When it’s bluebird and beautiful outside, it feels almost wrong to stay indoors and miss out on the region’s many outdoor dining and picnic spots. From riverside spots and shaded courtyards to classic country pubs and village bakeries, the region is full of ways to enjoy a meal in the open air.
Queanbeyan
Ray Morton Park, located on the banks of the Queanbeyan River, is perfect for outdoor gatherings of any kind, whether you are meeting friends, heading out for a date, taking a lunch break or spending time with the kids. The Party Time Nepal food truck is a go-to for momos, chowmin and street-style snacks, so all you need to bring is a picnic rug.
You can also pick up picnic supplies from the many cafés and delis along Monaro Street, with plenty of fresh sandwiches, salads and iced drinks to take down to the river. Once fed, kids and adults will love exploring the sensory garden and public artworks scattered throughout, including two of Queanbeyan’s most well-known sculptures, Morty the Snail and Queanie the Platypus by local sculptor Neil Dickinson.
For those looking for something more lively, Cartel Taqueria has exploded in popularity over recent years. People rave about their flavour-packed tacos, colourful interiors and spacious riverside lawn seating. This vibrant eatery suits groups, long lunches and casual evenings alike.
Closer to the centre of town, the Royal Hotel QBN is always a dependable choice with pub classics, share plates and a leafy beer garden that draws locals and visitors for its easygoing vibe.
For a quick, tasty bite, Quean Kebabs on Waniassa Street is a local favourite, known for generous wraps and kebabs and loaded fries. The shady outdoor area makes it an easy stop for a satisfying alfresco meal.
Bungendore
Bungendore is just a 30-minute drive from Canberra, and yet it feels a world away, with a charming village and countryside atmosphere. In fact, it’s so charming that it won the award for Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town for 2025!
If you want to pull together a full lunch picnic, Nerson’s Pie Place is the spot. They serve sandwiches, burgers, chicken gravy and lamb gravy rolls and hot chips. Plus, they have freshly baked muffins and a wall lined with lollies to round it out with something sweet.
Another local bakery is Gunna Doo, a family-owned and operated bakery since 1991 with a quirky 1950s interior. In addition to traditional bakery staples, they also do pizza and a sensational apple pie! If you do just opt for some loaves, rolls and scrolls, take your pick from a selection of meats, cheese, and fruit at Bungendore IGA for a simple picnic platter.
Once you have your provisions, head over to Bungendore Park, where a huge rural-themed adventure playground offers plenty of room for play. Or wander up to Warren Little Oval along Turallo Creek; the oval makes for a picturesque picnic spot with lots of open space for relaxing, kicking a ball or laying out a picnic blanket.
For those looking for a more ready-made experience, The Gathering Cafe is known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu and warm, friendly service. Enter through their 1920s triple-front timber building and order their all-day chef’s breakfast, grilled Kranksy roll, or croissant French toast. Then, take a seat in their sunny courtyard for a long, leisurely meal in one of the village’s most inviting (and kid and pet-friendly) spaces.
Braidwood
With its artisan food stores and eateries and pretty green spaces, Braidwood is made for lingering and picnicking. For those wanting to sit in (but outside), Provisions Deli and Crêperie and The Albion are quintessential Braidwood foodie experiences. Vanilla at Altenburg specialises in housemade pastries and sweets, which you can savour in their lush, peaceful garden courtyard. Provisions serves both sweet and savoury galettes, a Breton specialty made with gluten-free Australian buckwheat flour, with a vibrant courtyard to make you feel like you’re lunching in France. In the heart of town, The Albion blends seasonal produce and country hospitality, all of which you can enjoy on their beautiful wraparound verandah.
For picnic goods, Provisions has a unique selection of cheese and charcuterie that you can pair with Dojo Bread’s renowned German sourdough. Their beer bread cob and bagels are also big favourites.
Once you have your spread, Ryrie Park is a natural hub, with shaded areas, lawns and room for both quiet lunches and lively gatherings. There are also many scenic pull over points along the Kings Highway where you can soak up rolling rural views and a sense of seclusion.
Captains Flat and Majors Creek
No outdoor dining guide would be complete without a nod to the classic Australian pub, where you can sit among locals amidst the quiet rhythm of town life and charm of heritage architecture.
The Captains Flat Hotel was built during the town’s mining boom when Captains Flat was a bustling centre for lead, silver and zinc production. Its 1940s art deco style is largely in original condition and at the time of its construction, the hotel was famous for having had the longest bar in the southern hemisphere. Today, visitors can enjoy a relaxed meal on the second level balcony, choosing from steak sandwiches and fish of the day to pizza.
Majors Creek Hotel is a long standing rural pub just outside of Braidwood, with deep roots in early settler and farming history. It was originally established to serve graziers, shearers and travellers moving between Braidwood and Canberra’s outlying districts. Take in the views and a good old-fashioned pub meal on the nostalgic wraparound verandah.
Written by Thuc Do for Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang.