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12 Best Things To Do In Stanthorpe, QLD | 2023 Guide

Stanthorpe is a lovely rural town in Queensland’s Southern Downs area. After a rich mining history, the town has emerged as the heart of what is now referred to as the  Granite Belt Region.  Now known for its gourmet food experiences, unique wine varieties produced by family-owned vineyards, and plenty of beautiful landscapes nearby, it’s the perfect place to explore southwest of Brisbane.

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Stanthorpe sits at almost 1000 metres above sea level, making it one of the coldest towns in Queensland. This unique climate has made the region an agricultural centre, perfect for producing some of the best food and wine in the state. Here, you’ll find plenty of independent cellar doors and award-winning restaurants for an indulging weekend away from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

It’s worth spending a few days around Stanthorpe to really enjoy all that the Granite Belt has to offer. From tasting some unique wine varieties to heading off on a hike in nearby national parks, there is much to do in the area. 

This guide to the best things to do in Stanthorpe should help inspire your next trip to regional south Queensland.

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How To Get To Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is located just 220km or almost a 3-hour drive southwest of Brisbane in Queensland. It’s easily reached by car on the Cunningham Highway that runs from the city through the Granite Belt region. 

If you’re travelling from the Gold Coast, the town is 240km or a 3.5-hour drive away. This is a very scenic drive, especially if you avoid the major highways, as it crosses through some stunning national parks on the way. So take your time!

How To Get Around Stanthorpe

Being a rural town in Queensland, Stanthorpe and the nearby towns don’t offer much in terms of public transportation. So it’s best to have a car to drive around the area. 

Whether you take your own or get a hire vehicle from Brisbane, the freedom to road trip between the wineries and attractions like Girraween National Park is the most ideal way to explore.

If you’re up for something a bit different, there are also plenty of  cycling trails  around Stanthorpe. You can opt for a  Granite Belt Bicycle Tour  between the wineries and streets of the pretty town. They offer both a guided tour or self-guided options if you want to explore at a slower pace. 

Best Time To Visit Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is actually one of the coolest places in Queensland. While you can visit at any time of the year, you should expect much colder temperatures than what you get on the Gold Coast and around Brisbane. 

In winter, temperatures are below 20 degrees (and even down to zero), but you will get to enjoy the region with fewer crowds and crisp, clean air. Otherwise,  spring and summer  are considered some of the best times to visit Stanthorpe, as this is when the region is in full bloom, and the farms are full of colour. 

Things To Do In Stanthorpe

While Stanthorpe seems like a small town, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days exploring the surrounding region. No matter what kind of activities and attractions you’re keen to see, there’s something for everyone.

Here are our favourite things to see in Stanthorpe. 

Visit The Wineries

The Granite Belt  has emerged as one of the  most exciting wine regions  in Australia. It’s known particularly for cool-climate wines, not usually found elsewhere in the country. While you will still find popular choices like Chardonnay and Shiraz, the real standouts here are what are referred to as  Strange Birds  or otherwise known as  emerging alternative varieties.  

These varieties make up less than 1% of the wine produced in Australia, making it a very unique experience to taste, something that you can’t get anywhere else. Some of the  white Strange Birds  include  Roussane and Alvarinho , while  red Strange Birds  include  Malbec  and  Sagrantino . 

On top of that, most of the wineries and vineyards in Stanthorpe are still owned and managed by individuals and families who are passionate about innovative winemaking. This makes the experience a more intimate and memorable  wine-tasting adventure  compared to some of the more commercial wine regions in Australia.

You’ll find some interesting Strange Bird varieties at the following wineries and cellar doors that are worth checking out:

• Heritage Estate Wines
• Summit Estate Wines
• Twisted Gum
• Tobin Wines

Ridgemill Estate

• Balancing Heart Vineyard
• Golden Grove Estate 

Enjoy Gourmet Food And Drink Experiences

Stanthorpe is at the heart of a gourmet food paradise, with so many wonderful artisan produce and locally grown goodies to try on your visit. While the wine definitely is the main highlight, you can also visit some of these places for a unique foodie experience.

Stanthorpe Cheese

A tour of Stanthorpe Cheese shop is one of the most popular things to do in Stanthorpe. As Queensland’s coldest and highest cheese farm, it boasts some of the best-tasting dairy products in the country. 

All of their cheeses are made from a single herd of Jersey cows. You can taste some of the samples on offer in their farmgate shop or enjoy a cup of tea at their Jersey Girls cafe, which is open from morning until afternoon, serving food and, of course, more cheese.

You can also visit the café at the factory for a cheese platter paired with local wine. Don’t forget to swing by the gourmet store to pick up some cheese for your own gourmet meal.

Jamworks Gourmet Foods

Just south of town, this cafe and gourmet food store is a must-stop on any road trip in the area. Known for their wide range of relishes, sauces, pickles, and jams, you can stop in to pick some up for you and your friends. 

Otherwise, their cafe is the perfect lunch stop with plenty of amazing local produce from the surrounding farms on the menu.

Truffle Discovery Centre

Stanthorpe is also home to a rare truffle known as French Black Perigord Truffle. It’s no surprise then that the best place to try some is at the  Truffle Discovery Centre , where you can take a guided tour. You can also enjoy some of their food offerings, including the mouth-watering truffle triple cream brie and other local produce.

Sutton’s Juice Factory

The Granite Belt is also known as  Queensland’s main apple-growing region . Just before you come into Stanthorpe stop at the  Sutton’s Juice Factory,  which is opposite the Big Apple. It’s one of Australia’s “big” tourist attractions. 

Just like a working apple orchard, this local juice factory specializes in all things apple, including apple cider and apple juice. However, their famous  apple pie with spiced cider ice cream  is what people come from all over Queensland for.

Ashbern Farms

This seasonal farm and private property opens its doors to visitors during picking season from October until May. The highlight of a visit here is that you get to  pick your own strawberries  from the patch which is an absolute hit amongst the kids. Otherwise, you can also buy some fresh in their farmgate store. 

Sweet tooths will also find homemade ice cream and other treats that you can pick up in their farmgate store.

Heavenly Chocolate at Wisteria Cottage

Located next to Girraween National Park, this spot is a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts! It’s the ideal spot to cosy up with a very rich cup of European-style hot chocolate. The shop has over 20 delectable flavours to pick from! 

Their gardens are full of flowers, and offer an amazing view of the granite mountains. A local chocolatier makes the chocolate, and the owner’s passion for chocolate truly shines through in the creations!

Shop For Local Arts And Crafts

Aside from food and wine, Stanthorpe and the surrounding area is home to some creative makers of arts and crafts. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone or opting for some self-love, there are plenty of unique shops to explore.

Washpool Wellness

This beautiful shop in Ballandean, south of Stanthorpe is a hidden gem for those looking for skincare and wellness products. Their candles, soaps, and shampoos are to die for, and you’ll struggle to decide what to buy. 

They focus on naturally produced products instead of the mass-produced palm oil-based skincare ranges you’ll find elsewhere. The sweet smell of the store will hit you before you even make it through the door!

Gardens Galore

On your way to Stanthorpe, you can stop in at  Gardens Galore  in Warwick. While it’s a popular cafe, they also have a beautiful gift store and garden centre. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts from local brands and makers. And if you’re into plants, you’ll especially enjoy the nursery which is a very picturesque place to pick up some new plants for your home.

Market in the Mountains

If you’re a marketperson, you’ll have to time your visit for the regional market that is held on the  2nd Sunday of the month  in Stanthorpe. It’s the perfect place to find all the local makers and producers in one place. 

There are plenty of stalls selling arts and crafts, garden features, local gourmet produce, fresh fruit and veggies, plus much more. 

Check Out Local Street Art

A lesser-known attraction in Stanthorpe is the local street art. Many of the artworks received funding from the bushfire recovery, so many of the murals reflect the effect of the fires on the community. 

Some of the most impressive pieces include a large firefighter mural by Drapl next to the Woolworths plaza and a beautiful Trevor Horsnell mural on Folkstone Street, amongst many more than you can discover on an easy walk. 

You’ll also likely pass the local favourite, the  little brass monkey statue  in the middle of the main street. The town often refers to winter as Brass Monkey Season, after the old saying, “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey”! 

Visit The Granite Belt Christmas Farm

The  Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm  is  open all year round,  with around 10,000 real-life Christmas trees being grown in time for December. Obviously, harvest time is a great time to pick up your tree. People come from as far as Brisbane to get their Christmas Trees each year, but it’s a popular family attraction throughout the year.

They have plenty of farm animals, from goats to donkeys, which the kids are welcome to pet and feed. Visitors have lots to enjoy here, from feeding Santa’s farm animals to shopping for Christmas decor or having a lovely picnic amid the pine trees.

Take The Kids To Granite Belt Maze

Another great family adventure activity just north of Stanthorpe is to head out to the maze with the kids. They have  three mazes  plus a  mini golf course,  so you can entertain the whole family for hours. 

The  Granite Belt Maze  is one of the few places in Queensland where it’s known to snow, so it can be really fun to visit in the winter. 

If you come in the summer, their gardens are also particularly nice for a day out or a picnic with some of the fresh food you’ve purchased on your trip.

Check Out The Town’s Iconic Big Thermometer

Head to  Lions Park,  next to the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, and you’ll come across Stanthorpe’s Big Thermometer, one of  Australia’s Iconic Big Things.  

It stands at about 10 metres tall and displays the temperature on a digital screen at the very top. The Big Thermometer makes a lot of sense since Stanthorpe is  known as the coldest town in Queensland.

Explore The Historic Red Bridge

Starting at the thermometer, you can take a stroll through the middle of the creek or all the way to the  Red Bridge.  

Officially called  Quart Pot Creek Rail Bridge , but commonly known as The Red Bridge, it was constructed in 1886 and has been recognized as a heritage-listed railway bridge since 1992. This historical structure was part of an interstate rail connection between Queensland and Sydney.

Visit Stanthorpe Heritage Museum

Stanthorpe Heritage Museum  has been run by society members since 1970. This award-winning museum is packed with history, with 14 buildings and 20,000+ artifacts. 

You can easily get lost in this incredible historical maze for hours. When you arrive, the staff will guide you along a seemingly puzzling route that starts to make sense as you explore further.

Immerse Yourself at Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery

Located in the Granite Belt, the  Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery  is a fresh spot featuring intriguing exhibitions of national and local significance.

Like MONA in Tassie, it’s one of Australia’s most stimulating galleries. The art gallery will reopen on December 1, 2023, as the building has pre-existing bookings during this time. Go for the experience and approach it with an open mind.

Go Hiking And Get Outdoors

Stanthorpe is surrounded by stunning scenery. The Southern Downs region of Queensland is home to the impressive  Girraween National Park  on the border with New South Wales, or you can find some lesser-known parks to stretch your legs.

Girraween National Park

Just south of Stanthorpe and close to the border with New South Wales, this park is one of the most popular outdoor park areas in southern Queensland. It’s known for its  huge granite boulders , which explain how the Granite Belt earned its name.

Our favourite adventure in Girraween was hiking. With over 30 km worth of trails to explore ranging in difficulty and length, the park is definitely a popular stop in the Stanthorpe area. You can  climb The Granite Pyramid,  which offers great views over the whole park area, or get a photo at the famous  Balancing Rock  or  Granite Arch , both accessible by a walk that even the kids can do. The starting point for those walks is roughly a 30-minute drive from Stanthorpe.

If you want to extend your stay in the national park, you can also camp there for the night. There are  two designated camping areas  at Castle Rock and Bald Rock Creek for an evening spent under the stars.

Donnellys Castle

Another great spot to the north of town,  Donnellys Castle,  is a granite rock formation that is known as one of the iconic bushranger lookouts back in more lawless days. It’s certainly not as well known as Girraween National Park, but we think it’s almost just as impressive. There are massive granite boulders to scramble, trails to explore, and spectacular views from the top. 

It’s especially great for kids, with some more accessible parts than Girraween’s larger local boulders. It’s one of the best places to head to for a walk near Stanthorpe.

Storm King Dam

Just outside of Stanthorpe,  Storm King Dam  is a local’s favourite spot to head for a picnic. This picturesque rural dam is great for fishing and a range of water sports, with a designated swimming area for those warm summer days. It’s one of the local’s favourite spots to take the whole family for a day by the water.

