Canberra/Airport and East

Canberra Airport is Australia's only inland international airport, just to the east of Canberra. East of the airport is home to the large Kowen Forest as well as bits of Queanbeyan in New South Wales that creep into the Australian Capital Territory.

This area is as boring as it could get. If you had to ask a Canberran for one specific region or district to visit, none will ever recommend this region. There is only one suburb: Pialligo (excluding Beard and Oaks Estate which although residential, is not officially a suburb), and while Pialligo has a nice selection of gardening stores, it only has a population of 120 (2016).

Nevertheless, if you're the kind of person who likes exploring new places and are into nature and local history, this area will certainly impress you. While there are a few homesteads scattered here and there, there are several long-distance bushwalking trails that pass some pretty impressive forests. While Canberra's history is relatively short, here you can find Walter Burley Griffin's longest-living legacy; the Pialligo Redwood Forest, albeit small was planted by Burley Griffin in 1918 along with arborist and horticulturalist Charles Weston.

This article covers the districts of Majura and Kowen and a little bit of the district of Jerrabomberra. Although the primary way to access Queanbeyan is through the ACT, since it is in New South Wales, it is not covered in this article.

If you're arriving in Canberra by plane, you'd probably have guessed already that -35.306944149.1951 Canberra Airport is in this district. The good news is that you don't need to travel to visit this district; the bad news is that unless you're going to rent a car, you're going nowhere but west towards North Canberra as most of this region is rural.

The R3 line ( R3 ) connects the district to Civic via Russell in North Canberra, though the line only goes as far east as the airport and Majura; elsewhere, there is no public transport. To get further afield, you are best to rent a car. All major national brands operate from the airport or have nearby pickup locations.

Since airports generally need to be well-connected (and it'd be strange for an airport to have limited road access), there is good road access from, well, most of Canberra with freeway access (M23 Majura Parkway) from Gungahlin, parts of South Canberra and Tuggeranong and while not served a freeway, North Canberra and Civic are within 5-10 minutes from the airport via Parkes Way and Morshead Drive.

Although getting to and around this region except to the airport on a bicycle is not advised, there are two cycling routes in this district:

•  C2  – this route starts in the South Canberra suburb of Parkes and terminates at Queanbeyan, briefly passing through this district (well south of the airport). However, the route it uses makes it inconvenient and indirect to reach the airport – if you are visiting the airport or the nearby business park on a bike, a separate path diverges at Kingston (in South Canberra) – follow the signs to the airport. From Queanbeyan, you'll have to take the long way.
•  C9  – from Gungahlin, this bike freeway follows parallel to Horse Park Drive and Majura Parkway (M23) and terminates at the airport.

While the Airport and East district is largely defined by industrial logistics and aviation, its vast geographical footprint contains some of Canberra’s best-hidden natural secrets. The region spans the lush, heritage tree stands of Pialligo, a rugged river gorge, and a colossal commercial pine plantation that serves as a regional mecca for cross-country mountain bikers and history trail hikers.

