ACT Monaro Riverina Branch: Beside the Queanbeyan River: An afternoon walk with stories on the way

We are delighted that the Queanbeyan walk planned for the 2020 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival will take place THIS year.

Queanbeyan’s story is closely tied to the Queanbeyan River, with even Surveyor Larmer’s siting of the initial village being dictated by the natural and stable ford where the current bridge stands. His 1838 plan for the village spanned the river with Monaro Street aligned with the crossing. The importance of this spot is shown by the establishment of Queanbeyan’s first two businesses (both existing before 1838) – a blacksmith on the east and a store on the opposite side. The river was the lifeline of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and then for the Europeans who settled here – providing water and an abundance of food in the forms of fish, mammals and birdlife.

AGHS and the National Trust ACT are joining again to present an event for the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.

Historian Gillian Kelly has devised and will lead an easy riverside walk (approximately 2 km), sharing stories of the natural and cultivated landscape and the people who visited and settled here from earliest times to now. Gillian is passionate about preserving and sharing the early history of the city, but especially about the role the river has played in its development, the hard times and the good times. Her research has led her to many stories of the events and people that have influenced the development of the village to a town to a city.

We will finish at the Queanbeyan Sensory Gardens, where we will enjoy refreshments.

Venue: We will meet on the Queanbeyan River Path under the Queen’s Bridge (Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan East)

Parking: In Wanniassa St/Molonglo St or in Trinculo Place or nearby and then walk to the bridge underpass.

Start: The walk starts at 2 pm – look at the fishy mural while you are waiting.

Cost: Adults $15 (plus 50 cents ticket fee), accompanying children under 15 are free). Refreshments included.

Bookings: Through TryBooking.

Enquiries: Nancy Clarke 0423 690 626, clarkenancy624@gmail.com.