You can pop down for a picnic with all your locally produced food that you’ve purchased on your road trip or just head for a walk to stretch your legs.

Experience The Best View From Mt. Marlay Lookout

For awesome Stanthorpe views, go to  Mt. Marlay Lookout.  You can take a nice short loop walk around the summit on a paved path. It’s a bit steep, and you can bring your dog as long as they’re on a leash. The summit is a local favourite for biking too!

READ NEXT:   Things to do in Brisbane

Best Restaurants In Stanthorpe Area

With an abundance of delicious local produce and world-class wines, it’s no surprise that you can find some top restaurants in Stanthorpe. 

If you’re looking for a special place to enjoy a nice dinner or drink, here are our favourite places.

Varias Restaurant

This award-winning restaurant is located on the campus of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe. They have a variety of delicious dining experiences on offer, including a morning tea, lunch and dinner menu. They have both a cosy dining room with a fire for the winter visitors and an outdoor deck for those warmer days.

St Jude’s Cellar Door and Bistro

This relatively new cellar door and bistro, located in Ballandean, is a top place to enjoy any meal. Their opening hours span from breakfast to lunch and dinner, with individual menus suited for each mealtime. The rustic building offers both indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a drink and a meal in the middle of Ballandean town.

Granite Belt Brewery

While wine might be the highlight of the Granite Belt, this brewery begs to differ. Since 2012, they have been producing tasty craft beers and cider to high acclaim. They aim to create all-natural beer on-site with tastings on offer every day of the week. 

On the weekends, they also open their restaurant for lunch and dinner. Located in a large homestead, it’s a very rustic place to enjoy a meal along with one of their award-winning drinks. 

Whiskey Gully 

Just south of town, you’ll find the Beverley Vineyard Restaurant at  Whiskey Gully Winery . The highlight here is their six-course degustation dinner every Saturday night, along with live entertainment from the hosts themselves. With the menu changing every week, it’s always a great dining experience. 

Where To Stay In Stanthorpe

Being one of the best places in southern Queensland to head for a weekend not far from Brisbane, there’s plenty of accommodation in Stanthorpe. 

Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery

As one of the dreamiest Granite Belt accommodation options, Granite Belt Retreat is a unique accommodation option at a brewery in Stanthorpe. They offer really unique cozy cabins set amongst 30 acres of bushland. Kicking back in these dreamy cabins is the perfect way to relax at the end of a day exploring the area. It’s also a bonus to have the brewery on your doorstep for a beer and a meal. 

The brewery is in the heart of the Granite Belt wine region, and serves a selection of prize-winning craft beers brewed on-site, like pale ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal brews. They’ve got a rustic restaurant dishing up tasty meals with fresh, local ingredients.

Set right in Stanthorpe, this property offers a range of apartments from two bedrooms up to four-bedroom options for larger groups and families. It’s perfect for those looking to self-cater their trip with local produce and specialties from the markets, and they’re also pet-friendly if you like to travel with your pooch.

Staying at the Ridgemill Estate winery is definitely an ideal base from which to explore the area for wine lovers. The beautiful winery offers modern accommodation with incredible views across the hills and vines. You can choose from either the romantic one-bedroom chalet or a three-bedroom apartment for larger groups. They also offer a complimentary breakfast for guests.

Have you ever visited Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt Region? What other tips or advice would you offer to first-time visitors to the region? 

About the author.

Oksana St. John

3 thoughts on “12 best things to do in stanthorpe, qld | 2023 guide”.

Beautiful write up Oksana. Thank you for appreciating our stunning Granite Belt and including our luxurious cabins overlooking the vines here at Ridgemill Estate. See you on your next visit!

What time of year did you visit?

We visited at the end of July

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Stanthorpe

Things to do in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

What travellers are saying

• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum

Top Things to Do in Stanthorpe

Things to do in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

What travellers are saying

• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum

At the heart of the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe gives easy access to big sky panoramas, spectacular countryside dotted with precariously balancing prehistoric granite boulders and a generally cooler, temperate climate (there’s even an occasional winter snow-fall!).

Previously known as Quart Pot Creek, a mining rush in 1872 gave Stanthorpe its name: stannum is Latin for tin and thorp is English for village. The town of Stanthorpe (pop. 5500) is now the beating heart of the Granite Belt with a rich multicultural and agricultural heritage, and a cosmopolitan mix of residents, backpackers and travellers.

Flowing through the town is the beautiful Quart Pot Creek, with more than 5km of walking and cycling tracks and great picnic and BBQ facilities. In Stanthorpe’s main CBD, you will discover an amazing range of cafés, shops, gift stores and an art gallery. Enjoy our European traditions; sit and relax in the Stanthorpe Piazza, with boutique coffee in hand, under the famous Roll Up Tree public art piece and watch the world go by.

Things to do

• Attend the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival , held every second year.
• Join our magical three day winter themed celebration, Snowflakes in Stanthorpe, held every second year, with snowfields, ice-skating and more.
• Visit the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery to see works from prominent local and Australian artists and even a precious Picasso lithograph.
• Every Friday enjoy the Granite Belt Farmers Market at the Stanthorpe Railway Precinct.
• Take a walk or picnic along Quart Pot Creek , particularly stunning in Autumn.
• Climb or mountain bike Mount Marlay and enjoy the soaring views over Stanthorpe from the lookout.
• Taste a paddle of locally made beers at Granite Belt Brewery or Brass Monkey Brewhouse. 
• Tour the winery at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism and sit down to lunch featuring local produce paired with their wines.
• Snap a pic with the Big Thermometer just near the Visitor Information Centre. It’s a must do in winter to prove just how freezing it really is!
• Explore the surrounds of Stanthorpe, travelling south to enjoy Ballandean and Wallangarra , or heading north to take in the villages of the Northern Granite Belt. 

Accommodation In Stanthorpe

Looking for a place to stay? Find Cottages, Bed’n’Breakfasts, Hotels and Apartments.

Useful Links

• Getting Here
• Where to Stay
• Events Calendar
• Food and Wine
• National Parks

Contact Information

Stanthorpe Information 07 4681 2057 Warwick Information 07 4661 3122 Email us: [email protected]

15 Best Things to Do in Stanthorpe

Tucked away in the corner of Southeast Queensland, Stanthorpe is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Brisbane (or anywhere really). Whether you are looking to escape the nine-to-five grind or the concrete jungle, you are sure to find plenty of things to do in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.

Stanthorpe is known as Queensland’s premier wine region which is the reason why many visit. But there are plenty of things to do in Stanthorpe besides visiting Stanthorpe wineries (although we do encourage visiting a few). Whether you are looking for a weekend camping with the family, a rustic weekend with friends, or romantic things to do in Stanthorpe, you will find it all in this picturesque region of the Southern Downs. From amazing wineries to fresh, local produce and lively festivals to cozy fires, here are our favorite and the best thing to do in Stanthorpe.

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Is Stanthorpe Worth Visiting?

Stanthorpe and the surrounding area should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Queensland. Exciting wine varietals, a burgeoning culinary scene, and a wide variety of outdoor activities make it a top choice for a weekend getaway from Brisbane and a great stop over on a road trip up the eastern seaboard of Australia.

In Stanthorpe, there is something to be enjoyed by all walks of life. And to help get you started with planning your holiday, here are our top 15 things to do in Stanthorpe.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Stanthorpe

1. follow the strange bird for the best wineries in stanthorpe.

Wait, do you really want me to follow a bird for wine tasting? Well, yes and no. The Strange Bird has no connections to actual birds. The name originated back in 2007 when Peter McGlashan and Jim Barnes wanted a way to promote unique, quirky aspects of the Granite Belt wine region. This and their love for small batch vines sparked the widely accepted term “Strange Bird”.

So do we want you to follow the Strange Bird? You bet. Following the Strange Bird Wine Trail will lead you to some of the best wineries in Stanthorpe and along the Granite Belt. Pop in at Boireann Wines north of Stanthorpe for tantalizing red varietals most common in the Piedmont region of Italy or be dazzled by the range of unique wine varieties at Symphony Hill Wines such as our favorite the Wild Child Viognier.

Find out more about the best wineries in Stanthorpe in our article Chasing the Strange Bird: The Best Wineries in Stanthorpe .

2. Uncover the Region with a Mystery Picnic

Discover Stanthorpe and the Granite belt region by following a mystery trail, uncovering clues on an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic. A mystery picnic takes all of the hassle out of planning your own tour of the area and adds a bit of fun into the mix and is one of the most romantic things in Stanthorpe to do. AmazingCo does an amazing job of selecting the best producers in the region and carefully plans out thoughtful and fun experiences. If you aren’t convinced yet, check out our review of our own AmazingCo Mystery Picnic .

3. Grab a Pint from a Stanthorpe Brewery

Sick of wine already? Or maybe a wine getaway was your partner’s idea? Or maybe you just really like beer? Whatever your reason, one of the best things to do in Stanthorpe is to visit one of the Stanthorpe breweries. Whether you are just popping in for a beer or sitting down for a meal, we think you should add one of these Stanthorpe breweries to your list of things to do in Stanthorpe.

Granite Belt Brewery

The Granite Belt Brewery is one of two breweries in the Stanthorpe area. Established in 2012, The Granite Belt Brewery is a micro-brewery producing on 1,000 tons of beer each year. With six different beers on tap like the easy-drinking session ale or the rich and full-bodied Irish Red Ale, there is something for everyone. The Granite Belt Brewery also serves some great pub food for lunch with slightly upscale pub food for dinner. Make sure to check these guys out. Accommodation is also available at the brewery with 20 cozy cedar cabins on-site and a 10-person self-contained house.

Useful Information

• Address: 146 Glenlyon Dr, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Lunch: 11:45 am and 1:15 pm
• Dinner: 5:30 pm and 7:15 pm
• Website: https://granitebeltretreat.com.au/

Brass Monkey Brew House

Brass Monkey Brew House is located in Severnlea just south of Stanthorpe. This brewery is considered a nano-brewery and while there is no definition of nano-brewery, it is generally thought that nano-breweries produce less than 1,000 barrels of beer each year. Brass Monkey Brew House makes all beer and bottles all beer onsite from their picturesque location in Severnlea.

Despite being small, Brass Monkey Brew House is leading the pack of beermakers with the English Brown, Quart Pot Old, and Vienna Lager each taking home the gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively, in the 2020 Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show.

It would be a pity to miss out on this award-winning brewery during your time in Stanthorpe.

• Address: 106 Donges Rd, Severnlea QLD 4380
• Hours of Operation: Thursday – Monday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Website: http://www.brassmonkeybrewhouseptyltd.com /

4. Go Apple Picking in Stanthorpe or Eat Apple Pie at Sutton’s Juice Factory Cidery & Cafe

You cannot make the drive from Brisbane to Stanthorpe without noticing the large apple statue as you enter Thulimbah just north of Stanthorpe. Just like wine, apples are synonymous with Stanthorpe.

Some people make the journey each year hoping to go apple picking in Stanthorpe. Apple picking, however, is no longer available except during the Apple & Grape Festival. Every two years Stanthorpe holds the Apple & Grape Festival and as part of this festival, patrons can come and pick apples at Gran Elly Orchard . The festival is usually held at the end of February or early March.

But, if your holiday does not coincide with the Apple & Grape Festival for apple picking in Stanthorpe, the next best thing is to try some delicious apple pie. Sutton’s Juice Factory Cidery & Cafe serves homemade apple pies with apples right from their orchard from February to May and from nearby orchards for the remaining months. Stop in for one of their piping hot pies served with spiced cider ice cream, pure whipped cream, and Sutton’s apple syrup.

• Address: 10 Halloran Dr, Thulimbah QLD 4376
• Hours of Operation: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Website: https://suttonsfarm.com.au/

5. Hit the Trails on the Granite Belt Bike Trails

Combine outdoor activities and wine tastings with one of the Granite Belt cycle trails. The Stanthorpe to Ballandean bikeway is a 32.2km trail through some of the region’s best vineyards.

Easy enough for the whole family to enjoy, cycling is a great way to explore the area and add a bit of exercise to your day.

Bikes can be rented from the Granite Belt Bicycle Tours & Hire in Stanthorpe . These guys will also deliver the bikes to your accommodation and pick you up at the end of your cycle making it an easy way to explore the wine region.

