo, Lily Acheson and Ged Corben.
- Studio Elke – visit ceramic artist Elke Kramer in her studio just outside town.
- Vetro E Metallo (V&M) – discover handcrafted jewellery and homewares, with live lampwork glass demonstrations.
- Sonia Turner Photography – step inside the artist’s home studio and view thoughtful photographic works.
- Ray Monde Studio – explore contemporary paper art deeply connected to land, people and rural life.
- Braidwood Library – see Frank Lindner’s photographic exhibition Who am I really?
- William Verdon Manufacturing Jewellers – watch William at work and browse jewellery, paintings and photography.
While exploring the Braidwood Arts Trail, make time to enjoy the town’s much-loved food and café scene. Pause for a coffee, settle in for lunch or treat yourself to something sweet at local favourites.
Left: Braidwood Clayworks Top Right: Hold Fast Distillery Bottom Right: Braidwood Main Street
Captains Flat Arts Trail: 3 & 17-18 October
Sometimes the best discoveries are found a bit off the beaten track. Head to Captains Flat where small-town charm, local stories and a creative community invite you to take things at a slower pace. The Captains Flat Arts Trail will be taking place over two exciting weekends.
- Captains Flat Hotel – experience the inaugural Blessing of the Bikes on 3 October, with a show and shine, stalls, markets, food vendors and a Tribute to the Fallen.
- Mama Tierra Collectiva – explore locally made art, craft and creative work on 17–18 October.
Make sure to linger a little longer to enjoy the town’s warm country hospitality. Stop in for a meal, a drink or a bite to eat and explore the creative offerings and community spirit of this unique town.
Left: Captains Flat Hotel, Right: Mama Tierra Collectiva
Bungendore Arts Trail: 10-11 October
Follow your curiosity to Bungendore, where art, wine and country charm come together in a weekend of creative discovery. From galleries and studios in town to sculpture set among the vines, the Arts Trail on 10–11 October invites you to meet local makers, sip and savour along the way, and experience Bungendore through a rich creative lens.
- The Malbon – browse antiques, collectables, homewares and artisan pieces, including works from local makers, The Lake Room Gallery and Jerusha McDowell Photography.
- Bungendore Fine Art Gallery – discover an ever-changing display of around 150 works by local district artists.
- The Bungendore Bower – explore creative reuse and the beauty of second-life materials
- Carwoola Art and Craft Exhibition – enjoy a welcoming showcase of works by local artists and military veterans.
- Bungendore War Memorial Hall – wander through handmade fashion, quilts, jewellery, pottery, woodwork, plants, preserves and more.
- Artist’s Shed Nostalgia – step into a charming mix of award-winning works by Margaret Hadfield and vintage toys curated by Benjemin van Eldik.
- Bungendore Quilters – meet passionate makers and discover the skill behind quilting.
- X Gallery – visit a heritage gallery space featuring changing exhibitions and local designs.
- Water Through Reeds – slow down in a light-filled gallery showcasing ceramics, paintings, photography and found materials.
- Lark Hill Winery and Aranya Acres – pair art with food and wine through Sculpture at the Cellar Door, where sculpture and vineyard views come together beautifully.
As you follow the Bungendore Arts Trail, make the most of the town’s inviting cafés, eateries and cellar door experiences. Pick up a coffee, enjoy a long lunch or unwind with a glass of local wine.
Left: Lark Hill Winery, Top Right: Jerusha McDowell Photography, Bottom Right: Water Through Reeds
Queanbeyan Arts Trail: 17-18 october
Round out your Arts Trail adventure in Queanbeyan, where creativity pops up in galleries, studios and familiar corners of the city. Wander, follow the little sparks of colour and curiosity, and discover the artists, makers and imaginative spaces that help give Queanbeyan its creative character. It’s a lovely excuse to slow down, explore somewhere new, revisit a favourite local spot and see the city through an art-filled lens.
- Queanbeyan Library – unleash your creativity with Wellness Through Words, a reflective writing workshop.
- LinQ Gallery and Q Exhibition Space– discover local and regional landscapes in Jenny Sheppard’s Beyond Clear Waters and Ray Monde’s immersive exhibition The Places That Shape Us.
- Wamboin Home Produce and Craft Market – browse handmade goods, local produce, art and photography in a lively community setting.
- Matthew Curtis and Harriet Schwarzrock – step inside a vibrant glassblowing studio to see glowing tableware, sculptural works and an atmospheric plasma vault.
- Rusten House Arts Centre – explore four exhibitions featuring Martin Rowney, Bobby Graham, Kirsty Dixon and Anthea Kenyon, then enjoy Spring Community Sing in the garden.
- Art by Anders – enter a treasure-filled space where vintage finds curated by Helen Whigham meet the contemporary works of Anders Mykkeltvedt.
- Queanbeyan Art Society – see the October Exhibition alongside affordable art, a sculpture garden, demonstrations, free Lerida wine tastings and a coffee van.
- Queanbeyan Quilters – discover the welcoming world of quilting through displays, demonstrations and handmade items for sale.
- Cheryl Hodges – visit the artist’s home studio and explore works inspired by Australia’s native plants and insects.
- Schwartz Glass Studio – explore glass art by Rob and Rose-Mary, created through hot shop, kiln forming and neon bending.
- Christopher Harman and Justine Maughan – wander through shared home studios featuring sculpture, furniture, lighting, abstract art and creative arts therapies.
- No Name Lane Open Air Gallery – discover illuminated photography in an outdoor setting, best viewed after dark.
- Archbold Design Studio – escape to Alison Archbold’s farm studio filled with paintings, mosaics, ceramics, prints and gifts inspired by nature.
- The Nullarbor Nights Knitwear – step inside a working knitwear studio where garments and accessories are designed and made on site.
- Queanbeyan Community Choir – finish on a high note with The Joy of Music, led by Michael Row with piano solos by Sam Row.
Make sure to stop for a coffee or bite to eat at local favourites. On the Sunday make sure to check out the Queanbeyan Market as well for even more local produce, handmade goods and community atmosphere.
Left: Bunker Arts Studio, Top Left: Queanbeyan Scenery, Bottom Left: No Name Lane
Gather, wander and stay awhile
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend away, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Arts Trail is the perfect excuse to gather friends and family, hit the road and explore the region at a slower pace. Along the way, make time to browse local markets, stop in at cafés, cellar doors and restaurants, and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes each town unique.
With so much to see, taste and discover, why not extend your stay and turn your Arts Trail adventure into a memorable spring escape.