The Southern Downs and Granite Belt regions in southeast Queensland boast breathtaking natural landscapes and many activities to enjoy with family and friends. Here are six unique moments to experience when you’re on a Granite Belt retreat!

Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park has dramatic rock formations and boulders that are truly spectacular. The 17-kilometre trail system follows the scenic mountainsides, offering hiking trails for everyone, including families and backpackers. In spring, the wildflowers spread bright colours across the granite.

Queen Mary Falls

Taking in the beauty of the Queen Mary Falls near Killarney is a must-do when on a Granite Belt retreat! You can go for a short walk to the top of the lookout for beautiful views or embark on the entire circuit, climbing steeply at times on a well-built boardwalk designed for accessibility. In season, crimson rosellas and king parrots land on the feeder near the parking lot, and from late October to November, fireflies glow. Travellers can find worms on the lookout trail near dusk.

A Wine or Beer Tour

The Granite Belt is Queensland’s premier wine region, offering plenty of excuses to hit the wine trail or meet the winemakers at one of the region’s forty cellar doors. A guided bus tour is a great way to explore the region’s wineries without having to stress about who’s going to drive.  Alternatively you can join a bicycle tour for a relaxing peddle.

If wine isn’t your thing, the Granite Belt has a selection of breweries and cideries that be visited as part of your tour or on bike. Tours are available for small groups of four to ten people.

Events You Can Attend during a Granite Belt Retreat

The Southern Downs and Granite Belt is well known for its annual events. Make sure you come during these special times with so much to see. 

  • Do you like jumping to jazz music? Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz in July is a great time to visit.
  • Visit the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival if you like apple picking and grape harvesting.
  • The Historic Leyburn Sprints attract thousands of visitors to Warwick from Australia and overseas. 
  • The Morgan Park Raceway hosts significant motor racing events most weekends.
  • Lastly, the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft are held each Easter weekend, bringing thousands to Warwick. 
  • You can also trek on a heritage trail! The region’s history has left a lasting mark on the majestic sandstone buildings dominating Warwick, Stanthorpe, and the surrounding towns. They stand as a constant reminder of the heritage of the region.
  • Enjoy the seasons! The Southern Downs and Granite Belt celebrate four distinct seasons year-round. During summer, fields of bright yellow flowers line our highways. In the autumn, the trees turn faint shades of yellow and orange. As the coldest region in Queensland, Winter provides the perfect opportunity to cuddle up beside the fire.
  • Eat your heart out! There are a number of restaurants that cater to large groups, so you will have no shortage of places to eat out when in the region. With large groups, it’s always advisable to make a reservation, ensuring that your group can be accommodated.  Granite Belt Retreat is fabulous restaurant and bar just a 5-minute drive west of Stanthorpe. Offering delicious meals and a range of craft beer in a relaxed and friendly environment, it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and wine tasting. 

Go on a Granite Belt Retreat Right Now

You won’t be bored during a Granite Belt retreat. As you’ve read, there’s much to do when you’re in southern Queensland—eat, trek, enjoy the scenery, or visit heritage sites. Be sure to book with one of the local tour guides to ensure you experience everything this beautiful place offers.

Schedule your next trip at Granite Belt Retreat today! Our country estate contains 20 cedar cabins across a 30-acre estate where you can relax and enjoy amenities such as our microbrewery, bar, restaurant, and function area. Check out our facilities now!