• -35.3015149.20621 Fairbairn Golf Club, 35 Laverton Avenue, Fairbairn, ☏ +61 2 6257 9000, info@fairbairngolfclub.com.au. An 18-hole par 70 public golf course located on the northeastern perimeter of the Canberra International Airport precinct. Operating as a not-for-profit club, it features a flat layout with bunkers and light water hazards. Visitors and social groups are welcome seven days a week. Green fees from $30.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.307549149.3137192 Historic Glenburn Homestead, 325 Charcoal Kiln Rd, Kowen. Open 24 hours daily (closed during days of Total Fire Ban). A highly fascinating cultural heritage precinct containing early European structures, ruins, historic gravesites, and rusted farm machinery dating back to the 1830s. It offers a remarkably raw, authentic glimpse of what the Limestone Plains looked like when the region was just an isolated patchwork of subsistence farmland. The site features three self-guided, signposted loop trails of medium difficulty that are perfectly suited for bushwalkers and mountain bikers. There are no public toilets, drinking water taps, or rubbish bins available at the homestead precinct, so visitors must pack in all essentials. Free.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.324898149.348483 Sparrow Hill & East Kowen Forest Trails, Kings Highway, Kowen ACT (the main trailhead and unsealed car park are signposted directly off the northern side of the Kings Highway, roughly 11 km east of Queanbeyan). Open 24 hours daily (Daylight riding highly recommended; closed during Total Fire Ban days). Tucked inside a sprawling 4,670-hectare working commercial pine plantation, this area is widely celebrated as one of Canberra's flagship mountain biking networks. It features between 50km and 80km of fast, flowy, and impeccably maintained cross-country singletrack trails optimized to run smoothly along natural mountain contours. Signposted loops range from a family-friendly 5km track up to a demanding 40km endurance run. The thick pine canopy offers great year-round protection from light rain and wind. While the wider forest tracks are locked to public vehicles, any standard two-wheel-drive vehicle can easily access the main highway trailhead parking area. There is no mobile phone coverage inside the forest; ensure you download offline maps before setting out. Free.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.328093149.2618644 Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve (Molonglo Gorge), Sutton Road, Kowen ACT (clearly signposted and accessed via Sutton Road, just north of the Kings Highway intersection), ☏ +61 13 22 81. Day-use only (Overnight stays and camping are strictly prohibited). A beautiful, steep-sided river reserve protecting a rugged 15-kilometre stretch of the Molonglo River. The main recreation area is highly equipped with free public toilets, electric barbecues, picnic shelters, and a children's climbing playground. From the trailhead, hikers can tackle the Blue Tiles Walk—a scenic, moderately challenging 6.4-km return bushwalking track that hugs the crashing river rapids before terminating at a peaceful, grassy streamside picnic spot. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Drinking water is completely unavailable along the trail or at Blue Tiles, so you must carry your own supplies. Free.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.320062149.2010035 Pialligo Redwood Forest, 384 Pialligo Avenue, Pialligo, ACT 2609 (on Pialligo Avenue, immediately adjacent to the southeastern edge of the Canberra Airport runway precinct). Open 24 hours daily. A deeply peaceful botanical sanctuary that represents one of the most enduring physical legacies of Canberra's original designer, Walter Burley Griffin. The site marks the spot where Burley Griffin and pioneer horticulturist Thomas Charles Weston planted a massive redwood forest. While Weston was strongly against the project—rightly predicting that Canberra's dry climate lacked the cool coastal fogs of the trees' natural habitat—they went ahead anyway. Ultimately, only 3,000 of the original 122,000 trees survived the decades, representing a tiny 2.4% survival rate. While it failed as a forestry project, the surviving grove has matured beautifully into the largest stand of mature Redwood species in Australia and is proudly protected on the national Commonwealth Heritage List. Travellers can explore this shady, quiet haven on a flat, scenic 3-km self-guided circular walking trail. To protect the redwoods' incredibly shallow and fragile root systems, neither bicycles nor motor vehicles are permitted past the small front car park. Dogs on leads are welcome. There are no public toilets or water facilities on site. Free.  (updated Jul 2026)

While the Airport and East district lacks traditional suburban high streets, it functions as the absolute commercial engine of Canberra. Retail here is cleanly divided into massive multi-service shopping complexes, bulk-buy warehouses, big-box homeware destinations, and scenic semi-rural farm gates.

