The story began in 1850, when Martin Byrne established Byrne’s Hotel on this site. Over the decades, the hotel became part of life in Queanbeyan, hosting public meetings and even announcing election results from its balcony.
The original hotel was eventually demolished and construction of the Royal you see today began in 1926. The new hotel officially opened on 21 June 1927.
Anthony and Sandy McDonald have owned RHQ since 2014 and were instrumental in re-establishing the Royal as the venue it is today, continuing to invest in the building, its people and its place in Queanbeyan.
In 2019, the Royal’s former hotel rooms were thoughtfully reimagined as The Upperhouse, creating a distinctive private events venue for Queanbeyan while retaining original features including exposed brickwork, leadlight windows and fireplaces.
Today, The Upperhouse hosts weddings, celebrations, corporate events, live music, ticketed shows and dining experiences.
The Upperhouse has been named Best Wedding Venue – Boutique Hotel at the Wedding Industry Awards Canberra & Snowy Mountains region four times, as well as receiving a Highly Commended.
Every Friday night, locals buy raffle tickets at the Royal, with profits going to a selected local family in need or charity group.
We keep raising funds for each recipient until there’s a meaningful amount to give, then choose another local family or organisation to support.
Our locals make it possible simply by buying a ticket on Friday night.
The Royal has long-standing relationships with local sporting clubs and organisations across Queanbeyan and the surrounding region.
More than a decade after taking ownership of RHQ, Anthony and Sandy are preparing to open their next hotel in Googong.
It will have its own character and community, built around the same approach that guides the Royal: look after the place, look after people and create somewhere they want to come back to.
There’s more than one way to enjoy the Royal. Settle in downstairs at the pub, head upstairs to The Upperhouse or find a space for your next celebration.
Our sister venue, a short drive from Queanbeyan. Same team, same standards, built around the restaurant and the bar.
