If you’re looking for a holiday destination for you and your dog, then Stanthorpe in Queensland’s South East could be a perfect choice. Recognised as Queensland’s coldest town, Stanthorpe offers a range of dog-friendly activities that you and your pet will love including dog-friendly wineries, hikes, restaurants, and even a range of dog-friendly accommodations for you to choose from. This article will help you plan a dog-friendly getaway to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
Granite Belt Has Wineries That Welcome Dogs
Stanthorpe is part of the Granite Belt wine region in Queensland’s Southern Darling Downs region. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Brisbane, it is one of Australia’s best up-and-coming wine regions, with its cool climate the perfect setting for lighter red and delicious white wines. With many dog-friendly wineries, the Granite Belt is an excellent place for dog owners to go wine tasting with their fur babies.
Located approximately 10 minutes north of Stanthorpe, Summit Estate, is one dog-friendly winery worth visiting. With a “fur baby-friendly” sign on the entrance, visitors are encouraged to bring their pets along for the experience.
Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), the winery stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights for sunset wine tastings. Many of their white, rose, and red wines are available to sample at their cellar door.
Ridgemill Winery, Robert Channon Wines, and Balancing Heart Vineyard are a few of the other wineries that welcome dogs to their vineyard and cellar door. Many of the wineries have resident dogs, so your pet may be lucky enough to have someone to play with while you sample some amazing wines.
Granite Belt Brewery is the perfect spot to try some locally produced craft beer accompanied by your pet. The brewery allows dogs on their large grassed area as well as their spacious rear verandah. They even have 2 dedicated dog-friendly and fully fenced cabins, making it the perfect destination to enjoy a meal, grab a tasting paddle or spend the weekend.
Stanthorpe Has several Dog-Friendly Trails
Girraween National Park, home to several of Queensland’s most notable rock formations, unfortunately, does not allow dogs. However, there are several other trails in the area that is pet friendly, including Donnelly’s Castle which is a great site to explore with your pet.
There are two short excursions to Donnelly’s Castle: a 55-metre walk to the caverns region or a 100-metre walk to the overlook, perched atop a big rock. On-site amenities include a picnic area and barbecues. There aren’t any warning signs for dogs, but it’s best to keep your pet on a leash because of the steep drops.
On the southern border of Stanthorpe, you’ll find the granite boulders and Jardine Street, both of which are short but attractive walking options. The walk along Quart Pot Creek, which flows through the middle of town, is also a great way to see the city.
Stanthorpe Has Many Dog-Friendly Parks
Stanthorpe has a single off-leash dog park. It’s on Connor Street, just south of Talc Street, west of the railroad tracks. Picnic tables and chairs are within the park’s perimeter, and there’s a drinking fountain, poop bag dispensers, and bins.
Visitors to the park can use a newly-built bridge across Quart Pot Creek, which is located next to the park.
Stanthorpe Has Many Dog-Friendly Restaurants
About 25 minutes south of Stanthorpe lies the Balancing Heart Cellar Door which features a cafe offering wood-fired pizzas. When wine tasting, the aroma of their wood-fired pizzas is irresistible and dogs are welcome on the verandah and at the tables along the lake
However, lunch reservations are unnecessary for Stanthorpe Cheese and Jersey Girls Cafe‘s cheese tasting. Stop by Sutton’s Juice Factory in the town of Thulimbah while you’re there; their apple pie is a must-have. There’s a “dog parking” area with many tables for dogs and their owners at the main entrance.
Conclusion
Walking around Stanthorpe is a great way to experience the beauty of the Granite Belt and Granite Belt wineries. And if you bring your furry friend along, they are sure to enjoy it just as much as you will.
Visit Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery if you’re seeking Stanthorpe accommodation cabins! We are only five minutes from Stanthorpe, and our country estate has 20 cedar cabins with log fires, a 1000 litre microbrewery, a bar, restaurant, and function centre. Make your reservation with us today and bring your furry companions on your next adventure!