• -35.299309149.1903341 Majura Park Shopping Centre, 18/26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park, toll-free: +61 2 62752252. Mon–Fri 9AM–5:30PM, Sat 9AM–5PM, Sun 10AM–4PM (major anchors and supermarkets trade significantly longer). A massive, exceptionally convenient single-storey sub-regional shopping plaza. It houses a large Big W department store, Toymate, a high-volume Chemist Warehouse, and over 30 specialty lifestyle, fashion, and electronic stores. Includes a 160-seat air-conditioned food court and Lollipop's Playland for families traveling with children. Ample free parking makes it an excellent supply pitstop.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.29717149.19032 Costco Wholesale (Costco Majura Park), 39 Mustang Avenue, Majura Park. Mon–Fri 10AM-8:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-6:30PM, Sun 10AM-6PM. A massive 13,500-square-meter membership warehouse. Ideal for long-term travellers and campervan holidaymakers looking to buy bulk foodstuffs, heavy-duty outdoor camping gear, electronics, and cheap automotive supplies. The complex also features an incredibly cheap membership-only fuel station on-site and a budget-friendly food court serving oversized pizzas and hot dogs.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.29508149.1910173 Dan Murphy’s Canberra Airport, Majura Park, Corner Mustang Avenue &, Catalina Dr, Canberra Airport, ☏ +61 1300 723 388. Mon-Wed 9AM-8PM, Thu-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 10AM–7PM. A high-capacity, warehouse-style liquor retailer. It features an impressive, dedicated walk-in cellar showcasing premium local wines from the surrounding Canberra District wine region (such as Murrumbateman Rieslings and Shiraz), alongside thousands of domestic and imported beers, craft ciders, and international spirits.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.298422149.1902414 Woolworths Canberra Airport, 36 Spitfire Ave, Canberra, ☏ +61 2 6132 9860. Daily 7AM-9PM. A colossal flagship supermarket famously opened as the largest Woolworths in the country. It features massive, sprawling fresh produce sections, an expansive deli counter, an in-store bakery, and a dedicated macro-organic health food aisle. Highly convenient for road-trippers due to its specialized 'Direct to Boot' online order pickup bays in the main front parking lot.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.294901149.1865375 IKEA Canberra, 1030 Majura Road, Pialligo. Mon-Thu 10AM–6PM, Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat Sun 9AM–6PM. A massive, state-of-the-art flat-pack furniture and home accessories showroom. Extremely useful for regional visitors looking to furnish accommodation or travelers looking for smart, compact storage containers and travel utilities. Features a large on-site Swedish restaurant serving budget-friendly meatballs, salmon dishes, and cheap filter coffee.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.293184149.1911036 Bunnings Canberra Airport, 971 Majura Rd, Majura Park. Mon-Fri 6:30AM-9PM, Sat Sun 7AM-7PM. A giant hardware store that serves as a critical asset for road-trippers needing emergency tools, electrical adaptors, camping gas canisters, or caravan maintenance equipment. Features a comprehensive indoor nursery and building supply yard. Locally famous for hosting traditional charity community sausage sizzles out front every Saturday and Sunday.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.270264149.1954877 Majura Valley Farm Gate (Majura House Farm Shop), 728 Majura Road, Majura, ☏ +61 433 738 307. Daily 8AM-8PM. A wonderful agricultural farm shop operating on a heritage site farmed since the 1820s. The shop operates entirely via automated, self-service tap-and-go checkout terminals. Locally famous for fresh free-range eggs, grass-fed local lamb, organic compost, and local honey. In autumn (typically around March), the farm opens its spectacular interactive Sunflower Maze.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.310676149.1854588 Rodney's Plants Plus & Pialligo Food Emporium (Rodney's Garden Centre), 24 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Daily 9AM-5PM. Spanning 5 acres of beautifully curated indoor and outdoor pavilions, it stands as the city's largest garden and homewares lifestyle centre. Directly attached to the nursery layout is the Pialligo Food Emporium, a boutique deli space packed with hard-to-find international treats and hyper-local gourmet provisions—including cured meats, artisan smallgoods, regional wines, and handmade cheeses. Features a large kids' playground and the brilliant, alfresco 'Kitchen Garden' courtyard cafe.  (updated Jul 2026)

Dining choices in the east are tightly concentrated into three distinct environments: the quick-turnaround fast-casual chains of Majura Park, the flight-aligned cafes inside the Airport Terminal concourse, and the boutique, high-end farm-to-table sanctuaries operating out of character-filled historical spaces across semi-rural Pialligo. On the furthest southern tip of the district in Oaks Estate, dining spills cleanly over the New South Wales border into Queanbeyan, offering classic regional country pubs and traditional bakeries.

