Queanbeyan, a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offers a rich blend of natural beauty, diverse sports, and an active community. From scenic hikes and thrilling mountain bike trails, to becoming a hub for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, Queanbeyan’s outdoor scene is expanding and attracting both locals and visitors.
Greg Durr, a lifelong Queanbeyan resident, has explored the region’s landscapes and shared his passion with his own family. His deep connection to the area and wealth of local knowledge make him the perfect guide.
So if you are ready to explore, here are some of the best outdoor adventures Queanbeyan has to offer.
Greg Durr at PCYC Queanbeyan
Molonglo Gorge: walking, hiking and swimming
Formed 15 million years ago, Molonglo Gorge with its rugged terrain and fascinating rock formations is one of those places that feel excitingly remote, despite its accessibility.
Greg recalls his childhood adventures: “I have been walking [here] since the early 1970s when we would go on school excursions and go swimming in the river and explore the amazing rock formations.” And the rocks are indeed amazing; you’ll find towering cliff faces, jagged outcrops, and weathered boulders scattered along the riverbanks — and the striking patterns and textures in the rock are sure to intrigue, even if you aren’t a geology enthusiast!
The only official trail at Molonglo Gorge is the Blue Tiles Walk, a 6km return trip that passes through beautiful bushland. The track is steep and exposed at times so please do pay attention when walking.
Of note is the train line through Molonglo Gorge. At the right time along the Blue Tiles Walk, you can watch trains passing over it; a thrill for children if they are able and motivated enough for the walk in! This train line was constructed in the 1880s to provide easy travel from Queanbeyan to Sydney. “When it opened, NSW Railways tourism promoted trips where Sydney people would catch the Friday night train to Queanbeyan, go walking up the Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers to go trout fishing and then catch the train back to Sydney. You can just imagine what an adventure that would have been,” adds Greg.
Blue Tiles Walk, Molonglo Gorge
Kowen Forest: walking, running and cycling
The Kowen Forest is only a 10-minute drive from Queanbeyan. Here, there is an abundance of fire trails suitable for walking, running and cycling, as well as over 100 kilometres’ worth of singletrack mountain biking trails.
For those riding, there are two areas: Sparrow Hill on the south side and the East Kowen Forest on the north side. Beginner and intermediate riders will love the well-groomed, flowy and open trails at Sparrow Hill. More advanced riders can find the only black trail in both trail areas at East Kowen, where the trails tend to be rougher and involve more climbing. Because the Kowen Forest is an active plantation, there is often forestry work rerouting the trails; make sure to check maps and updates at the trailhead, follow signage and stay out of work areas.
For those walking and running, you can clock up the kilometres on some race-worthy trails! The Capital to Coast multi-stage ultra trail run starts in the Kowen Forest and has racers going through nine stages on a mix of trail, fireroads and single track to reach the South Coast. There is also the Kowen Trail Run, held in January and June, with 12km run/walk, half-marathon and marathon courses (marathon only in June).
In the Kowen Forest is also the Glenburn Heritage Precinct, with three trails linking 16 heritage sites. Choose from the 10km Glenburn Heritage Trail, the 10km Burbong Heritage Trail, or the 12km Precinct Loop Trail, which combines the two separate trails into one big loop. These trails are a true gem in Queanbeyan with their blend of history and nature.
Kowen Forest trails
Cuumbeun Nature Reserve: walking and cycling
A lesser-known spot is Cuumbeun Nature Reserve, a 10-minute drive from Queanbeyan. The management trails here are perfect for gravel cycling — though there are some steep hills! The hills reward you with views of Googong, Jerrabomberra, Queanbeyan and Canberra. It is best to use Strava and AllTrails to plan your route.
More around town
Queanbeyan River Walk
The Queanbeyan River Walk is a 7km route through many of the town’s historic sites, including Benedict House, built in the 1880s, and the cemetery. You can also cycle around the river and into Canberra, or out to Googong Dam to explore the scenic trails there: “Particularly the walk to London Bridge, which is an amazing natural limestone arch,” adds Greg.
Saturday parkrun
There are two parkruns around town with all ages and abilities congregating on Saturday morning at Jerrabomberra Mountain Reserve and Morriset Street, Queanbeyan to run or walk the 5km route.
Mount Jerrabomberra Lookout & Walking Track
From the trailhead at Jerrabomberra Hill Road, this is a 3.4km loop track that takes you to the summit of Mount Jerrabomberra to an elevation of 783m and views over Queanbeyan and surrounds.
Pickleball
Did you know that pickleball is the world’s fastest-growing sport? Similar to tennis, pickleball is played on a level court, where a perforated plastic ball is volleyed over a low net by two players or pairs of players using short-handled paddles.
Queanbeyan has become quite the hub for it. Boasting both indoor courts at PCYC and outdoor purpose-built courts at East Queanbeyan, this fun, easy-to-learn game appeals to all ages and abilities. Anyone can enjoy a social game or even seek coaching and competitive opportunities: “We are also fortunate to have Vision Pickleball who can provide coaching and training for those who want to improve or play in competitions,” says Greg, who has even medalled at the Australian Championships alongside his family (and at the time of this article, is in the process of becoming an official Ambassador for Pickleball NSW!).
Climbing
White Rocks is a striking limestone formation located near the Queanbeyan River, close to Old Cooma Road. Once a quarry site, it’s now a popular spot for climbers and swimmers. If you’re interested, consider joining the Canberra Climbers’ Association or a guided adventure with Integral Climbing. It is not an official recreation area so if you plan to visit, please exercise caution.
Pickleball at PCYC, Mt Jerrabomberra walk, mountain biking at Googong
Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.