Walking is good for your health in many ways. Not only does it improve your fitness, it also boosts your brain power. So for the ultimate in brain food, it’s hard to go past a history walk.
We know, we know. It’s nice to relax on holiday. But there’s only so much lazing one can do. And besides, Queanbeyan-Palerang has so much history, the best way to explore it is by foot.
Historic buildings. Fascinating stories. Important monuments. Our history walks will take you back to a different time; a time of pioneers, bushrangers, gold rushes and convicts.
Sure, you can read about the events and the characters involved. But to actually be where the adventures occurred? You can almost SEE the action playing out before you.
So don’t just do the same old on your next visit to Queanbeyan-Palerang. Here are four history walks to get the heart pumping and those brain connections firing.
1. Queanbeyan Heritage Walk
Old-school hotels, beautiful churches and even a flour mill: the Queanbeyan Heritage Walk features plenty of interesting buildings and monuments dating back to the mid-1800s. Starting at Farrer Place, the walk goes down Crawford Street to the Suspension Bridge, and also includes some historic gems on Collett and Monaro Street.
Download your Queanbeyan Heritage Walk map here.
2. Captains Flat Heritage Trail
As you wander the streets of this sleepy little village, it’s hard to believe this town had not just one, but two boom periods. One in the 1890s, the other in the mid-1900s. The reason? Gold. This trail features 29 sites including historic buildings, the hotel (which boasts one of the longest bars in the southern hemisphere) and of course plenty of old mining relics to admire.
Download your Captains Flat map here.
3. Bungendore History Walk
Bungendore may be a small village, but it packs a lot of punch when it comes to strolling into yesteryear. From the police station to the Old Stone House, there’s character and charm at every turn. Starting at the bottom of Malbon Street, walk up the road and turn left into Majara Street. Turn left into Gibraltar Street, then take a left again on Molonglo Street to return to the beginning.
Details on the walk (and other historic buildings in the village) can be found here.
4. Braidwood Heritage Walk
Braidwood was the first town listed on the NSW state heritage register in 2007. And it has history in spades. Visit the Braidwood Museum, stroll past modest workers cottages and grand historic homes, then enjoy a drink at one of the town’s well-preserved hotels.
You can also see the memorial to the Special Constables murdered by the infamous bushrangers, the Clarke Brothers, at the Braidwood cemetery.
Download your map here to help you find historic sites of interest.
Walking is a great way to experience a new place AND exercise, but history walks take it to the next level. Give one of the these walks a whirl next time you’re in Queanbeyan-Palerang.
Happy walking!