Travelling, both domestically and internationally, is always an excellent way to bond with your kids. Although international travel may be on hold at the moment, in Australia we are very lucky to be able to visit so many amazing places. Whether it be a major city, one of our spectacular beaches, or a country road trip, Australia is blessed with so many amazing things to see and places to visit. Stanthorpe is one such place that should definitely be on your families ‘to do’ list.
Stanthorpe is located in the Granite Belt’s Southern Downs. It’s a rural town just 2.5 hours away from Brisbane’s southwest, and it’s generally known for its cold winters, wineries and delicious fruit and veg. Stanthorpe also has many parks and attractions that are family-friendly, making it the perfect spot for your next getaway as a family.
This article will shed some light on the different things that adults and children alike can do on Stanthorpe, so read on below to learn more.
#1 – Eating the Famous Apple Pie at Sutton’s
Most of the apples grown in Queensland come from Stanthorpe and the adjoining town of Applethorpe. As you can imagine, there are loads of places that serve delicious apple products in the region. However, for the best apple pie you are ever likely to try, you must stop at Suttons.
Sutton’s is a place that has a working apple orchard. Chefs use the apples that come straight from their trees, and they cook up to 800kgs of apples every week. The best thing about their apple pies is that they’re made on-site, meaning they’re as fresh as it gets.
You can also try other apple products in the Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery Café. Aside from apple pie, there are also apple juices, sparkling apple cider, and apple jams.
#2 – The Big Apple—Not New York!
As you enter Stanthorpe, the first thing you’ll see is a literal big apple display. The Big Apple is an excellent spot to take some fun family photos. You will love trying to capture the perfect perspective shot with your kids holding or eating the apple.
Additionally, you can also take photos in the old railway station that’s directly behind it. If you’re worried about passing trains, don’t worry because they rarely pass through that station now.
#3 – Visit the Stanthorpe Cheese Shop
If you or the kids love cheese, Stanthorpe Cheese Shop is your paradise! It’s one of the best dairy farms in all of Queensland, and their cheese is made from purebred Jersey cows.
Before you buy cheese to take home, you can get a free taste of up to 12 different kinds of cheese as well as local produce. You can also have a meal at the Jersey Girls Café, where you can try their signature Ploughman’s lunch—filled with cheese, bread and crackers, eggs and meat. The cheese shop is open from 10 am to 4 pm every day, and prices may vary depending on the kinds of cheese.
#4 – Visit the Big Thermometer
Stanthorpe is a cold town. In fact, it’s actually the coldest town in Queensland. The local government erected the Big Thermometer to live up to its reputation, which is precisely what it sounds like: a giant, working thermometer. It’s a great place to take photos showing just how cold your stay was.
This is also where the visitor’s information centre is located, so you can pick up brochures to know other things to do in Stanthorpe.
#5 – Pick Strawberries at Ashbern Farm
If you’re visiting Stanthorpe with your kids between October to May, you can’t pass up on going to Ashbern Farm to pick strawberries. The best thing is that there are still plenty to pick even when it’s not the strawberry season.
When you go to the farm, simply get a punnet from the farm’s shop and pick strawberries to your heart’s content. Your payment will depend on the weight of the strawberries, so be sure to bring extra money.
Ashbern Farm is open during the weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 8 am to 3 pm in October to May.
#6 – Explore the Granite Belt Maze
If your kids love exploring, the Granite Belt Maze would be perfect for them. There are three different mazes, each with its own degree of difficulty. The large maze is for everyone to enjoy, while the two smaller mazes are perfect for children. There are also additional challenges along the way because there are riddles that are given by staff before entering that you can solve as you go through the maze.
The Granite Belt Maze is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 5 pm; open daily during school holidays; and closed throughout the entire month of February. To avoid problems, check their website first before going. The attraction costs $18 per adult and $13 for kids. If the entire family is going, it will cost $56.
Conclusion
You will never run out of things to do in Stanthorpe, so it’s the best place to bond with your kids. If you love creating unforgettable memories with your family, you will love Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
There are so many fun activities to do in Stanthorpe that you’ll need to stay for more than a day to try many things. 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!
