Stanthorpe is one of Queensland’s top places to visit, especially if you are looking for a unique outback experience, without the excessive heat. Situated 800 meters above sea level, Stanthorpe is one of the coolest towns in Queensland, with temperatures dropping to near zero in the winter months. During the summer months when most of regional Queensland is sweltering through energy sapping heat waves, Stanthorpe enjoys a more temperate climate with maximums around 28 degrees.
The cool winters and warm summers is the perfect temperature for vineyards, with the region renowned for producing lighter bodied reds and deliciously crisp and fresh white wines. Apart from amazing wines and the freshest local produce, the area is blessed with breathtaking natural wonders and stunning landscapes.
Wanting to get the most out of your trip to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region? With so much to see, taste and explore we recommend you plan ahead before going on a weekend getaway in Stanthorpe.
Read on for some fun activities for you and your family to enjoy:
Saturday, Day 1
9:00 AM
As the apple capital of Queensland, take a photo of the big apple, an icon that you cannot miss when you visit the region!
11:00 PM
It will be best to visit Stanthorpe Cheese at lunchtime with the best cheese made from the milk of purebred Jersey cows.
1:00 PM
After trying the best cheese that you could ever taste your whole life, try out the rare French Black Perigord truffle at the Truffle Discovery Centre.
3:00 PM
Celebrate art by visiting Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and enjoying a collection of 900 pieces—paper, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and many more.
5:00 PM
For your afternoon getaway, explore Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery. See how an actual brewery operates, get to touch the ingredients, have the staff explain the brewing process, and work your way through a tasting menu to see the differences between each kind.
Overnight
After exploring the brewery, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a cozy night in the perfect Stanthorpe accommodation with a fireplace, featuring rustic cedar cabins surrounded by trees. Take your pick among Granite Belt Retreat’s family cabins, dog-friendly cabins, spa cabins, and timber suites for guests with limited mobility.
Sunday, Day 2
9:00 AM
Explore the stunning Girraween National Park, which earned the area its Granite Belt title as you trek through the granite laden. You could also check out some of the other nearby national parks, including Big Sky Country Drive as well.
12:00 PM
After a tiring adventure, eat a sumptuous lunch and mouth-watering dessert at Ballandean’s Barrelroom, a kitchen run by chefs Bobbie-Lee and Matt Wells, specialising in Australian-Italian cuisine.
2:00 PM
Drop by the Granite Belt Christmas Farm and browse through Christmas ornaments in the Mistletoe Store or try hot chocolate and handmade Belgian chocolates for your sweet tooth. If you have kids with you, you can also let them play with the animals on the farm or perhaps feed the reindeer.
4:00 PM
Enjoy a picnic at the Hidden Creek Winery, where you can have a view of either the lakeside or vineyards.
Final Thoughts
This is just a sample itinerary highlighting a few of the must-visit places in the Granite Belt. For the ultimate Stanthorpe experience, why not spend a few more days in the region and truly immerse yourself in all the Granite Belt has to offer. With over 40 wineries, tonnes of local food producers and an array of natural wonders to explore, you will have plenty to keep you busy.
For high-class accommodation in the Granite Belt wine region, book a cabin at the Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in Stanthorpe with our cedar cabins with log fire, a microbrewery, a bar, a restaurant, and a function centre. Message us today for more information.
