Although going on a day trip to Stanthorpe, Queensland is doable, you wouldn’t be doing the area justice. To fully appreciate all that Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region has to offer, we suggest you stay a couple of nights or, better yet, why not make it a three or four-day long weekend. Here we give you the ultimate guide compiling only the best activities, sights, and sounds that Stanthorpe has to offer.
Do Wine Tours
One of the best things about Stanthorpe are the wineries. The area is home to the Granite Belt, recognised as Queensland’s premiere wine region. If you enjoy wine tasting and love interacting with local producers, then the Granite Belt is a must visit. The region is home to over 40 easily accessible cellar doors, each offering a range of different wine varietals and styles. It even has a self drive ‘Strange Birds Wine Trail’ that showcases some of the alternative or lesser known wine varietals that are grown in the region. Some of these wines include Petit Verdot, Gewurztraminer, Roussane, Alvarinho and Petit Manseng as well as reds Sagrantino, Malbec, Montepulciano and Durif.
Five wineries that we recommend you visit for a wine tasting when in the area are:
- Ballandean Estate Wines
- Jester Hill Wines
- Tobin Wines
- Golden Grove Estate
- Symphony Hill Wines
Taste the Truffles
Stanthorpe is home to the rare French Black Perigord Truffle, a fungus with a very distinctive aroma. The Truffle Discovery Centre Stanthorpe is open each Wednesday and weekends from 10.00am to 3.30pm, offering visitors the chance to learn all about this culinary delight. As well as offering guided tours, guests are able to sample a range of products. If you’re lucky you may even get a demonstration of how their trained dogs detect the truffles underground.
Check Out the Big Thermometer
After almost 20 years of waiting, Stanthorpe residents and tourists alike can now admire the Big Thermometer. Fast becoming one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions, the thermometer was unveiled to immortalise Stanthorpe’s status as the coldest town in Queensland. Although there is much debate as to whether nearby Applethorpe is the colder town, the Big Thermometer is one of the landmarks you should definitely visit during your stay in Stanthorpe.
Delicious local produce, direct from the farm
The Stanthorpe area is known to be a wonderful place to grow apples, strawberries, cherries, figs, and other fruits and vegetables. In fact, the Granite Belt is known to produce the most apples in Australia every year. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Stanthorpe between the months of August and December, you will likely be able to experience the harvest season. This is one of the best times to visit the area with fresh local fruit and vegetables in abundance. Be sure to leave some space in your boot for a tray or two of delicious local produce.
Take a Scenic Drive or Stop for a Picnic
One of the best things about road trips is the ever changing scenery. The “Granite Belt Scenic Drive’ is a 12km stretch from Dalveen to The Summit, that takes in a wonderful array of sights including vineyards, fruit orchards, farms and loads of native bushland. With plenty of opportunities to stop for breathtaking photos or to stock up on more local wares, it is definitely worth adding to the itinerary. The drive also features a number of tourist attractions including the Granite Belt Maze and Law Dogs.
Need a spot to relax after stocking up on some local cheese, fruits, and wine? The scenic drive has plenty of spots to stretch the legs and is also home to some of Stanthorpe’s top picnic spots.
Visit Baker Park
Baker Park is a small but stunning public park, which offers a gorgeous panoramic view of Stanthorpe. It’s one of the best places to take photos of the Stanthorpe area as well as being a great place for hiking, hill climbs or a relaxing stroll.
Stay at the Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery
The Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery is a great place to stay in Stanthorpe. It’s a small, family-owned estate set on 30 acres, with 20 private timber cabins each with a log fireplace. They offer a variety of accommodation options including spa cabins, family cabins and even a large 3 bedroom ‘Hidden Home’ which can accommodate up to 10 people. For those travelling with pets, there are 2 dedicated pet friendly cabins so you can bring your fur baby. With an onsite brewery, bar and restaurant, it has everything to make your stay unforgettable.
Conclusion
Stanthorpe is an overlooked gem, not just in Australia but in the world. Most people don’t even know that it exists. It’s unique in its own way, with the abundance of wineries, the scenic drive, and the great family atmosphere. Consider going to Stanthorpe and spending your well-deserved weekend to relax and have your own adventure.
Just five minutes from Stanthorpe, the Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery is the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Our cabins and facilities are designed for maximum comfort and relaxation while letting you experience your surroundings. If you’re looking for accommodation in Stanthorpe, QLD, the Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery is the place to be. Book now!
