Queanbeyan

Postcode: 2620

Queanbeyan is a city and local government area (Queanbeyan City Council) in south eastern New South Wales, Australia. It is a city overshadowed somewhat by its proximity to the Australian federal capital city of Canberra: it has effectively become a de facto district of the nearby capital city as it lies on the Australian Capital Territory border and is approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Canberra's CBD, Civic. The border itself is defined by a railway line. The Queanbeyan River runs through Queanbeyan, near the centre of the city and this area surrounding the river boast some of the highest house prices in the district.

On Census night 2006, Queanbeyan had a population of 34,084 people and has been said to be the "fastest growing city in Southern NSW".

The original name was Quinbean which means "clear waters". Queanbeyan was officially proclaimed a township in 1838 with a population at that time of about 50. The name was also used for the surrounding parish. Some of the significant historic buildings still standing date from those early days. Traces of gold were discovered in 1851 and lead and silver mines also flourished briefly. In 1836, approval was granted for the establishment of a Post Office at Queanbeyan on the Limestone Plains.

Queanbeyan is a regional centre providing the opportunity for people to work in Canberra and live in New South Wales. The city is home to a large shopping centre known as Riverside Plaza. Queanbeyan has most of the major fast food outlets and selected speciality stores. Queanbeyan has two government high schools, Queanbeyan High and Karabar High. Queanbeyan primary schools include Queanbeyan South Public School, Queanbeyan West Public School, Queanbeyan East Public School, Queanbeyan Public School, Jerrabomberra Public School and St. Gregory's.

Queanbeyan has a major hospital, ambulance station, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, community centre, public library and several parks. There is no longer a cinema in Queanbeyan. Much of the growth of Queanbeyan is found in Jerrabomberra, this suburb being created in 1992 and now having a population of over 6000. The city is served by the privately owned bus company, Deane's Buslines. On 16 December, 2006, level 3 water restrictions were introduced for the first time in Queanbeyan. Queanbeyan is protected by two fire services, NSWFB and a NSWRFS Volunteer Brigade (Queanbeyan City Brigade).

For more information about this town, click here