6. Enjoy a Three-Course Meal at Essen Stanthorpe

A relative newcomer on the scene, Essen is not to be missed on your holiday in Stanthorpe and was one of our favorite things to do in Stanthorpe. Opened in September 2019, Essen has already shown its resilience. Fighting drought, fires, and now the once-in-a-lifetime COVID-19, these guys are still managing to bring delicious meals to Stanthorpe.

Born out of a love for cooking, this family team offers two and three-course meals from Wednesday to Saturday each week. The menu is simple. So simple in fact that you don’t get to choose (although a vegetarian option can be arranged if desired). When we visited, we greatly enjoyed the food, the atmosphere, and the service. It would be a shame if you were not able to make it to Essen on your Stanthorpe winery vacation!

• Address: 2 McGregor Terrace, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Coffee Hour: Thursday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Dinner: Wednesday – Saturday 5:45 pm and 7:30 pm sittings (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL)
• Website: https://essenstanthorpe.com.au/
• Cost: Two-course meal $50 and Three-course meal $65

7. Get Active at Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Stanthorpe. The name Girraween means “place of flowers” which is derived from the numerous wildflowers that burst to life during the spring. We, unfortunately, did not get to experience the wildflowers when we visited during the winter.

In the winter, however, it is hard not to notice why this area is known as the Granite Belt. Large outcrops of granite boulders cover the area making for a spectacular nature walk. There are a variety of walks in Girraween ranging from an easy 30-minute hike to the Granite Arch, a longer two-hour hike to The Junction, to the 4-5 hour hike to Mount Norman. There is something for everyone in Girraween and it is definitely something not to miss while visiting Stanthorpe.

For those looking for a more rugged experience (and cost-effective), you can also camp in the National Park. There are several camping options available from remote bush walk camping locations to those suitable for trailers. The cost is $6.65 per person per night and bookings are essential.

• Address: Pyramids Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382
• Hours of Operation: 24 hours
• Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween

8. Sample Stanthorpe Cheese

You cannot come to the Stanthorpe wine region without visiting a cheese shop. Some would even say it is sacrilegious. Luckily, you can stop in at Stanthorpe Cheese Factory to sample their delicious cheese before taking some home to be enjoyed with your new bottle(s) of wine.

All of their cheese is cow-based with both hard and soft varieties. We particularly loved the Stanthorpe Pepper with its rich, bold flavors pairing well with the red wines of Stanthorpe. And, if you love blue cheese, they have two that will knock your socks off. These blue cheeses are not for the faint of heart, so if you are on the fence make sure to sample before purchasing.

• Address: 4 Duncan Ln, Thulimbah QLD 4376
• Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Website: http://stanthorpecheese.com.au/

9. Hunt for Truffles at the Truffle Discovery Center

Ever wondered why truffles are so outrageously expensive? Well, you can find out with a quick visit to the Truffle Discovery Center in Stanthorpe .

Here you will learn all about truffles including how to find them and why they are so highly coveted in culinary circles. You will also have a chance to taste truffles and other gourmet products from the local area.

The Truffle Discovery Center is open on Wednesdays and weekends from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm.

10. Pick Strawberries at Ashbern Farms

Ashbern Farms operates one of its two locations in the Granite Belt just outside of Stanthorpe. What makes this location unique is that you can pick your own strawberries and taste delicious strawberry-inspired treats such as strawberry ice cream or chocolate-covered strawberries. A visit to Ashbern Farms is the perfect place to take children as a reward for their best behavior at various wineries in Stanthorpe.

• Address: 2 West Rd, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Website: https://www.ashbernfarms.com.au/
• Cost: Free (just pay for what you pick)

11. Support Local at Market in the Mountains

If you are visiting on the second Sunday of the month or on a Queensland long weekend, then a visit to the Market in the Mountains is a must for things to do in Stanthorpe. Located at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds, the Market in the Mountains is the best place to support locals and buy local treats and goodies. From arts and crafts to delicious homemade delicacies and obligatory wine, this is the best place to spend your Sunday mornings before heading back or onward.

• Address: Stanthorpe Showgrounds, High St, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on the second Sunday of the month and QLD long weekends
• Website: https://www.marketinthemountains.org/

12. Enjoy a Delicious Breakfast at Brinx Deli & Caf e

Located on the main street of Stanthorpe, this delightful cafe is serving up delicious coffee and homemade pastries. Keeping up with the Australian coffee scene, these guys know how to nail a flat white.

Browse the shelves of local goods such as homemade jams from nearby Jamworks Gourmet Foods, homemade vinegar from Lirah Australian Made Vinegar, or delicious chocolate morsels from Belgian Delights .

• Address: 18 Maryland St, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

13. Grab a Pair of Boots from The Ugg Boot Lady Stanthorpe

I’m not going to lie, Stanthorpe is cold in winter. It is the kind of cold where you need all the help you can get. Thankfully, the Ugg Boot Lady in Stanthorpe knows how to keep you warm. Stop in for great prices on all the Ugg Boots you could ever want hand-picked by the Ugg Boot Lady!

• Address: 403 Kerridges Rd, Glen Aplin QLD 4381
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed Sundays
• Website: http://www.uggbootlady.com.au/

14. Attend a Local Festival

There is no better way to visit a city or a region than by participating in a festival. It is the time when the city most comes alive and is packed full of exciting things to see, activities, and of course, delicious food. This is no exception in Stanthorpe and visiting during the holiday period is easily one of the best things to do.

We have included some of the most popular festivals below, but make sure to check out the Granite Belt Tourism Board’s Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information on events in and around Stanthorpe.

• Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival : Every two years in late February/early March
• Snowflakes in Stanthorpe : Every two years in early July
• Stanthorpe Art Prize : Every two years from June to July

15. Check Out the Art Scene

One of our favorite things to do when visiting a new town in Australia is to head over to the local art gallery. Many of the regional town art galleries showcase artwork from burgeoning artists in the area allowing you to get a glimpse into the life that abounds here.

The Stanthorpe Art Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The cost to enter is free making it easily one of the best things to do in Stanthorpe.

16. Indulge in Chocolates

Just like finding at least one cheese shop in a wine region, there is bound to be a chocolatier in the area as well. In Stanthorpe, the place to be is Heavenly Chocolates. Heavenly Chocolates has a wide variety of chocolate on offer, but its claim to fame is its hot chocolate. Rich, delicious, smooth. Everything you want from a delectable cup of yummy goodness.

Heavenly Chocolates is open from Friday to Monday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

How to Get to Stanthorpe

With a list of things to do in Stanthorpe, you are ready to make the drive. Regardless of where you are coming from, the drive to Stanthorpe is picturesque. Beautiful farmlands, quaint small towns, and of course the Great Dividing Range for those coming from Queensland.

Brisbane to Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is located 215 kilometers from Brisbane’s CBD or two hours and forty-five minutes along National Highway 15.

Gold Coast to Stanthorpe

There are two options to choose from when driving from the Gold Coast to Stanthorpe. The easiest option is to drive through Brisbane and take National Highway 15 to Stanthorpe. This drive is approximately 270 kilometers and should take you around three hours and fifteen minutes.

The second option is slightly longer, but you won’t be driving along a boring highway. Take State Route 90 through the small and beautiful towns of Canungra and Boonah before meeting up with the National Highway 15 in Aratula. This drive from the Gold Coast to Stanthorpe is approximately 250 kilometers and three and a half hours long.

Northern New South Wales to Stanthorpe

To get to Stanthorpe from Northern New South Wales head toward Casino and then on to Tenterfield. Expect the drive to take between three hours and forty-five minutes to four hours and anywhere between 250 and 300 kilometers.

Pro-tip: Make sure you mind the speed limit when entering small towns.

The Best Time to Visit Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is primarily known as a winter destination. When Queenslanders’ famed beaches are cold and dreary, locals look for an alternative escape. And southerners venturing north for winter vacations often stop by on their drive. The frost and occasional snowfall are exciting for Queenslanders who rarely see it. Wine tours and country cottages with wood-fired heaters make for romantic winter holidays.

But! Stanthorpe has a lot to offer in the summer months too. Vines in full bloom before harvesting season and Stanthorpe’s elevation offers temperate summers, a cool respite from Queensland’s fierce summer heat. 

Stanthorpe experiences mild summers from November to March where average temperatures range between 14°C and 28°C. A brief Autumn in April is apparent by the changing of the deciduous landscape, an oddity in Queensland. The changing colors signal harvest season and cooler temperatures between 10°C and 20°C degrees. By June, the leaves have fallen and so have the temperatures which now range from 0°C – 15°C. Spring comes knocking in September as the colors return to Stanthorpe. The wettest months are December, January, and February, however, rain is possible all year round.

Where to Stay in Stanthorpe

Quaffers on storm king.

Quaffers on Storm King is a newly developed accommodation option located approximately 15 kilometers outside of Stanthorpe at the Storm King Dam. Run by a lovely couple, Quaffers on Storm King offers individual cabins ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom cottages.

At Quaffers on Storm King, you can expect to be treated well. Each room includes ingredients for you to make your own breakfast each morning. They also keep your rooms stocked full of firewood to keep you nice and toasty during your stay.

We greatly enjoyed our stay at Quaffers on Storm King and think you will too. The cabins are perfect for your weekend holiday!

Check Prices Now on Your Favorite Platform!

Twisted gum vineyard cottage.

While in Stanthorpe, take the opportunity to stay at one of the local vineyards. Twisted Gum Vineyard Cottage offers a six-person farm cottage on their beautiful estate. With comfy beds, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a large terrace, Twisted Gum has everything you need for an enjoyable holiday. Plus it doesn’t hurt that wine is easily available!

Expect to be taken extra care of by Tim & Michelle during your stay. And make sure you say hello to their adorable dog!

Start planning your holiday to Stanthorpe now with this list of the best things to do in Stanthorpe!

Want to save this list of the best things to do in Stanthorpe for later? Pin It!

Out of a love of travel we met in a hostel in Estonia, one snowy Christmas night. Eighteen months later, we quit our day jobs in search of a more nomadic life style together.

Five years later, we are still traveling. Between us we have explored more than 80 countries, undertaken countless #vanlife adventures in more than 12 countries on 4 different continents. Most recently we have been learning to sail on our little boat whisper in the Mediterranean, falling in love with sailing and the live aboard lifestyle. While we travel and work work remotely as digital nomads.

Through this website and our vlog we hope to share some of the things we learn about the off-the-beaten path destinations we visit, about van life, sail life and working remotely from the road.

We are the Vanabonds, these are our tales.

Eddie & Kelli

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Best things to do in Stanthorpe

Are you planning to visit Stanthorpe?  This article covers the best things to do in Stanthorpe, including the surrounding regions of the Granite Belt.

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Kambuwal people, Malintji and Kuunkari people, the Traditional Custodians of Stanthorpe.  We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country.  Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

Located in the Southern Queensland Country – close to the New South Wales border, Stanthorpe or more broadly the Granite Belt region may be one of Australia’s best kept secrets.  

There are plenty of Stanthorpe things to do, from enjoying tasting wine at boutique wineries, sampling local produce from farm gates, exploring stunning national parks and much more.  It really is such a diverse and vast region, so there is something for everyone here.

To help you decide what to do in Stanthorpe, we’ve compiled this guide which covers all the best Stanthorpe attractions, including some of the best wineries to visit in Stanthorpe and other places to visit.

In addition to all the wonderful things to do and places to visit in Stanthorpe, this guide also includes all the essential information such as locations, opening hours and ticket prices where necessary. So let’s get into it and help you discover the best Stanthorpe places to visit.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to our disclaimer here for more information.

STANTHORPE THINGS TO DO MAP

1 the big apple at vincenzo’s cafe, 2 eat applied pie at suttons stanthrope, 3 big thermometer, 4 quart pot creek, 5 red bridge, 6 stanthorpe cheese shop, 7 stanthorpe wineries, 8 granite belt brewery, 9 stanthorpe heritage museum, 10 castle glen winery and distillery, 11 nicoletti orchards, 12 washpool skin wellness, 13 donnellys castle, 14 mt marlay lookout, 15 mt marlay mountain bike trails, 16 granite belt christmas farm, 17 truffle discovery centre, 18 jamworks gourmet foods, 19 go fishing at storm king dam, 20 explore stanthorpe’s street art, 21 aloomba lavender farm, 22 ballandean pyramid, 23 market on the mountains artisan market, 24 wallangarra railway station cafe, 25 balancing rock at girraween national park, 26 apple and grape harvest festival, 27 stanthorpe berry festival, 28 granite belt maze, 29 stanthorpe regional art gallery, 30 enjoy handmade pastry from zest pastries, 31 learn to be a winemaker for a weekend, 32 heavenly chocolate, 33 see snow in winter, best luxury hotel: granite gardens cottages & lake retreat, best family hotel: apple and grape motel, best mid range hotel: granite belt retreat and brewery, best budget hotel: high street motor inn, enjoy stanthorpe.

