Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate walk directions

Summary

Enjoy rural river views and heritage cottages on this very pretty, easy walk straddling the ACT and NSW borders. The route comprises a wander along Queanbeyan and Oaks Estate streets past heritage cottages; a very safe off leash stretch by the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers (incorporating the Oaks Estate Heritage Walk) with several shallow spots for dogs to have a paddle; and a detour past Queanbeyan's historic Riverside Cemetery where notable Canberra and Queanbeyan figures are buried. Several sections of the walk are shaded by large, mature trees. The walk starts and ends in the centre of Queanbeyan in a public park opposite a dog friendly café.
Start/Finish - Queen Elizabeth II Park, Corner of Morisset and Collett Streets
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off lead rating - ♥♥
Parking - Car parks under Riverside Plaza off Morisset St or off Collett St
Dog friendly café - Our Pick Mill House Café
Public toilets - Queen Elizabeth II Park opposite Riverside Plaza
Bins - Queen Elizabeth II Park; Gillespie Park; along the concrete path next to Queanbeyan River
Distractions - none
Children's playgrounds - Queen Elizabeth II Park; Gillespie Park
Photo gallery - See photos taken on the Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate walk

Note - All our dog walks assume you are a responsible dog owner with an obedient and well-socialised dog. See our Important Stuff page before starting any of our walks.

Map

Use the navigation tools to zoom in or out for different views of the route or click on the 'view larger map' icon on the top right hand corner of the map to view in google maps.

Directions

Queen Elizabeth II Park to Molonglo River (25 minutes)

1. From the intersection of Morisset and Collett Streets, take the concrete footpath on the right hand side of Collett Street, heading uphill away from the river. Continue along Collett Street, crossing Antill and Erin Streets.
The relatively new park at the start of the walk on this intersection, Queen Elizabeth II Park, provides modern public toilets, fresh water, bins, a children's playground and inviting seating to enjoy the views across the river.
2. Shortly after Collett Street curves left, turn right at the next intersection at the Greek Orthodox church (into Campbell Street). Continue on Campbell Street as it also curves left. It changes name here to Henderson Street.
These Queanbeyan streets display a mixture of early 20th century houses and buildings, utilitarian 1950s and 60s flats, as well as more modern architecture. There's a view over the town at the highest point of Collett Street.
3. Shortly after the curve left, turn right into the first street (McEwan Avenue). Continue on McEwan Avenue over the railway bridge, then turn left into the second street (Hazel Street) and continue to the four way intersection (with River Street).
The railway line marks the border between NSW and the ACT and the 'suburb' known as Oaks Estate. Oaks Estate takes its name from Oaks House, a farm house built by the Campbells on the edge of their Duntroon Estate in the early 1800s. Oaks Estate contains many old cottages as well as 'modern' blocks of flats. You can find out more about this interesting community here.
At the intersection of Hazel and River Streets is Gillepsie Park where there's shady seating under large trees and gazebos, a children's playground, barbecue facilities, a toilet and several bins.
If you look left at the intersection, you'll see the Queanbeyan railway station dating from the 1850s.
4. Turn right at this intersection and follow River Street downhill to the end. Continue straight ahead following a gravel track past the sign Oaks Estate River Corridor Heritage Walk, through a red boom gate, and into a grassy clearing to reach the river (the Molonglo).
Off leash opportunity starts here.
The area bordering the river from here to the railway bridge (see direction no. 7 below) is off leash.
The grassy clearing includes a picnic table under shady, mature trees.
There is easy, shallow access to the river beyond the picnic table if your dog would like a paddle and play. However, following high rain periods this area may not be accessible.

Molonglo River to Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery (30 minutes)

5. Turn right to follow the dirt track along the river bank until you reach the railway bridge over the river.
This 1.5 km track following the river bank is regularly mown and well maintained and includes several informative signs about the area's history. There are virtually no buildings in sight, so the rural views make it easy to imagine you're in a country setting. It's a very safe off leash area, bordered by the river on one side and with good fencing or steep banks on the other.
There are several points where dogs can easily access the river for more swims, but note that after heavy rain, the river may be fast flowing.
The Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers junction is not far from the beginning of this section, after which the route then follows the Queanbeyan River.
6. Walk under the railway bridge following the dirt track uphill into another grassy clearing.
Off leash opportunity ends here.
Continue straight ahead uphill to reach a concrete footpath. Turn left to follow the footpath towards a cemetery (the Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery).
You have crossed back into NSW after the railway bridge.

Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery to Queen Elizabeth II Park (20 minutes)

7. Continue following the footpath as it skirts the edge of the cemetery on your right, with the river on your left.
The Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery is this town's original cemetery. There are signposted demarcated areas for Anglicans, Catholics, Presbyterians and Wesleyans. Notable people buried here include John Gale, the 'father of Canberra' (in the Church of England section).
8. After the footpath curves right at the end of the cemetery, you'll see an access point to the cemetery with informative signs.
If you'd like to explore the cemetery, this is a good point to venture in. Return to this point to continue the walk.
The path follows the course of the river, sometimes close to the bank and other times rising above to provide fine views of the river and hills south-east of Queanbeyan.
There is a bin next to the footpath, not long after you pass the access point to the cemetery.
9. Soon after the path crosses over a creek, a large grassy park opens up on your left.
There are more bins next to a small car park adjacent to this park.
10. Continue on the concrete path until it reaches the street just in sight ahead (Morisset Street). Cross over Morisset Street here, then turn right to either walk along the concrete footpath beside the road or walk the (prettier) route on the footpath following the river bank. Both paths will quickly return you to the walk's starting point at Queen Elizabeth II Park at the intersection of Morisset and Collett Streets.
If you feel like a coffee break, breakfast or lunch, we can highly recommend the Millhouse Café on this intersection. Dogs are welcome in the shady back garden accessed from the Morisset Street side.

If you'd prefer to join one of our regular guided group walks, find out more at our guided walks page.