1 :: Stay for a weekend
Not only do you get to enjoy a weekend getaway, but it’s also awesome! – but you can also get a solid feel for a region in just 48 hours.
Come as a tourist, but keep your eyes peeled as a future resident.
Check out as many towns as possible at different times of the day.
Don’t just stay in the car, get out and walk around.
Exploring streets [not just the main roads] is a great way to get to know a town.
Grab a bite, sip coffee, chat with shopkeepers, stroll through parks, and locate train stations, bus stops, and other community spots. And don’t forget to strike up conversations with locals. We love a good chat!
Here’s a list of accommodation options in the Queanbeyan Region to help plan your weekend escape.
2 :: Choose a town that meets your needs
One of the awesome things about the Queanbeyan Region is that each town and village has its own personality!
Queanbeyan is our biggest town and has an excellent mix of regional charm with city perks. With exciting CBD developments on the way, it’s an awesome place to live, work, and have fun. Living here means you get the best of both worlds: a laidback lifestyle and loads of job options.
Jerrabomberra is just on the outskirts of Queanbeyan and is full of big blocks, leafy streets and young families.
Captains Flat is a small town but what it lacks in size it makes up for in a tight-knit community.
Googong is a relatively new development but has already won awards. There are shops, schools, and regular community events and it is close to the popular Googong Foreshores.
Bungendore is charming and arty. You’ll get that relaxed country vibe and easy access to city amenities. It’s fab for families, with parks, after-school programs, and schools all nearby.
Braidwood is a haven for hobby farmers, artists, and history buffs, with locals lovingly restoring 19th-century buildings and bringing in new businesses. The area also has successful farms that focus on sustainable practices.
Image courtesy of Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang [QPRC]
3 :: Rent for a Year
The Queanbeyan real estate scene is always buzzing!
We’re big fans of the variety of homes for sale here, but before you commit to buying, we recommend renting for a year. It’s a smart way to see if this town really feels like home for you.
Renting gives you flexibility if you decide you want to explore other areas. Plus, if you need to store your furniture and belongings while you search for that dream home, we have storage facilities that can help.
The rental market can be a bit competitive, so reach out to local real estate agents as soon as you can.
4 :: School Catchment Zones
The Department of Education has tightened the rules on school catchment zones, making it harder for schools to accept students from outside their designated areas.
If you have a few schools in mind, give them a call to confirm their catchment zones. Here’s a handy link to the NSW Public School Finder where you can search for public schools by address.
We also have plenty of private schools to choose from, so do your homework to find the right fit for your family.
Open Days are a great opportunity to chat with local families who have kids in school. They can share insights on what each school does best, whether that’s a fantastic arts program, strong academics, or a solid sports reputation.
Image courtesy of Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang [QPRC]
5 // Join local Facebook groups
Local Facebook groups are full of information and opinions [sometimes VERY strong ones]. They’re a fantastic way to get a feel for what’s on people’s minds and super handy for answering practical questions about everything from hairdressers to schools to restaurants and more.
Most towns and suburbs have their own groups. A quick Google search for “[suburb] Facebook group” will usually point you in the right direction. Some streets even have their own groups, which is great if you’re after that tight-knit community vibe.
6 // Trial life as a commuter
Many people from the Queanbeyan region work in Canberra.
If your move to the area means you’ll still be commuting to the city, it’s a good idea to test out the daily drive or public transport to see if it works for you.
Spend a week here and try the commute to get a real feel for it.
Towns like Queanbeyan, Googong, Jerrabomberra, and even Bungendore are pretty close to Canberra by car, but public transport can sometimes make the journey take longer, so keep that in mind when deciding how you’ll get around.
Braidwood and Captains Flat are a bit further out, so they might not be the best option if you need to be in the city regularly.
Image courtesy of Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang [QPRC]
7 // Get involved in the community
Made the move?
The first thing you can do to make friends and get to know us friendly locals is to join up with social groups, sporting organisations, business networks, parenting catch-ups – whatever suits you and your likes.
There are loads of organisations in the Queanbeyan region you can get involved with, whatever your interests and hobbies are.
8 // Be prepared for your house to become your friends’ new weekender
Once you’re settled in, you may find that you’ll have your city friends wearing a track to your front door.
And that’s awesome!
Take them out and show them around your gorgeous new neighbourhood – the more the merrier [+ our local businesses benefit from the extra spending – yay!!]
Check out our Eat & Drink hub for heaps of ideas on how to keep your crew fed and watered.
Our Outdoor & Adventure hub has loads of fun ways to show them the sights.
Image courtesy of Visit NSW
9 // Keep a jacket in your car
While we have four distinct seasons in the Queanbeyan region, we do sometimes have them all in one day!
Summers can be scorchers.
Oh, and winter is coooooold.
Not a little bit cold.
A LOT cold.
Layering [and a good beanie!] is the key to not freezing your booty off.
Ski socks will also be your friend.
Queanbeyan retailers are experts on the weather patterns [or lack of], so it only makes sense to shop locally.
Anything you need to keep you warm, [or cool] and stylish, they’ll have you covered…. Literally.
10 // Follow The Fold
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Insta and Facie to keep up to date with all the fab stuff happening in the Queanbeyan region.
If you’re searching for a local biz – from architects to art galleries, plumbers to pubs and everything in between – our Business Directory will get you started.
And you can never get bored with our lists of things to do, see, eat and drink…whatever
These are also handy when you’re playing tourist guide [see #8!].
So there’s some tips to help you make your relocation to the Queanbeyan region with confidence.
Welcome, we’re so happy to have you!