Before we get started on all the things to see in Stanthorpe, to help you plan your itinerary, check out the map below.  This map shows the location of all the things to do around Stanthorpe covered in this guide.

I recommend you first make a list of your top priority things to see and do in Stanthorpe and then use this map to plan your day to day itinerary so you’re not travelling back and forth all over town.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN STANTHORPE

Below we cover the top places to visit and top things to do in Stanthorpe.

Did you know that Stanthorpe is the apple capital of Queensland, responsible for almost all of the Queensland apple crop?  To mark this contribution to the local economy, there is a giant apple that you can’t miss on the drive into Stanthorpe.

A photo at the enormous fruity landmark is one of the must do Stanthorpe activities. 

And if you’re hungry head on into Vincenzo’s Cafe, they’re open for breakfast and lunch daily, plus apple sales of course.  They even offer wine tastings too.

While you’re at the Big Apple, walk on towards the old railway station you see behind you.    This makes for a good photo opportunity and trains only pass here once a month so there’s no risk of being run over.

Location : New England Hwy and Amiens Road, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : 8.30 am to 4 pm daily – although you can always grab a photo of the Big Apple!

Price : Free for photos

If visiting the Big Apple has given you a taste for apple-flavoured treats then the place to go is Suttons for a slice of their famous apple pie. 

The Sutton’s apple pie is hand made in the kitchen on site, with apples taken straight from their real working apple orchard.   Even the pastry is made on site.  Sutton pies are so popular that they cook up to 800 kgs of apples onsite every week! 

There are plenty of other delicious apple products to try at the Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery Cafe too, like juice, cider and preserves, or you can purchase from their store and take your goods home to eat later.  

And before you leave be sure to pop your head in the window and see Dave Sutton using the machine peeling apples.

Location: 10 Halloran Drive, Thulimbah

Hours: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Stanthorpe is supposedly Queensland’s coldest town, not that there’s a lot of competition in Australia’s sunny state. But in recognition of this dubious honour, or maybe just because Australians love giant landmarks, one of the more unique Stanthorpe things to see is the Big Thermometer.  

You can grab a photo of this memorable monument and then take a walk along the picturesque Quart Pot creekside.  The local visitor information centre can also be found here, so it’s a good place to stop on your way into town to collect some brochures or tips on visiting Stanthorpe.

Location: 28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe

Hours: 24 hours / 7 days a week

Price: Free 

When it comes to outdoor locations in Stanthorpe, there are not many places prettier than Quart Pot Creek.  The creek meanders through Stanthorpe out to Spring Creek where it then forms the Severn River.

Quart Pot Creek is a lovely place for a walk or run with around 5 km of landscaped trails or settle in for a picnic if you have time and the weather is warm.  

If you have small travellers in tow, then bring some bread to feed the ducks in the creek.

Hours: Always

Price : Free

The Red Bridge might not actually be red anymore but this gorgeous old historic railway bridge is still worth checking out.  Officially called the Quart Pot Creek Rail Bridge, it was built in 1886 as part of the Brisbane to Sydney interstate rail link, entirely by manpower.

The Red Bridge is a scenic spot to stop for a walk along Quart Pot Creek. In fact, you can squeeze three of the top places to see in Stanthorpe in one stroll as the Big Thermometer is only a few kilometres away.

Location: Heritage Park Stanthorpe – park at the end of Pioneers Parade and follow the pathway down to the bridge.

Price: Free

If you love cheese, then a visit to the Stanthorpe Cheese shop is a must during your trip.  The Stanthorpe Cheese shop is the highest and coldest dairy farm cheese shop in Queensland and makes cheeses from a single herd of purebred Jersey cows.

At the Cheese Shop, you can try the range of cheeses before you decide what to buy and take home with you.  On any given day you can expect to be able to try around 12  different cheeses as well as a range of other great local produce.  

There is also the Jersey Girls Cafe on site where you can try their fantastic Ploughman’s lunch which comes with cheese, bread or crackers, relishes, eggs and cured meat. 

Make sure to visit on an empty stomach!

Location: 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah

Hours: Daily from 9.30 am to 4 pm

Price: Depends on how much you like cheese

A visit to Stanthorpe wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least a couple of wineries!! Devote a day (or two) of your itinerary to wine tastings and wander through the vineyards where you can all see the grapes.

Of course, there are approximately one zillion wineries in Stanthorpe but these are a few whose wines we can especially recommend:

Balancing Heart Vineyard

Balancing Heart Vineyard gets its name from the natural granite rock formation which resembles a heart balancing on a rock. The property is gorgeous with the cellar door, surrounded by a range of massive granite boulders in the background as well as the vineyard and dam in the foreground. You can even see as far as the next state from here! 

Balancing Heart Vineyard offers a range of red and white wines from classic Chardonnay and Shiraz to Verdelho, Viognier, and their signature blends Campfire White and Campfire Red.  

Location: 221 Old Wallangarra Rd, Wyberba

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4.30 pm | Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.

Girraween Estate Vineyard

The Girraween Estate is a lovely little vineyard where the owner’s Steve and Lisa do absolutely everything from growing the grapes to making the wine and marketing and selling it. 

Girraween is well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sparkling wines –so definitely give those a taste while you’re there!

Location: 41 Hickling Lane, Wyberba

Hours: Weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm and during the week by appointment

Ballandean Estate Wines

The Ballandean Estate is the oldest winery in the Granite Belt Region, dating back to 1932, although the cellar door was only opened 50-odd years ago.  

Today it is still Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery and extremely popular for it so advance bookings are a must on weekends.  

Location: 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean

Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm 

Summit Estate Wines

If you’re in town on a Friday or Saturday night head down for their sunset sessions nights from 4 to 6 pm – bring a picnic and drink their beautiful wine.  It’s dog friendly too!  

Location: 291 Granite Belt Dr, Thulimbah

Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 am to 7 pm | Sunday to Monday 10 am to 2 pm | Thursday 12 pm to 4 pm

Granite Belt Brewery has been brewing refreshing craft beers and ciders since 2012, all hand crafted and bottled onsite in their 1000 litre microbrewery.

The core range includes Pale Ale, Lager, IPA, Session Ale, Applethorpe Cider & Irish Red Ale, plus seasonal brews like chocolate porters, spiced pumpkin ales & wheat beers.

If you’re not a beer drinker, then the brewery also serves a wide selection of wines from the best local Granite Belt wineries.

Location : 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe Hours : Daily from 10 am to 5 pm Price : Tasting paddles start at $12

The Stanthorpe Museum features 14 different buildings, including over 20,000 historical artifacts and 2 collections of national significance.  

At the museum, you can step back over 100 years into a School Residence from 1894 complete with old desks and slates and inkwells, or Ardmore House a summer holiday home from the 1920s filled with period collections.

The museum is particularly focused on pastoral life, tin mining, Aboriginal, Red Cross, medical and social life in colonial Australia. If any of those topics are of interest, then add this spot to your list of places to visit near Stanthorpe.

Location: 12 High Street, Stanthorpe

Hours: Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm | Saturdays 1 pm to 4 pm | Sunday 9 am to 1 pm

Price: $10 per adult | $3.50 per child (5 – 14) | Family Pass $20

While it might resemble an old medieval castle, the reality is Castle Glen was built in 1994. The castle is, in fact, a winery and distillery and not the home of any form of royalty or nobility. It’s also largely solar-powered – an advantage over many genuinely old castles.

For anyone who enjoys their liqueurs, spirits, beers, ciders and wines, a stop by Castle Glen will be a memorable part of your Stanthorpe trip.  Owner Cedric Millar makes all his own beverages which are 100% Natural, Chemical Free and Preservative Free.  

He also makes vegan and fat-free Crème Liqueurs which are a world first.

Location: 3184 Amiens Road, Thulimbah

Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

If you’re visiting Stanthorpe in autumn then you’re in luck, it’s apple season. The best way to experience Stanthorpe’s favourite time of year is to go and pick your own apples at Nicoletti Orchards. 

Third generation apple growers Daniel and Toni Nicoletti occasionally open up their orchard for tours, as well as allowing visitors to wander through the fruit trees and pick their own apples.  

If the orchard isn’t open for tours when you’re in town, you can still stop by the farm gate and stock up on some freshly picked apples.  

If Nicoletti Orchards are closed, you could see if  Eastern Colour  are open – so also do apple picking.

Location: 61 Nicoletti Lane, Pozieres

Hours: Varies – check their website and pre book for apple picking.

A visit to Washpool Skin Wellness will definitely get you in a relaxed and indulgent holiday mood.  This soaperie sells soaps and beauty products that are developed and handmade at the store by soap maker Melissa Thomas and her family.  

Everything is made using the purest of ingredients including butter and milk, cold pressed oils, extracts, infusions, botanicals and essential oils. 

The smell of all these ingredients hits you before you even walk through the door. This is the perfect place to stock up on gifts or something special for yourself!

They even offer soap making workshops, so be sure to check out if any classes are n before you come to Stanthorpe.

Location: 4/7 Reeves Road, Stanthorpe

Hours: 9 am-4 pm Weekdays (except closed Wednesday) and Saturday | 9.00 am-1.00 pm Sunday

Price: Soap prices start from around $7 

Not an actual castle in the towers and fortress walls sense, Donnellys Castle is a granite rock formation, which you can explore by walking between and over the large boulders.  There is a range of cave like entrances with narrow crevices plus a great lookout on top of one of the granite outcrops.

Donnellys Castle was once a hideout for the notorious bushranger “Thunderbolt” who used to roam the New England Tablelands but now it’s better suited to picnics with tables and bathrooms onsite. 

Location: Donnellys Castle Road, Pozieres

Hours: Always – best during daylight

Mount Marlay boasts the best panoramic views of Stanthorpe and it’s not even very far from the centre of town. 

You can climb the paved stairway to the top and then take a walk around the circuit path at the summit looking out over the Granite Belt.  For an even better view, try using the free mounted binoculars there.

It’s only 25 minutes from the car park to the summit and you can even take a picnic to enjoy at the top.  It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Stanthorpe, especially if you go at sunset.

Location: Lock Street, Stanthorpe

Hours: Always but best during daylight

As well as the lookout, Mt Marlay features 8 mountain bike trails with a mix of difficulties and unique granite terrain. The trails are also good for runners and hikers, just beware of the bikers flying downhill!

The total trail distance is 7km, with some easy options like the Green Granite and Rusty trails and one double black diamond rated trail, Gnarly Marlay. 

You can reach out to the Stanthorpe Mountain Biking Club on Facebook for trail or bike hire tips.

Location : Access the trails from the top of Lock Street Hours : Always but safest during daylight Price : Free

Even if you’re not visiting at Christmas time, the Granite Belt Christmas Farm is one of the best things to see Stanthorpe offers.  Here you can see rows and rows of real life Christmas trees being grown – there are around 15,000 trees on the property all up.  

Fun fact – it takes 7 years to grow the perfect size Christmas tree, which requires pruning four times a year.  

From December 1 each year, families can come and select their own Christmas trees and take part in special Christmas events. However, throughout the year there are events such as Christmas in July and Easter egg hunts.

As well as the real Christmas trees, there is a range of things here for visitors to do, including feeding Santa’s farm animals, shopping for Christmas decorations or enjoying a gourmet picnic amongst the pine trees. 

Picnic baskets are available for purchase (pre-order required) and include treats like bruschetta, shaved ham, crumbed chicken, mixed leaf salad, white crusty loaf, cheese, relish, aioli and rocky road.  

Location: 321 Aerodrome Rd, Applethorpe

Hours: Closed during February and March, otherwise open daily 9 am to 4 pm 

Price: Free – $2 for animal feed

The Granite Belt doesn’t just produce apples, there are plenty more extravagant exports of the region including the most expensive edible fungus in the world – Truffle!

At the Truffle Discovery Centre, as well as getting to smell and taste a range of truffle products, you can learn all there is to know about truffles through informative talks and interactive exhibits.