Note: These facilities are situated inside the modern terminal complex, accessible to both passengers and groundside visitors.

• -35.307241149.1902781 Baker's Cut, Level 2 Departures Concourse, ☏ +61 2 61901652. Mon-Fri & Sun 5AM-7:30PM, Sat 5AM-3PM. Focusing entirely on the enduring appeal of a classic Australian sandwich, this fast-casual outlet leans into simple, transparent ingredients and fresh regional produce. They assemble a premium range of classic deli combinations utilizing artisanal breads, accompanied by gourmet yogurt cups, mixed fruit salads, seasonal frappes, and fresh cold-pressed juices. They are also highly favored by families for their unique, premium hot chocolate menu lines. Sandwiches from $12.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.307212149.1904312 Cityhill Coffee, Level 2 Departures Concourse, ☏ +61 2 61901652. Daily 5AM til last departure. A highly inviting terminal centrepiece that serves genuinely outstanding coffee. Partnering directly with Canberra’s world-renowned ONA Coffee roasters, every espresso pull is dialed to perfection. Their food menus actively showcase regional produce, utilizing local free-range eggs, artisan sourdoughs, smallgoods, and neighbourhood honeys. It offers comfortable seating configurations with power hubs, catering equally well to travelers on the move or those wanting to linger with a laptop. Standard cafe pricing.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.307409149.1808273 Beltana Farm Restaurant (Beltana Farm Dining), 14 Beltana Road, Pialligo, ☏ +61 2 62021130. Lunch: Thu-Sun noon-3PM, dinner: Thu–Sat 6–10PM. An architectural and culinary marvel standing proudly within a lush grove of over 800 oak and hazelnut truffle trees. Replacing the old historical estate concepts of the area, this destination restaurant centers around a magnificent double-sided fireplace constructed from regional Pialligo sandstone. The kitchen specializes in farmhouse-inspired shared plates that change seamlessly with the seasons, explicitly celebrating local farmers and suppliers. During winter months, dishes are heavily elevated by fresh, aromatic black truffles harvested directly from the surrounding soil. Booking well in advance is highly essential. Premium dining; multi-course shared menus format.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.299346149.190554 Majura Park Food Court, Majura Park Shopping Centre, 18/26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park. Daily 9AM-5:30PM (Individual supermarket grab-and-go options trade significantly later). A massive 256-seat temperature-controlled indoor dining space. While predominantly anchored by popular national fast-casual franchises—including custom Mexican burritos and healthy bowls from Zambrero, fresh gourmet salads, sandwiches, and specialty barista coffee from Soul Origin, alongside various juice bars, sushi joints, and classic bakery lines—it serves as the ultimate budget-friendly and completely reliable refueling resource for long-distance drivers and families. Budget-friendly / Fast casual.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.307495149.1906161 The Capital Brewing Bar (Capital Brewing Airport Taproom), Level 2 Departures Concourse, Canberra Airport Terminal (airside immediately past the primary security screening gates), ☏ +61 2 61901652. Sun-Wed noon-7PM, Thu-Fri 9:30AM-7PM (closed Saturdays, operating times adjust fluidly based on interstate flight schedules). A fantastic airport taproom operated by one of Canberra’s most celebrated local craft breweries. The bar pours a pristine, fresh selection of their signature lines on tap—including the highly smashable Coast Ale, Trail Pale Ale, and their tropical XPA—alongside local cool-climate wines and spirits. Features expansive, double-height glass windows that look right onto the active tarmac, making it an unmissable pre-flight watering hole. Pints from $12.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.309134149.1871692 Helix Bar & Dining, 1 Rogan Street, Canberra Airport, ☏ +61 2 6201 1500, dining@vibehotels.com.au. Daily 6AM-10PM. A modern, sophisticated architectural lounge bar centred around a striking circular fireplace hub beneath a soaring seven-storey light atrium. Named after the aerodynamic airflow spiral of a propeller, this "landside" lounge serves as an excellent public alternative to standard airport lounges. The bar features a highly creative seasonal cocktail menu alongside an expansive list of regional cool-climate wines from the Canberra District and local craft beers on tap. Standard upscale hotel bar pricing.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.231033149.1941543 Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura, ☏ +61 2 6262 3070, info@mountmajura.com.au. Daily 10AM-5PM. This is perhaps one of the few places where you could go wine-tasting and still be inside a capital city. Surprisingly, what you'd get is not expensive, but rather sits firmly on the mid-range side. Positioned on the unique limestone-rich, volcanic red-earth slopes of Mount Majura, the boutique cellar door specializes in handcrafted, single-site drops. They are nationally celebrated for pioneering Iberian red varieties in the region, particularly their highly acclaimed Tempranillo and TSG (Tempranillo, Shiraz, Graciano) blends. Tastings are completely seated, deeply educational, and can be accompanied by local artisan cheese and charcuterie platters. Seated tastings from $20 (frequently redeemable on retail bottle purchases)..  (updated Jul 2026)

