Considering how beautiful the Granite Belt is, it’s no wonder that it is fast becoming a hot spot for Brisbanites wanting a weekend escape to the county.  This is why we thought it would be useful to put together some information that will help you get the most out of your trip to the region – everything from the weather to the activities you can enjoy on your next visit to the Granite Belt.  If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we discuss everything you need to know before visiting the Granite Belt.

What Is the Weather Like?

The Granite Belt is situated in South East Queensland, right on the border of Queensland and New South Wales.  It’s a thousand meters above sea level and about a 2.5 hour drive from Brisbane. This means the air is fresh and clean, which is great if you plan on getting away from the city.

Unlike most of Queensland, the Granite Belt is blessed with four seasons.  Whether you are looking to escape the heat of summer, enjoy the apple blossoms in full bloom or enjoy a glass of red wine by the fire, the Granite Belt has it all.  

It’s hard to pick the best time of the year to visit the Granite Belt, as each season offers something different.  Winter is the regions busiest and most popular, as couples flock to the region in search of cold winter nights snuggled up by a log fire.  

Spring in the Granite Belt is full of new growth as the orchards start to blossom, vineyards experience the start of their bud burst and wildflowers appear.  

Autumn is full of colour as the leaves turn a stunning red and gold before falling to make a magical floor covering.  

The cooler summer days are perfect for those wanting to escape the hot and humid Queensland temperatures.  Whenever you decide to visit the Granite Belt, you’re sure to have plenty of activities and sights to keep you busy.

What Makes Granite Belt Special?

The Granite Belt is one of the highest altitude wine regions in the country. Planted at 650 to 1000 meters above sea level, Granite Belt vineyards take longer to ripen than those in Bordeaux (France) or Napa Valley (USA). The result is more cool climate wines that offer luscious, full flavours with a slightly softer body than those from the warmer southern regions.  The region is full of great diversity in both the types of grapes grown and the style of wines produced by the individual vineyards. 

What Is There to Do?

The Granite Belt is home to Queensland’s burgeoning wine industry, with over 40 cellar doors established.   To get the most out of your trip, we suggest dropping by the local wineries and chatting with the winemakers who are always eager to share their story.

Stanthorpe is Queensland’s Big Apple, a heartland for local produce in the Granite Belt. It is also home to a large number of stone fruit growers, as well as pick your own strawberry fields,   cherries and much much more.  Stop by local cafés and restaurants to dine on high-quality meals freshly prepared from locally-grown green vegetables, eggs and cheeses.

For the nature lovers, the region is home to some of the state’s most stunning national parks including Girraween National Park.  Known for its stunning array of flowers, Insta-worthy landscapes and wildlife it is the perfect spot for those who love bushwalking, mountain biking and even rock climbing. Be sure to check out the breathtaking Balancing Rock.

For those who love the water, Storm King Dam offers great swimming, fishing, boating and canoeing.  There is also a campground for those who want a relaxing camping holiday by the water.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to furthering your knowledge of the Granite Belt and help you to make the most of your visit. Be sure to keep all of this in mind when visiting, so you can get the most out of your holiday and get the best experience possible from your visit to the Granite Belt.

There are so many fun activities to do in Stanthorpe that you’ll need to stay for more than a day. Granite Belt Retreat offers accommodations in Stanthorpe, QLD, that will fit the entire family at an affordable price so they can make the most out of their visit. Book a room with us today!