Even if you don’t like fungi, the Truffle Discovery Centre also offers a range of local produce including honey, mustard, balsamic, aioli and more. You’ll need at least a good half hour to work your way through the food.

Location: 335 Church Road, The Summit

Hours: Wednesdays and Weekends from 10 am to 3.30 pm

Price: Entry is free

Jamworks Gourmet Foods have been making jam locally in Queensland for over 20 years. They now make around 87 different products from classic raspberry to a decadently boozy peach and chardonnay, using local produce found around the Granite Belt.

If you’re hungry, you can grab some lunch at their on-site cafe, it’s dog friendly too!

Location: 7 Townsend Road, Glen Aplin

Hours: Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm | Weekends 9 am to 4 pm.

Price: Depends on what you buy! 

A dam might not sound all that interesting but once you’ve seen the area you’ll understand why Storm King Dam is one of the most scenic places to visit around Stanthorpe.

The picturesque setting is home to many water birds and fish, plus it’s an ideal spot for picnics and water sports like boating and fishing. 

There are plenty of facilities nearby including toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues, as well as a swimming area and playground for the kids. 

Location : Eukey Road, Stanthorpe Hours : Always open but visiting in daylight is best Price : Free

For creative travellers, discovering local street art is always a fun activity and can lead to some great travel snaps. Fortunately, Stanthorpe really delivers in this regard with plenty of cool murals scattered around town. Here are some you might want to check out:

Weeroona Park, Old Ambulance Building (Marsh Street): “Whatever the Weather, We Stand Together” is a beautiful tribute to the emergency services that worked hard to save properties during the February and September 2019 bushfires.

Weeroona Park, YMCA / Gallery Alleyway (Marsh Street): Between the Art Gallery and the Swimming Pool are a few fun interactive type murals that the kids will enjoy getting their photo taken with.

Brass Monkey Statue:  Locals refer to winter in Stanthorpe as Brass Monkey Season – which is what this little sculpture is referring to.  This statue is located on the corner of Maryland and Railway Streets outside the newsagent.

South Wall of the Country Club Hotel (Laneway off Maryland Street): Here you’ll find some fun murals which were painted during the 2016 Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.

Farley Piazza (Maryland Street): In the piazza, you may think you’ve just stepped into a piazza in Italy with the great mural here celebrating the local Italian community.

Backpackers Mural: Just outside Australia Post on Maryland Street, you’ll find this artwork which depicts the backpackers who come to town to help pick the crops.

Public Toilets Around Town: Funnily enough, a popular place to find some bright and colourful murals are the public toilets around town.  Check out the toilets behind Farley Street Piazza, Brock Park, the Lions Club on Wallangarra Road and Storm King Dam.  

Location : See above Hours : Always – but best seen in daylights Cost :  Free

The Aloomba Lavender Farm covers 6 acres of rolling purple fields (in season that is) with around 120,000 plants. The property is part of a much larger 4000 acre cattle farm just to the east of Stanthorpe. It’s beautiful enough that many couples choose to get married here.

At the farm, you can enjoy the views and peruse the gift shop stocked full of all kinds of lavender products from dried bunches to skincare. They also have a very cute bed and breakfast onsite as well as camping facilities.

Location: 5425 Mt Lindesay Road, Liston via Stanthorpe Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Thursday to Monday Price : Free to view the farm

Did you know there’s a pyramid in Australia? A bit unusual we know but it makes a great photo opportunity. The Ballandean Pyramid is just outside of Stanthorpe and stands 17.5 metres high and 30 metres square at the base.  The structure is built from blocks of local granite, a full 7500 tonnes of rock and took 8 months to complete.

Unfortunately, the pyramid is on private property so you can’t get all that close, but you can take a photograph from a distance.  

To reach the pyramid, turn off the highway (eastward towards the Ballandean Tavern) on Eukey road, then turn immediately right onto Jacobsens Road.  Follow Jacobsens Road for 1.7km until you reach the giant pyramid on the right. 

Location: Jacobsens Road, Ballandean

Price: Free to look

If you happen to be in town on the second Sunday of the month, be sure to head on down to the Market on the Mountains.  Wandering the various stalls in search of unique treasures is one of the best ways to spend a lazy Sunday morning. 

Some of the items for sale at the markets include handicrafts, organic products, plants, jewellery and loads more. 

Everything is 100% local so it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Location: Exhibition Centre, Stanthorpe Showgrounds – High Street Stanthorpe

Hours: The second Sunday of the month from 8 am to 12 pm.

Price: Entry is free 

While a railway station might not seem like a logical spot for a meal, the Wallangarra Railway Cafe offers great value and good food. 

The cafe’s main attraction however is its location literally on the state border between Queensland and New South Wales. Head along to get a photo with one foot in NSW and one in Qld as well as a photo with the awesome Queenslander sign.

The historical Wallangarra Railway Station opened in 1888, and from then until 1930, this railway station was the only way people could travel from Brisbane to Sydney on the train.  Eventually, with the new coastal train line, train services stopped coming through Wallangarra by 1997 with now only the Downs Explorer tourist train passing through once a month.

There is now a small museum here as well.

Location: Rockwell Street, Wallangarra

Hours: Cafe: daily from 8 am to 2.30 pm | Museum:  daily from 9 am to 3 pm.

Price: Meals start from around $14 for adults and $7 for kids – the museum is free as are all the photo opportunities. 

If you need some exercise after indulging in the amazing local produce and wine, then a hike up to Balancing Rock in Girraween National Park is a great option.

This walk is a 3.6km return, typically taking around 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. As well as Balancing Rock it takes in the Granite Arch, another of the cool rock formations in the area. 

Just make sure you have shoes with good grip for this walk, and prepare to scramble on all fours for parts of the climb to the top. The views are well worth the effort.

The start of the above walks is about a 30 minutes drive from Stanthorpe. The National Park has a range of walking trails through picturesque landscapes of massive granite outcrops that protrude from the ground, flowing streams, deep plunge pools, gorgeous waterfalls, wildlife and fauna.

Location: Walks start from the car park at Bald Rock Creek Camping Area, Pyramids Road Ballandeen 

Hours : Always – best done in daylight.

Possibly Australia’s most popular harvest festival, the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the produce of the Granite Belt Region.

The event is held over 10 days and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.  The festivities include art exhibitions, food fiestas, poetry competitions and town parades culminating in the grape crushing.

Location : Events are held in various locations all over Stanthorpe Opening Hours: Friday 23 February to Sunday 3 March 2024 and every second year after that Cost :  Entry is free although some festival events are ticketed

Stanthorpe is a real foodie place so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they have not one but two major food festivals. The Berry Festival is held annually in November when Stanthorpe goes strawberry crazy.

There are taste testings, eating competitions and cooking demonstrations, often with celebrity chef showings. It’s a perfect day out for berry fans of all ages and one of the great things to do in Stanthorpe in Summer.

Location : Weeroona Park, Marsh Street, Stanthorpe Hours : All day 18 November 2023 and every year Cost :  Ticket prices vary by event

A fun Stanthorpe activity for kids is the Granite Belt Maze and Mini Golf.  Admission here buys you a chance to play at the 3 different timber mazes plus the 9 hole mini golf course and giant chess.

The mazes are each of varying degrees of difficulty with a large main maze for all ages to enjoy as well as two smaller mazes designed for kids to enjoy on their own.  

If you’re up for a double challenge, as you go through the mazes, you can look for clues to complete a few riddles the staff give you as you arrive. 

Location: 364 Old Warwick Rd, Glen Niven

Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 9 am to 5 pm, open daily during school holidays and closed during the month of February.  Best to double check opening hours via their website.

Price: $18 per adult | $13 per child (5-16) | Family Pass $56 (2A+2C)

Seeing local art is a great way to learn about the culture and heritage of a place and the Regional Art Gallery is the place to go to do that. The collections feature both local Stanthorpe artists and works from other Australian artists in formats ranging from textile to photography. 

Location: Stanthorpe Civic Centre (during renovations), 61 Marsh Street Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 4 pm | Weekends 10 am to 1 pm Price : Free entry

Zest Pastries was started by Stephen Lambert in 2013 and he has made every single pastry since day one. 

Zest’s offerings include homemade bread, pies, sourdough, tarts, croissants and danishes.  And if you want something more substantial than the delicious pastries, they serve breakfast and lunch most days.

For any budding pastry chef, Stephen also offers workshops for pretty much anything you want to make.  The workshops are BYO so you can enjoy local wine as you learn.

Location: 54 Maryland St, Stanthorpe

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 7 am to 4.30 pm | Saturdays 7 am to 2 pm.

Price: Most items start at around $9

Speaking of local wine, if you’ve ever wanted to try making some then Stanthorpe is the place. Queensland College of Wine Tourism’s ‘Winemaker for a Weekend’ program lets you spend two days learning how to pick, crush and press grapes and the art of fermentation.

There is plenty of delicious local food and wine served up over the weekend although you have to come back some months later to try your own wine once the bottling process is complete.

Location : 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe Hours : The course is 9 am to 3 pm and is held usually once a month Price : $395 per person

There aren’t many things to do in Stanthorpe with kids tastier than a trip to the Heavenly Chocolate Shop at Wisteria Cottage.  If you’re visiting in winter, then it’s the perfect place to get warmed up with a very rich cup of European style hot chocolate – they have over 20 different flavours to choose from!

After a morning of bushwalking in Girraween National Park or along Quart Pot Creek, you’ll have worked up an appetite for the yummy treats which you can enjoy outside at one of the tables by the chook pens.

Location: Pyramids Road, Stanthorpe – not far from the entrance of Girraween National Park

Hours: Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm

Price: Depends on how much you buy!

If you thought it doesn’t snow in Australia or in Queensland, you’d be wrong! So if you want to see a winter wonderland down under, then Stanthorpe is the place to see as it’s officially Queensland’s coldest town.

While it doesn’t snow every year and if it does snow, it’s usually fairly light and only a day here and there.  Although Stanthorpe has been known to be blanketed in snow – but it’s rare.  When it does snow – you’ll see an influx of tourists in town as seeing snow really is one of the top things to do in Stanthorpe in winter. 

If it doesn’t snow – there’s always the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe festival, held annually on the last weekend in June. The festivities include ice skating, snow fights and wintery food stalls.

Location : Anywhere in town Hours : Coldest days are usually in late June/July Price : Free

BEST HOTELS IN STANTHORPE

Looking for somewhere to stay in Stanthorpe?  We recommend making your booking through Booking.com as they offer a wide range of hotels and most with free cancellation, which is ideal for last minute changes.

However, if you want our recommendation for a hotel, below we’ve listed our top pick for a luxury hotel, family hotel, mid range and budget hotel.

A short drive out of Stanthorpe centre, the Granite Gardens Cottages are perfect for anyone wanting a country retreat. The cottages are set on a large 5 acre property dotted with trees, ponds, manicured gardens and streams.

The property offers four stand alone cottages, all suitable for couples. The cottages come with a kitchenette featuring a stovetop, fridge, coffee machine and microwave, a cozy fireplace, and a  private balcony.

There are two types of standalone cottages, both with large beds suited to a couple and plenty of outdoor space for barbecues or just reading on the porch. Spa cottages come with a spa and private deck with views of the gardens and lake.  

Cottages also come supplied with locally sourced breakfast supplies as well as a cheese board and homemade sweets.

Click here for more information or to book .

On the main street of Stanthorpe, the Apple and Grape Motel is perfect for families wanting to be a short walk away from the supermarket, shops, cafes and restaurants and convenient to all the Stanthorpe tourist attractions.

The motel is well suited to groups of different sizes with queen, twin and family rooms. The family rooms have a double and two single beds all in the one room. The rooms are all fairly open plan with a kitchenette and dining table – so you can self cater for the family.

Road trippers will appreciate the undercover parking available onsite and the motel also offers wifi and in-room TVs.

For any beer lovers who dream of sleeping in a brewery, the Granite Belt Retreat is a dream come true. And for anyone else who thinks that a brewery sounds like a terrible place to spend the night then think again, this bush retreat is made up of very romantic cabins in the woods.

There are several different types of cabins from spa chalets to family and pet-friendly options. There is even a 4 bedroom house option for large families or friend groups. 

All cabins have wood fires to help you stay cosy in Granite Belt winters plus tea and coffee making facilities. The property has wifi but it doesn’t reach all cabins perfectly so you may need to go up to the lobby to check those emails.