While the immediate terminal precinct remains anchored by a single transit hotel, the surrounding semi-rural valleys and eastern pine forests offer remarkably diverse lodging choices. Travelers can choose between premium big-city convenience, high-end culinary farm stays, or completely off-grid backcountry camping.

• -35.309039149.18751 Vibe Hotel Canberra (Canberra Airport Hotel), 1 Rogan Street, Canberra Airport, ☏ +61 2 6201 1500, canberraairport@vibehotels.com.au. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A striking, upscale 4.5-star hotel featuring a soaring, light-filled internal design atrium. It features 191 thoroughly soundproofed guest rooms and self-contained apartments outfitted with convenient kitchenettes and Nespresso coffee pods. The on-site Helix Bar & Dining restaurant serves great modern Australian cuisine, craft beers, and excellent buffet breakfasts. Perfect for early morning departures or late arrivals. Includes a fitness center and secure overnight parking. From $249.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.307374149.1804762 Beltana Farm Stays (Beltana Farm Pialligo), 14 Beltana Road, Pialligo, ☏ +61 2 6202 1130, unearth@beltanafarm.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. An extraordinary luxury farm-stay experience nestled within a private trufferie of over 800 oak and hazelnut trees. The property features four beautifully appointed architectural accommodations: a contemporary two-bedroom country cottage with a cozy gas fireplace, alongside highly unique one-, two-, and three-bedroom circular studio yurts featuring luxury deep-soak bathtubs and high-end kitchens. Guests enjoy direct access to the acclaimed farmhouse-inspired Beltana Dining restaurant and exclusive winter truffle hunts. Free covered self-parking and private tennis courts are provided on-site. From $350.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.288965149.2870013 Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area Campground (Kowen Forest Camping), Kowen Road (via Sutton Road), Kowen Forest, ForestEnquiry@act.gov.au. Check-in: Flexible, check-out: Flexible. A deeply remote backcountry public campground operated by Parks ACT within a massive 4,670-hectare working commercial pine plantation. This non-powered camping area serves as an excellent base for cross-country trail runners, horse riders, and mountain bike enthusiasts tackling the nearby Sparrow Hill singletracks. Facilities are basic but well-maintained, including communal picnic shelters, gas barbecues, and public toilets. Note: This is a strictly locked forest area—unauthorized vehicular access is banned, meaning you must secure a formal gate permit online. Campfires are strictly limited to constructed steel fire pits outside seasonal fire ban windows, and visitors must supply all of their own wood and drinking water. Low-cost per night; permits must be secured directly via Parks ACT.  (updated Jul 2026)

As Canberra’s primary transit gateway, the Airport and East district is exceptionally well-connected. Mobile coverage is flawless.

• Canberra Airport Terminal: Completely free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas of the terminal. To connect, simply select the "Fly CBR" network on your device and accept the baseline terms and conditions. For business travelers or digital nomads looking to squeeze in some remote work, head to the departures lounge to utilize the "Office Fit For You" spaces—these are free, dedicated mini-workspaces equipped with dedicated charging ports and optimized Wi-Fi coverage.
• Majura Park Shopping Centre: Complimentary public Wi-Fi is provided throughout the main enclosed mall pathways and is particularly strong inside the central 256-seat food court.

