When was the last time you escaped the hustle and bustle of city living, for the clean air and slower pace of a country getaway? Well, if you could do with a country escape, then the Granite Belt region, just 3 hours from Brisbane in Queensland South East is the perfect spot.
Here are the things you can do in the Granite Belt to make the most out of your escape:
1. Visit the Wineries
One of the most popular things to do while visiting the Granite Belt is wine tasting. The region is regarded as Queensland’s premier wine region, home to some amazing cool climate wine producers. There are over 40 wineries in the region, each offering a range of different wines that showcase their distinct attributes. If you want to try out wine that you cannot get anywhere else, then you should look for the following wineries:
If you want to try out wines that are perfect for every occasion, then you should visit Tobin Wines. They have a varied collection of premium handcrafted wines that offer the taste of Granite Belt in every glass..
If you are more into wines with a unique story, then you should visit the Cottonvale Cellar Door at Heritage Estate Winery. They offer an impressive collection of award-winning wines for you to enjoy.
Regardless, there are many wineries you can visit. If you’re a wine-lover, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
2. How do you like them Apples
Neighbouring Stanthorpe is the aptly named Applethorpe, Queensland’s largest Apple growing region. In fact, the local Apple industry has been growing for over a century, and now, the region is known for the best varieties and cultivars of apples.
If you want to sample the best apples the region has to offer, then you should visit Nicoletti Orchards. There, you can join the orchard bus tour and pick your own apples to bring home.
3. Check Out the Parks
Another thing you can do, of course, is to check out the region’s large number of national parks.
Queen Mary Falls, located within the Main Range National Park features a 40m waterfall down sheer rock face. The falls are easily accessible, with picnic and BBQ areas and amenities for visitors.
Girraween National Park is another of the region’s most popular national parks. The park features a range of spectacular flowers, stunning landscapes featuring dramatic granite outcrops, and abundant wildlife.
Just over the border in New South Wales is Girraween’s twin park, Bald Rock National Park.
Featuring the second-largest monolith (after Uluru) on the continent it is home to a range of attractions including The Pyramid, Castle Rock, The Sphinx, Turtle Rock, Underground Creek and Mount Norman – the highest point in the park at 1267 metres. With many kilometres of walking trails to explore and a stunning landscape dominated by granite bourlers, it is definitely worth the short drive.
Another national park on the Queensland/New South Wales border is Sundown National Park. With its rugged wilderness, spectacular steep-sided gorges, sharp ridges and peaks rising to more than 1000 metres it is sure to impress.
If you want a sense of adventure or simply want to be surrounded by nature, these parks will not disappoint!
Conclusion
Overall, the Granite Belt is a must-see place for anyone who is looking for a quiet escape. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to be surrounded by nature and breathe the fresh air, then the Granite Belt is a must visit location. Plus, with so many activities to enjoy, you will never run out of things to do! Just don’t forget to find a stunning accomodation to take the experience to a whole new level.
Granite Belt Retreat is located five minutes away from Stanthorpe, featuring cedar cabins with log fire, a microbrewery and bar, restaurant and function centre. If you are looking for Stanthorpe accommodation, book with us today!