Even though there are no real kitchens in the cabins, you can pop down to the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner or a housemade craft brew.

While the High Street Motor Inn might be a budget option, you don’t have to make too many compromises, you can even get a steak dinner on-site. It’s only a few steps from your room to dinner or cocktails at the Aussie Beef Steakhouse.

The Motor Inn’s rooms come in double, twin and family configurations (2 singles and a double) with small kitchenettes for making tea, coffee and toast. The larger rooms also have a dining table and microwave.

The property doesn’t have a ton of amenities but it’s only a short drive from the centre of town and great value for money if you’re looking to make your dollar go further in Stanthorpe.

Hopefully, this guide has given you lots of inspiration on things to do in Stanthorpe.

If you’re planning a trip to Stanthorpe, I highly recommend you check out our guide to Southern Queensland Country which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.

I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community , where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.

If you’re heading to Stanthorpe, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations:

• Toowoomba (coming soon)
• Scenic Rim (coming soon)

Top Things to Do in Stanthorpe, Australia

Places to visit in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

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• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum

Best things to do in Stanthorpe Queensland: Perfect Weekend Itinerary

By: Author The Aussie Tourist

Posted on Last updated: 01/11/2022

Categories Queensland (Qld)

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Looking for the best things to do in Stanthorpe Queensland?

While some of the best places to go in Queensland definitely include the incredible beaches, if you are looking for an epic country getaway for all ages, we would highly recommend visiting the Stanthorpe “wine country” area of Queensland.

Not only are there amazing wineries to enjoy, but there are so many other attractions to do in the nearby area including tasting local produce, hiking and visiting incredible breweries, making it the ideal place to visit for people of all age and tastes.

Add these awesome attractions to your list to make the perfect Stanthorpe Weekend Itinerary! You will also find our suggested Stanthorpe itinerary below.

Best Things to do in Stanthorpe: Best Weekend Itinerary

If you are travelling to the Granite Belt region and you are looking for the best things to do in the area, we have created a comprehensive guide of the best things to do in Stanthorpe.

We have included activities that all age groups will love, whether you are travelling as a couple or with kids. Make a list of these places to create an epic Stanthorpe itinerary for your vacation whether it be a weekender from Brisbane or longer.

Dig into the World’s Best Apple Pie at Suttons Stanthorpe

Seriously one of the best apple pies in the world is found in Stanthorpe. In fact, I will go so far as saying it is the best apple pie I have ever tasted. The serving sizes are generous and big enough for 2 to share. It will set you back around $15 AUD for 1 slice of apple pie which comes with a delicious apple ice cream and cream on the side.

The apple pie is hand made on site, picked from apples on premises as the shop is located on a real working apple orchard. Aside from apple pies, there is a whole cafe of things to enjoy at Suttons including other sweet treats and hot and cold beverages galore.

If you are visiting on a hot day, it is so nice to eat outside amongst the trees. There are a lot of tables outside with umbrellas for shade. If you are visiting Stanthorpe in winter, there is also a large indoor area to dine at.

Make sure you pick up some of the best apple products to take home with you as you are leaving including delicious apple cider, apple juices, apple jam and jelly Stanthorpe honey and other locally made products.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Stanthorpe, which is great for foodies of all ages.

Website: https://suttonsfarm.com.au/

Address : 10 Halloran Drive, Thulimbah

Eat some of Queensland’s Best Cheese at Stanthorpe Cheese

If you are a serious foodie and apples alone just won’t do, head to Stanthorpe Cheese to taste some of Queensland’s most delicious local produce.

What is cool about this shop is all of the cheese is made onsite. They used to even have their own jersey cows where they sourced the cheese from but they sadly went with the new owners. Now the dairy is locally sourced from the Stanthorpe area.

There is a cafe on site you can go for a snack or breakfast. People rave over the scones with jam and cream which will only set you back around $5 if you are looking for a light snack while sightseeing.

We would highly recommend going there for their cheese tasting. It costs $3 per person to taste 12 cheeses. As you taste each cheese, a staff member talks about each one, how it is made and the story behind it. One of the cheeses you will taste is particularly interesting as it was a “mistake cheese” it was meant to be a camembert but as the cheesemaker was making it, a friend popped in with a bottle of wine and the cheese was overcooked. Luckily, this happened as now this cheese is one of their best sellers.

After you have had a chance to try the cheeses, you can purchase what you like from the store including a range of different relishes and breads that can be used with the cheese (you try some pairings at the tasting). A well worthwhile activity especially if you are staying for a few days in Stanthorpe and can take some cheese home with you for a picnic later.

Address: 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah

Website : https://www.stanthorpecheese.com.au/

Take a photo with the big apple

There’s another “Big Apple” and I’m not talking about New York. Stanthorpe has its own Big Apple as it is a large producer of Queensland’s delicious apples.

If you want to have an iconic photo of the Stanthorpe area, make sure you get a photo of “the Big Apple” while you are there. If you want some funky photos to post on social media, you can get a perception photo where it looks like you are holding an apple in your hand.

There’s no big factory or shop behind like say if you visit the big pineapple, however, there is a range of local cafes in the area behind if you feel like a light lunch or snack after a happy snappy.

Address: New England Hwy, Stanthorpe

Check out the local wildlife at Quart Pot Creek

If you want to go for a lovely walk where you can also take the opportunity to spot some local wildlife we would highly recommend a morning or afternoon stroll at Quart Pot Creek.

This is a “hanging out” point of Australian cockatoos. We saw about 50 cockatoos at Quart Pot creek while we were there as well as a kookaburra.

If the weather is good, this is a great place to come and enjoy a picnic or a BBQ with some local produce. Why not bring some cheese, crackers and other local produce down and have a feast.

Image credit: Visit Queensland

Drink wine at Ridgemill Estate Wines

If you go for a weekender to Stanthorpe, it is an absolute must to visit one of the wineries in the area. If you only have time to visit one, we would highly recommend visiting Ridgemill Estate Wines.

This winery is the closest to town so it is the easiest to visit if you are travelling via your own vehicle. Tasting is free and each bottle costs between $20 – $35 which is very reasonable for the great quality of wine they have on offer there.

If you are visiting Stanthorpe with kids this is also a great place to visit as they have the cutest goats that they allow visitors to feed for free. The goats are so excited to be fed they literally gallop towards you for a feed.

If you are looking for really great modern accommodation in Stanthorpe in adorable little cabins, this is a great place to stay. In fact, if you want to stay directly on a winery, this is one of the few wineries that actually provide accomodation.

A breakfast basket is provided in room which is really nice as you don’t have to worry about breakfast while you are there. If you are on a romantic getaway in the area, you can also order picnic baskets to enjoy while on the property.

Note: There is a tiny kitchen in each of the chalets where you can bring your own supples. There is a great BBQ area which you can use if you feel like drinking and not going out for the evening.

Book your stay at Ridgemill Estate Wines.

Be Jolly at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm

People are travelling from all over Queensland now to get the best Christmas tree in the country at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm. It is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Stanthorpe.

Obviously, the very best time of year you can visit the farm is in December where from the first of the month you can come and pick your favourite tree to have for Christmas that year.

The farm was set up by a lovely couple Brad and Katrina. We had the pleasure to meet Brad and he helped us select our Xmas tree. It was started in 2017 when Katrina got created and thought of a great idea to make money while still being a stay at home mum – an epic Xmas tree farm! Brad now works on the trees for 10 months of the year to create the most perfectly shaped Xmas trees.

Along with fully grown Christmas tree you can buy your own Christmas tree seedling ($12) from the farm to grow your own tree. Bear in mind that the trees take 6-7 years to grow to full size so don’t expect to use this tree for Christmas anytime soon.

As the Christmas trees are not purchased from overseas and pre cut (you are in fact selecting your tree and getting it right from the ground), Brad guarantees that your Christmas tree will last a solid 4 weeks provided you care for it properly and it is adequately watered. You can buy a medium tree stand (for trees up to 9-10 feet) for $69 which is great as it includes a water trough.

The price of trees range from $75 for a 5ft tree to $240 for a 12ft Christmas tree. If you need a small Xmas tree (Say under 10 ft) make sure you arrive before the first weekend of December as they will be most likely sold out after that. Note: Sold out of all Xmas Trees by 12 December 2021.

If you haven’t sorted your Christmas decorations for the year, there is an amazing Christmas shop which stocks pretty much everything you need for a gorgeous Christmas.

What is really fun about the farm is that aside from getting a Christmas tree there are other activities to enjoy. First of all, the farm has an amazing cafe with some of the best hot chocolate available in the country. The Christmas fudge and chocolate is also recommended.  If you want a bigger meal, the cafe is also open for breakfast and lunch. If you decide to go in peak season, it is highly recommended to make a booking. There is also animal feeding at the farm where you can feed Santa’s farm animals (which even include reindeer) for only $2.

For a cute romantic date idea (or even as a fun thing to do with kids) there are now picnic baskets available that you can buy to enjoy a picnic among the Christmas trees. It is $40 for a couples picnic basket or $65 for a family picnic basket. The picnic baskets include: shaved Ham & Salami, crumbed chicken, mixed Leaf salad, white crusty loaf, brie cheese, relishes, aioli, Rocky Road & chocolate coated pretzels along with seasonal fruit. Picnics must be pre ordered. The farm does allow you to BYO your own wine or beer to enjoy on your picnic.

Address: 321 Aerodrome Rd, Applethorpe

Website: granitebeltchristmasfarm.com.au 

Image credit: Granite Belt Xmas Farm IG

Go Beer Tasting at Granite Belt Brewery

If you love craft brewery’s you simply have to visit the Granite Belt Brewery while you are in the Stanthorpe area.

We would recommend getting the beer tasting paddle which included 4 different beer samples (includes about 3 standard drinks so if you are driving this is good to share between 2 people) for $22.

There is a fabulous outdoor deck that you can enjoy your beers in the sunshine which is really nice. It overlooks a grass paddock and a creek.

If you are wondering what beers to try, we would highly recommend the Apple Cider it was absolutely delicious and made from locally sourced apples as well as the Session Ale and Lager. We also tried the Chocolate Beer as well as the Chilli beer for fun however, these were not ones we liked much – fun to try though!

The brewery is also open for lunch and dinner. Keep in mind if you do visit, it is a set menu only which includes a 2 course or 3 course meal. A 2 course lunch is $30 pp and a 2 course dinner is $45 pp. The restaurant is open until 9pm for dinner. As we are not big desert people we would have preferred being able to purchase a meal only.

You can also stay the Brewery if you love beer and are looking for great accommodation in the area. Click here for accommodation at the Brewery during your dates.

Have breakfast at the Little Larder Stanthorpe

Coffee lovers rejoice because if you are a fan of good coffee you will be happy to know that Stanthorpe has a range of really good coffee shops to enjoy.

One of the top places for coffee and breakfast in Stanthorpe is the Little Larder Cafe. We tried the coffee here and it did live up to expectations the baristas knew how to do a good cup. If you are wondering what coffee beans they have, they use Merlos coffee in store. If you want breakfast at the cafe, one of the most popular items on the menu is the delicious smashed avocado on sourdough and eggs benedict.

What we loved about the cafe is the local community feel to it. If you are feeling generous you can buy a coffee for someone else. You get a little photo up on their love board if you choose to do so.

Along with serving up a mean coffee, there is local produce in store to buy including honey, chutneys and jams.

Have dinner at Essen Stanthorpe

If you want to enjoy dinner at Essen Stanthorpe you first will need to fight off the locals! One of the most popular places to dine for locals in Stanthorpe is Essen.

Essen is so popular as it is home style cooking from farm to table. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday for dinner only. The restaurant is BYO ($3 corkage) so you are able to enjoy a bottle of wine from one of the local vineyards while you dine here which is always nice.

The menu is set and everyone eats the same thing which is one of the fun, quirky things about Essen. It does regularly change so if you want to check out what is currently on offer you can check out their website .

Two course is $54 (entrée + main OR main + dessert) and a three course dining experience $68. It is well worth it for the quality of food on offer here. While they generally have one set menu, they are willing to cater for dietary requests where possible.