• Inside the Airport: If you are an international traveler needing immediate connectivity upon landing, you can purchase prepaid tourist SIM cards at the Optus kiosk located near the baggage claim area in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, standard prepaid SIM packs and top-up vouchers are sold at the landside WHSmith convenience kiosks.
• At Majura Park: If you are looking for more budget-friendly local data plans, it is highly recommended to wait until you reach Majura Park Shopping Centre. The front checkout registers at Woolworths, ALDI, and Chemist Warehouse stock a massive variety of low-cost, prepaid starter SIM cards from local network resellers (such as Boost Mobile, Amaysim, and Vodafone) at significantly cheaper rates than airport terminal outlets.

• Australia Post lockers & boxes: There is no post office inside the immediate airport precinct. However, a highly convenient Australia Post Parcel Locker hub and standard red street posting boxes are situated on the exterior facade of the Majura Park Shopping Centre (located just to the left of the main sliding entrance doors). The automated lockers operate 24/7 for travelers needing to securely route online shopping deliveries while on the move, and the drop-boxes are perfect for mailing out postcards before boarding a flight.

The Airport and East district is purely functional, designed to cater to high-transit travelers and commercial shoppers. While there are no overnight emergency hospitals in the immediate vicinity (the nearest emergency room is The Canberra Hospital over in Woden), the district is well-equipped with primary clinical support, highly accessible parent facilities, and dedicated reflection rooms.

• -35.296388149.1906621 East Canberra General Practice (Majura Park Medical Centre), 1/25 Mustang Avenue, Majura Park, ☏ +61 2 6248 2600. Mon-Fri 8:30AM–6PM, Sat Sun 9AM-1PM (closed public holidays). A highly modern, inclusive general practice providing trusted medical care on the airport fringe. Ideal for travellers needing general practitioner consultations, prescription refills, or specialised skin checks. The practice is fully wheelchair accessible and shares its building space with a Capital Pathology collection center. Bookings are highly recommended and can be made online via HotDoc. Private billing clinic; out-of-pocket fees apply for standard adult consultations (weekend rates are higher)..  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.307596149.1892452 Canberra Airport Multi-Faith Prayer Room, Ground Floor, Main Terminal Building, 21 Terminal Circuit, Canberra Airport (on the landside arrivals floor; opposite the public restrooms and baby change area near Stairs B (adjacent to Qantas Baggage Claim Belt 5)). Open 24 hours daily (aligned with terminal access hours). A serene, inclusive, and completely non-denominational quiet space designed for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection. The facility is explicitly welcoming to travelers of all religious faiths and backgrounds. For Muslim travellers, the room is equipped with clean, dedicated wudu (ablution) washing facilities and features clear markers indicating the direction of the Qibla for daily prayers. Free.  (updated Jul 2026)

• -35.307395149.1897863 Canberra Airport Terminal Public Toilets, 21 Terminal Circuit, Canberra Airport. Open daily during terminal operating and flight scheduling hours.. Pristine, state-of-the-art airport restroom facilities built to handle heavy passenger traffic. Available on the Ground Floor (Arrivals hall near baggage carousels) and Level 2 (Departures concourse near the main retail blocks and gate lounges). All configurations include accessible wide stalls, modern touchless fixtures, and dedicated parenting suites equipped with safe change tables. Landside water stations are also available to fill empty drink bottles before passing through security screening Free.  (updated Jul 2026)
• -35.299399149.1904534 Majura Park Shopping Centre Public Toilets, 18/26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park. Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-4PM (aligned with standard retail hours). Impeccably maintained municipal restroom complexes spread throughout the retail center. The facility near Lollipop's Playland features a world-class, premium Parents' Room, which comes fully equipped with designated private feeding cubicles, microwaves for warming bottles, multiple change tables, an integrated toddler play safety zone, and dedicated child-sized toilet stalls. Fully wheelchair accessible with complimentary mobility chair hire available upon request.  (updated Jul 2026)