For visitors to Stanthorpe who enjoy a scenic walk, the 5.5-km track up Quart Pot Creek in the heart of town is a great choice.  The walk, which ends at the historic Red Bridge, is one of the many attractions that have made Stanthorpe a popular tourist town in South East Queensland.

Let’s Walk through Its History

Many rural towns search for opportunities to improve the quality of living for their residents. Residents of Stanthorpe looked to their local creek, which lay beside a busy road, and realised that with a little help it could be transformed into beautiful parklands with an attractive walking track. The 5.5-kilometre-long walk is mostly a loop, but there is one part where the walk requires people to return to the same path where they ended up after crossing Red Bridge.

And while everyone calls it “Red Bridge,” the place has an official name: Quart Pot Creek Rail Bridge. It’s one of many bridges built as part of the interstate rail link between Queensland and Sydney in the late 1800s. If you want to see it, start at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre at 14 West Street, Stanthorpe.

The area is also home to one of the town’s newest and most popular tourist attractions, the Giant Thermometer.  The giant landmark was reportedly built because of a rivalry between Stanthorpe and neighbouring Applethorpe for the title of Queensland’s coldest town.  Stanthorpe decided to build the giant thermometer, which sends live temperature readings to the Bureau of Meteorology and ensures they were recognised as the coldest town.

Taking the Short Walk

If you are looking for a short walk, start at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre. Take the road North to Maryland Bridge; cross the bridge and keep walking alongside the creek.  There are two footbridges on either side of that bridge which you can use to cross the creek. Once across, follow the path south approximately 1km along the creek towards Red Bridge.  

You’ll know you’re at the end when you reach a patch of soft grass a few hundred yards from the visitor centre. Large, round stones protrude a few inches out of the grass in rows, creating the impression of a thermometer. 

Taking the Long Walk

The longer walk north along the creek also begins at the Visitor Information Centre. To begin the walk, you head north along the creek.

Another way to make the walk longer (or shorter) is to cross bridges along the creek. You’ll end up at Red Bridge if you follow all five bridges. The short path is about 5.5 kilometres.

Other Routes

It is also possible to ride bicycles most of the path, but be aware that there are a couple of steps near the end, right after you leave the Red Bridge area. When you reach the end of the bridge, you’ll need to turn around and ride back to get back on the path. Avoiding them by riding past the bridge and back is best.

Conclusion

After enjoying your Red Bridge, and Creek walk, why not stop by the  Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery for a bite to eat or refreshing ale! Our estate hosts 20 cedar cabins, a restaurant, and a function centre, so you still feel the comforts of home even in the wilderness. Book now by contacting us through our website or at (07) 4681-1370!