Example of a menu:

• Entree: Kingfish ceviche, smoked sweet potato, lemon, red beard, herbs from our garden
• Main: Main Wood fired pork, knodel, salsa verde, jus
• Dessert: Kniekircherln, lemon thyme crème patisserie, blood plum

Go strawberry picking at Ashbern Farm

If you find yourself in Stanthorpe between October and May, Ashbern Farm strawberry picking is an awesome activity to do for the whole family.

We went there in December and it was way too hot to get out on the fields to pick yourself but there is an awesome cafe on premises where you can just buy a punnet from the shop or perhaps some delicious strawberry ice cream.

If you do decide to pick yourself the amount you pay is just based on the weight of the punnet (currently at $10 a kilo). To give you a cost comparison, Woolworths sells strawberries at $12 a kilo so it is a little cheaper than the supermarket for strawberries and you get to do a fun activity!

Note: If you do decide to visit, it is only open to 3pm. We hope that they decide to open later in the future as in summer it is still very hot at 3pm!

Address:  2 West Rd, Stanthorpe

Visit Castle Glen

While it may be pretty hard to find an old medieval castle built anywhere in Australia, you can find a modern medieval castle replica at Castle Glen. This replica castle was built in 1994 as a winery and distillery.

What is pretty cool about the castle is inside is an array of different colours – they literally create every flavour and type of liqueur you can imagine. If you are into unique liqueurs or if you are looking for a cool unique gift this is a great place to go. All the beverages which are made on premises are 100% Natural, Chemical Free and Preservative Free.

If you feel like doing a wine tasting, you can also do that here. Outside is a great spot in Stanthorpe to get a photo.

Address: 3184 Amiens Road, Thulimbah

Enjoy a sunset at Mt Marlays Lookout

At the end of one day in Stanthorpe heading to Mt Marlays lookout is a simply must do. It won’t take long – you can drive right up and park 10-20 metres away from the lookout point but the view and especially the view at sunset is well worthwhile.

There are free mounted binoculars you can use at the lookout to get a more up close and personal look at Stanthorpe. If you have time and are able to make it a little before sunset, there is also a short walk around the summit that you can take. It is a quickie so it will only take you 15 odd minutes to complete – just make sure you are back in time for the sun setting.

While we were there, we noticed locals eating pizza out of the back of a ute as they watched the sunset and that looked like a mighty fine idea. There is a dominos in town if you feel like an easy meal one night.

Address: Lock Street Stanthorpe

Best Time to Visit Stanthorpe

The best time of year to visit Stanthorpe is really quite subjective. Many people love visiting Stanthorpe in the winter months because it is very cozy in front of a warm log fire in one of the cabins in the area. It is also not too hot during the day which is also nice if you feel like getting out and about.

Obviously, if you want to pick at Christmas tree at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, the best time of year to visit the area is in December during Summer. To guarantee you get a tree we would recommend you visit before the second weekend of December. Believe it or not, the nights do still get rather chilly so bring a light jacket with you even at this time of year.

How to get to Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is a really nice 2.5 hour drive from Brisbane in Queensland. After some rain the countryside is beautiful, green and lush so it is really a magical drive to take.

If you want to head to the amazing Sunshine Coast to continue exploring more of what Queensland has to offer, you can take another picturesque country route through Warwick and Toowoomba which is a lovely town to visit. It takes around 4 hours to reach the Sunshine Coast beaches from Stanthorpe if you are planning a longer trip around Queensland.

If you are coming in summer, you might like to make a stop to see the sunflowers fields near Warwick on your way.

Where to stay in Stanthorpe

There are so many great places to stay in Stanthorpe which really vary depending on your budget. If you are looking for a cheap getaway, there are plenty of clean cheap motels in town which only cost around $100 a night.

There are also fabulous slightly more expensive places to stay such as incredible chalets and cabins with log fires which are perfect if you want something a little more special, especially if you are visiting Stanthorpe as an anniversary trip or honeymoon.

Here are our suggestions on where to stay in Stanthorpe depending on your budget.

Best Budget Motels in Stanthorpe:

Apple and Grape Motel – One of the best affordable motels in the area is the Apple and Grape Motel.

If you are just looking for a no frills but clean and comfortable place to stay in the direct centre of Stanthorpe this is a good option. Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Motel is just 50 m from Quart Pot Creek and several walking tracks. It is a 10-minute drive from Summit Winery and a 15-minute drive from Aloomba Lavender Park.

High Street Motor Inn –  Another great place to stay in Stanthorpe for the budget conscious traveller. Set opposite Stanthorpe Showground, next to Stanthorpe Golf Course and just 2 minutes’ drive from central Stanthorpe, this is a great place to stay for all that Stanthorpe has to offer. Girraween National Park is a 35-minute drive away.

Apple and Grape Motel

Mid Range Accommodation in Stanthorpe:

There is also some fabulous mid range accommodation in Stanthorpe which is not too expensive but not too cheap. Perfect when your visit is not a special occasion but when you want to stay somewhere half decent.

Honeysuckle Cottages – A great place to stay if you want somewhere really cute and quaint in Stanthorpe to stay.

Surrounded by native bush, Honeysuckle Cottages each feature a log fireplace,  charming interiors and 1900s style furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining setting and a flat-screen TV with free in-room movies. Being just a 3-minute drive north of Stanthorpe’s city centre, and within a 5-minute drive of Stanthorpe Heritage Museum, Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and the Stanthorpe Airport, it is the perfect place to stay for exploring all that Stanthorpe has to offer.

Granite Belt Brewery – If you are a beer lover, it is so fun to stay right on a brewery, right next to the beer action. The accommodation at the brewery kind of reminds you of what an American camp would look like so basically clean and comfortable, a bit original but not too fancy. Still a pretty fun place to stay and very decent rates.

Honeysuckle cottages

Best Luxury Accommodation in Stanthorpe:

Serenità Stanthorpe – If you are looking for a really cool glamping experience which is the essence of luxury, you can’t miss Serenità Stanthorpe – quite literally the definition of glamping in luxury.

Ridgemill Estate Wines –  Really great affordable luxury which is what we really like about this place. Plus the fact that it is located directly at a winery so you are able to grab a bottle of wine directly from premises during your stay.

Stanthorpe Itinerary (Weekend 2 nights)

If you are wondering how long you should stay in Stanthorpe honestly 2-3 nights is a really amount of time to get an amazing feel for the area. Many people come from Brisbane and just spend a weekend or a long weekend and that is plenty. It is nice to be able to keep going back and discovering more and more each time you visit.

Here is an itinerary we would suggest for 2 nights, 3 days in Stanthorpe.

Drive from Brisbane to Stanthorpe. Book your stay at Ridgemill Estate Wines. If you have time do a wine tasting at Ridgemill (must arrive before 5pm) to stock up on wines for the weekend ahead. Start your weekend right with a great meal at Essen. Yum!

Get ready as a big day of fun in Stanthorpe is ahead of you. Enjoy the breakfast basket provided to you by Ridgemill Estate Wines. After this, go for a stroll along Quart Pot Creek. By this stage, I am sure you are ready for food again so lets stop by Suttons for a round of Apple Pie and perhaps a coffee.

As the cheese factory is in the same area as Suttons, after apple pie,  is a good time to stop in for some cheese tasting. It won’t take too long and you can stock up with some goodies for the evening ahead.

During the middle of the day, you might like to go and pick your own strawberries at Ashbern Farm or check out/ do some wine tasting at Castle Glen.

Make sure you make it to the Granite Belt Christmas Farm by 4pm. As we would highly recommend having a cup of their famous hot chocolate, we would suggest getting there no later than 3pm. This leaves you time to pick a tree and feed the animals.

After the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, head up to Marlays lookout. This lookout has the best view of Stanthorpe and is an absolutely incredible spot to watch the sun go down – think epic orange colours over Stanthorpe.

For dinner, have a BBQ dinner at Ridgemill Estate or enjoy one of the best pubs in downtown Stanthorpe.

Check out of your accommodation. Have a coffee and late brunch at Little Larder Stanthorpe.

Of course, there’s always room for a Sunday sess so head to the Granite Beer Brewery and enjoy a beer paddle on the back deck before heading back to Brisbane. Remember the beer paddle is 3 standard drinks so keep this in mind when staying under the legal driving limit.

Want a momento of your stay? Get a quick happy snap of the Big Apple before you head home.

Other Qld Activities:

• Things to do in Brisbane alone
• Things to do in Brisbane at night
• Magnetic Island Car Hire
• Carnarvon gorge Camping
• Alma Bay Magnetic Island

Destinations

Things to do, accommodation, food & wine, local guides, what's on, nature & outdoors, eat & drink, adventure & adrenalin, history & heritage, arts & culture, camp & caravan, unique country stays, resorts & retreats, hotels & motels, brews, cider & unique produce, cafes & restaurants, food trails & cooking schools, vineyards & cellar door, festivals and celebrations, food and wine tours, workshops and talks.

Visitors to Stanthorpe can swirl, sniff and sip their way through some of Australia’s highest vineyards at some 1,000 metres above sea level.

The town is home to a range of cafes, boutique stores and galleries, all surrounded by farmlands, fruit orchards and vineyards waiting to be explored.

Granite Belt and Darling Downs

This is a journey from Toowoomba travelling deep into Steele Rudd country, and beyond.

Best places to stay near Girraween National Park

Between Girraween National Park’s 12 walking trails and the Granite Belt’s 50 plus cellar doors, you’ll soon see this region gives you plenty of ways to fill your itinerary.

5 more historical stays in Southern Queensland Country

From a converted convent dating back to the late 1800s to a homestead built by one of Chinchilla’s early settlers – learn more about the region you’re exploring by checking in for a night (or two).

What's On Summer School Holidays in Southern Queensland Country

Embrace a change of scenery as you drive a few short hours and discover the clean green countryside full of possibility.

Epic 6 Days Drive Through Southern Queensland Country

Explore the country with this 6 day drive from Brisbane through the Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba, along the Condamine to Goondiwindi and the Southern Downs.

Where to pick your own produce in Southern Queensland Country

From plump, juicy berries to crunchy, sweet apples – you can pluck your own fresh, seasonal produce straight from the branch at any of our pick your own (PYO) patches.

3 long weekend ideas in Southern Queensland Country

Skip the Queensland coastline this long weekend and navigate your way to Southern Queensland Country – home to Queensland’s most productive food bowl, wine country and thermal basin.

Go all country this Christmas with our market and festive shopping guide

Here’s our round up of the best festive season shopping, savouring and celebrating in Southern Queensland Country.

6 best pet-friendly activities in Southern Queensland Country

Whether you prefer to get active, explore new things or catch up with friends (both human and canine of course), we’ve found eight pet-friendly activities for you to discover in our country.

7 ways to cool off in Southern Queensland Country

Thanks to our region’s diverse landscape – from national parks and ancient rainforests to naturally occurring lakes and dams – there’s plenty of ways to keep cool in nature in Southern Queensland Country.

Events near Stanthorpe

Abbey boutique hotel - murder mystery night, historic leyburn sprints, poets progressive dinner and tour, killarney country markets, 5-senses black-tie spring '23, market in the mountains, abbey boutique hotel - christmas in july, opera october dinner show at heritage winery, killarney bonfire night, snowflakes in stanthorpe, condamine country art and open studio trail, self guided tour of downstairs, ariat warwick rodeo and pryde's easifeed warwick gold cup campdraft, jumpers and jazz in july festival, pinot & providore plate, sunday lunch at the abbey - reset for the week ahead, high tea lunch at the abbey, the granite belt grunt & grind fest, christmas in july at granite belt brewery, pink lady apple and strawberry pick your own event at eastern colour, wildflowering by design exhibition, a barrelroom christmas in july, warwick pentathrun, astro photography workshop, grazing the granite belt - autumn, mother’s day at the peak restaurant, hi-tec oils super series - round 2, christmas in july monday, friday and saturday luncheons, stanthorpe art prize exhibition, spano's iga warwick show, warwick milky way masterclass, winter solstice festival summit estate wines, what's nearby.

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31 The Rocks

A stanthorpe getaway, accommodation creek cottages and sundown view suites, alure stanthorpe, apple and grape motel, apple blossom cottages, artworks heritage station cafe, ashbern farms, aussie beef steakhouse, ballandean estate wines, banca ridge winery at the qld college of wine tourism, bella vista stanthorpe, braeside manor, briar rose cottages, cannon creek cabins, casley mount hutton winery, connor house, conrad distillery, cooked from scratch, country club hotel motel, diamondvale estate, towns near stanthorpe.

