Looking for a holiday destination with a host of unique activities for you to enjoy? Then Stanthorpe, in Queensland’s south west is the perfect location for you to escape the city and enjoy Queensland’s rustic warmth and character.
Read on to discover the top six Queensland activities for your unique holiday.
Go up the State’s Largest Granite Rocks
Girraween National Park’s natural granite structures and perilously positioned boulders make it a popular photographic location. This area has no jungles, only granite outcrops and 17 kilometres of hiking routes.
The 1.6 km Granite Arch hike follows the granite arches of Girraween. The 3.6km Pyramid trek includes a difficult elevation along which ‘Balancing Rock’ teeters. Make sure you are informed with guides and prepare your hiking boots!
You can make your way here through the New England Highway south of Stanthorpe, and turn left onto Pyramids Road. Park your vehicle in the day-use area of Bald Rock Creek.
Jump into the Waterfalls of the Main Range National Park
If you’re looking for unique rainforest experiences, the Main Range National Park offers three waterfalls: Cunningham’s Gap, Spicer’s Gap, Goomburra, and Queen Mary Falls.
Cunningham’s Gap and Spicer’s Gap
Cunningham’s Gap and Spicer’s Gap are on the road from Brisbane to Warwick. The 120m Moss’s Well route is great for kids, while the 6.8km Mt Cordeaux walk offers spectacular views of Brisbane.
Goomburra
The Goomburra is known for its rocky mountain ranges, breathtaking lookouts, lush subtropical rainforest, and beautiful swimming holes. There are lodges nearby, as well as private and national park campgrounds.
The Queen Mary Falls
The Queen Mary Falls circuit is a 40-minute hike that takes you from the views to the creek below. During the months of October and November, look for fireflies and glow worms at night. The Falls Drive connects Warwick and Brisbane through Boonah, passing Browns Falls, Daggs Falls, Queen Mary Falls, and Carr’s Lookout.
Bike and Wine Your Way around the Granite Belt Wineries
The Granite Belt Bike Track is a 34-kilometre route that traverses country roads from Stanthorpe to Ballandean, Queensland’s most famous wine area.
There are around twenty rest stops within a kilometre of the trail. Rest stops, signage, restrooms, and bike racks all contribute to a pleasant, comfortable, and safe travel.
Because the bike lane is shared with motor vehicles, use caution, safety, and vigilance. Granite Belt Bicycle Trips offers adult and child excursions, as well as bike rentals. Plan ahead of time.
Enjoy the Local Steam Ride
The Downs Explorer operates a tourist railway in Queensland’s Darling Downs and Granite Belt. The Southern Downs Steam Railway is based in Warwick’s historic Locomotive Depot. The C17 steam locomotive, diesel locomotives, and vintage coach fleet are all used at the Warwick Railway Precinct.
Travelling by train from Warwick to Wallangarra, Clifton, Wheatvale, Hendon, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Tenterfield, and Stanthorpe is also available.
Catch the Best Panoramic Views up Mt. Cordeaux
Backpack your way up to Mt. Cordeaux. To reach an isolated mountain top camp, you must navigate tough ascents, rocky outcrops, dense plants, and sharp cliffs. Alternatively, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at one of the park’s covered picnic sites near a crystal-clear mountain stream.
Try the Winemaker’s Life and Sample Regional Delicacies
Varias Restaurant, Conference and Function Centre, and Banca Ridge Winery and Cellar Door are all part of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT). The QCWT is one of Queensland’s main Food and Wine Tourism sector training partners, offering courses and events in various industry areas, including the well-known “winemaker for a day” project.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the culture of a community. Here in Queensland, you can blend in, have fun, and stay adventurous as you make the most memorable travel experiences. Enjoy your next trip!
If you’re looking for what to do in Stanthorpe, Granite Belt Retreat is your sanctuary for views, amazing accommodations, and weekend activities. Visit our website today!