Applethorpe

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Acknowledgement of Country

Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.

Best Things To Do In Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt: Weekend Itinerary

If you are looking for fun things to do in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt area, you won’t be disappointed. Stanthorpe, Queensland is the perfect place to spend a long weekend enjoying food, wine and the natural attractions of the area.

Whether you’re looking for adventurous outdoor activities, plan to sample your way around the Granite Belt wine region or want romantic things to do in Stanthorpe for a couples trip, you won’t be disappointed in a visit to this beautiful place!

Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt

The Granite Belt is a part of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. The Granite Belt is centred on the town of Stanthorpe and is known for the large number of granite rocks in the area.

Stanthorpe is known as a rural town, home to a range of farmland, orchards and vineyards. Stanthorpe is also known as the coldest town in Queensland , competing with the neighbouring town of Applethorpe.

The cooler weather in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region makes it perfect for cool climate wines and fruit growing, putting it on the map as an essential wine tourism region in Queensland and Australia.

Stanthorpe is approximately 2 hours and 40 mins for Brisbane and is well worth the visit.

Planning a weekend In Stanthorpe

Are you looking for a weekend filled with activities for the kids, grandparents and all the ages in between?

Stanthorpe is one of those towns that you cannot simply pass through. Stanthorpe is at the very least a full weekend filled with adventures, food and nature. We personally stayed for a long 3 day weekend and still did not get everything in.

Where Is Stanthorpe?

Stanthorpe is located in the Granite Belt area of Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes south-west of Brisbane and near the New South Wales border.

How To Get To Stanthorpe?

The best way to get to Stanthorpe is by car, although there are buses that travel to Stanthorpe each day too, however, having your own private transport or rental car will make it much easier to explore the many attractions and things to do in Stanthorpe and its surrounds.

Best Time To Visit Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt

The Granite Belt’s climate is perfect for outdoor activities and wine tasting throughout most of the year, especially during autumn and spring. Summer can be quite humid and winter can be very cold, so pack accordingly!

After all, Stanthorpe is the only place in Queensland that occasionally snows !

Best Places To Stay In Stanthorpe

There is a range of accommodation options in and around Stanthorpe , so you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs and budget

The best place to stay in Stanthorpe on a budget is the camping grounds. If you’re looking for a bit of extra comfort, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts in Stanthorpe to choose from too.

Our First Visit To Stanthorpe

For us, our first trip to Stanthorpe began when we very last minute planned our Easter long weekend. After checking multiple campsites’ availability, we decided it was time to head to New South Wales.

It had been years with all the lockdowns and we were keen to spend some money in the town after the heartbreaking floods that occurred in February. 

Our first destination was Nimbin, we all know what Nimbin is known for.. however, it doesn’t matter what your interests are. Nimbin is such a humble town, filled with some lovely human beings.

In fact on this trip, we met “Granny Annie” casually when we stopped in at the pub for a cheeky beverage. Granny Annie is still our favourite highlight for this trip to Nimbin. She was such a beautiful soul and inspired us, even more so, to spend money in the local area to support the devastation that occurred.

Besides the humble locals, you will also come across unique shops along the main street. We would personally recommend Nimbin for a weekend stop to explore the area.

Our next destination was Stanthorpe. We didn’t get long in this beautiful location but we were hungry for more. Stanthorpe had so much to offer! 

Fast forward to our 2nd long weekend adventure when we headed back to really explore the town of Stanthorpe. This is what we called our “Foodie Adventure!” 

Best Things To Do In Stanthorpe

If you are looking for things to do in Stanthorpe, there are plenty of options to suit all ages from unique attractions to not to be missed experiences. Not just for the wine lovers either!

Ashbern Farms – Strawberry Picking

Location: 2 West Rd, Stanthorpe

Trading Hours: Ashbern Farms is open during the strawberry picking season, usually between October to May. They are open Friday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed for public holidays.

On arrival, pop into the shop to grab your strawberry trays and head out to the field to pick your own strawberries.

We spent hours walking the fields. We decided to choose a lane each to ensure we found the best, largest and juiciest strawberries up for offer, which resulted in lots of yelling at each other “ Look how big this one is !” and “ What about this one? ”

We can confidently confirm these are the juiciest strawberries you’ve ever tasted. This unfortunately meant grocery store strawberries are now ruined for us, but it was worth it!

Once your trays are filled, you pop back into the store and pay for the tray by weight. Additionally, you can also purchase homemade strawberry ice cream, jams and gifts to support the farm.

This should be on the top of your list for your Stanthorpe itinerary!

The Granite Belt Maze

Location : 364 Old Warwick Rd, Glen Niven

Trading hours: Thursday to Monday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:00 pm

This tucked-away gem was a lot of fun. After paying for your ticket, you receive a riddle and pencil.

Once you enter the Granite Belt Maze you realise just how lost you can get! Besides the occasional tree to assist you with location, everything looks the same. Around the middle area, there is a viewing platform.

Otherwise, you search the maze from one end to the other, on a mission to solve your riddle!

Besides the obviously amazing maze, the entire attraction is filled with games and novelty items such as a giant wooden chair, human-sized chess, a secondary small maze and much more.

As you exit this Stanthorpe attraction, you head back to reception to receive your mini golf stick and scorecard. This is a 9-hole mini golf course, with some trickier holes to complete your fun day at the Granite Belt Maze.

The maze is designed for all ages. We would recommend this stop a 10/10 also.

• $60 family (2 adults + 2 children)
• $19 per adult
• $14 per child (5-16)
• $14 per pensioner
• Under 5’s are free

(Note: These prices are for 2022 and are subject to change.)

Stanthorpe Apple Picking

We, unfortunately, did not do enough research as this is something you have to book ahead. Instead, we purchased apples from The Big Apple (see below) and I kid you not the juice hit the windshield. Sadly, Stanthorpe also ruined grocery store apples for us!

While we cannot recommend the experience of apple picking in Stanthorpe just yet, as it’s still on the bucket list, we can 10/10 recommend purchasing apples from The Big Apple.

They were a perfect compliment to our strawberry, cheese and meat platters over our long weekend in Stanthorpe!

Which leads us to The Big Apple…

The Big Apple

Location : 9 Watson Rd, Thulimbah

Trading hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm and Friday to Sunday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

While heading to Stanthorpe, you can’t miss the Big Apple along the highway. This is a great little stop featuring a café, bar, gift shop and grocery store. You can pick up many different foods and gift items sourced in the local area or just a hot beverage on a cold day!

And of course, The Big Apple is just one of Australia’s many ‘big things’ that makes for a great photo!

Castle Glen Winery

Location: 3184 Amiens Rd, The Summit

Trading hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

I’m going to be honest here. The main attraction for us was stepping foot in what looks like a castle….just to say we’ve been there!

We’re personally not wine drinkers and although they sold an assortment of alcohol and flavours, it was all slightly out of our price range being that we are thrifty travellers saving for our big lap .

Nevertheless, it was still so much fun stepping foot into this winery just to say we’ve been inside a castle!

For anyone who is interested in trying different flavoured alcohol, there were so many assortments we’ve never even dreamed of – this winery stop is for you!

My grandmother is a fan of their wines and it is one of her favourite places to visit when she is in Stanthorpe.

Donnellys Castle

Location: Donnellys Castle Road, Pozieres

Donnelly’s Castle is a granite rock formation that you can walk between and even on top of!

This beauty was named after Ned Donnelly, an early settler in the area. This recreation reserve has picnic tables and barbeques and is the perfect place for a picnic stop. 

Although Girraween National Park is still on our bucket list, it is said Donnelly’s Castle is much more child friendly as the walk is approximately 200m.

From the car park and picnic area, head through the archway and you’ll eventually reach the metal staircase that sends you to the lookout ( on top of boulders!)  Make sure to leave some time to explore this beauty as you can also maze in between the caves and boulders.

We really enjoyed our time here, there is even a big foot painting on one of the boulders.

Another 10/10 – especially because it’s completely free!

Girraween National Park

Girraween means: “place of flowers” and is filled with large granite outcrops, balanced boulders and beautiful wildflowers (in Spring). There are many walks available, as listed below:

List of Walks In Girraween National Park

From Bald Rock Creek day-use area:

• Wyberba Walk – 280m one way (approximately 15 minutes)
• Granite Arch – 1.6km return (approximately 30 minutes)
• The Pyramid – 3.6km return (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
• Bald Rock Creek Circuit – 2.2km return (approximately 1 hour)
• The Junction – 5.2km return (approximately 2 hours)

From Dr Roberts car park:

• Dr Roberts Waterhole – 1.2km return (approximately 30 minutes)
• Underground Creek – 2.8km return (approximately 1-1.5 hours)

From Pyramids Road:

• Castle Rock – 5.2km return (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
• The Spinx and Turtle Rock – 7.4km return (approximately 3-4 hours)
• Mount Norman – 11km return (approximately 4-5 hours)

As previously mentioned we did not personally achieve these great walks on our trips, but we have them on our bucket list for our next visit to Stanthorpe!

Tip: Don’t forget when adventuring through any National Park to go prepared with sunscreen and protective clothing, appropriate walking shoes, food and water, especially if you are planning one of the longer hikes.

Stanthorpe Cheese

Location : 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah

Trading hours: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm 7 days a week

Stanthorpe Cheese factory is another worthy visit. Who doesn’t love cheese to compliment a platter and a beverage any day of the week?

Not only can you buy cheese, but the factory is also a café!

We’ll be the first to admit we are not very good ‘adults.’ After picking a mixed pack of cheeses and waiting for a coffee to go we came to the realisation that you can also order a cheese taste tester for $3 per person.

Although we had purchased Stanthorpe Cheese samples, we decided to give this a try. A little assortment of cheeses and jams arrives for you to try.

Along with taste testing, Stanthorpe Cheese also offers a range of platters – you won’t regret this stop if you’re a fellow cheese lover!

Lions Park & The Big Thermometer at Stanthorpe

Lions Park is a stunning place to stop, filled with maple trees, boardwalks along the creek, and the biggest thermometer you will ever see!

From the car park, you can access the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and public toilets. As you keep following the path, you will come across picnic tables and a short walk takes you to the big thermometer.

The Big Thermometer makes a lot of sense, as Stanthorpe is known as the coldest town in Queensland.

Fun facts: The Granite Belt is one of the only areas known to snow in Queensland. This unique attraction is approximately 10 metres high and reads the temperature through a digital screen at the very top

From the thermometer, you can begin the walk along the creek which can take you for a casual stroll through the middle of the creek or as far as the Red Bridge.

We’ve made a point to stop here on both our trips to Stanthorpe and will stop again when we’re back. This park holds so much beauty!

The Red Bridge

Officially known as Quart Pot Creek Rail Bridge, this bridge is more commonly known as “The Red Bridge.”

Fun Facts: Red Bridge was built in 1886 and has been registered as a heritage-listed railway bridge since 1992. This part of history was built as an interstate rail link between Queensland and Sydney.

You can enjoy this part of history via the 5km boardwalk. Alternatively, there is a car park much closer and a short ‘goat track’ to access the bridge and creek.

Under the bridge, you will find the water flowing from Quart Pot Creek. This is a beautiful spot to take in some history in Stanthorpe.

Stanthorpe Heritage Museum

Location : 12 High St, Stanthorpe

Trading hours:

• Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Saturday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Sunday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Price: $10 per person (Prices are correct as per 2022 and are subject to change)

Stanthorpe Heritage Museum has been operating since 1970 by members of the society. This award-winning Heritage Museum is filled with an abundance of history, including 14 buildings and over 20,000 artefacts.

The Buildings include The Shepherd’s Hut (1842), Gaol (1876), School Residence (1894), Ardmore House (1920), Heath House (1940), Council Chambers (1914) and a Telecom building.

You can spend hours getting lost in this amazing maze of history. When you arrive, the staff will explain the direction which seems awfully confusing to start with as you enter and exit the building in an odd way but begins to make sense as you continue on the path.

The staff are extremely friendly and the small entry fee is well worth the time spent appreciating the history of this beautiful area. 

Granite Belt & Stanthorpe Wineries

The Granite Belt is well known for its wineries. Although we are not big wine drinkers, this is still on the bucket list.

We cannot personally recommend any wineries from experience, as we did not do a lot of wine tasting during our Granite Belt weekend trips, but I’ve listed a few options below.

Some Stanthorpe wineries and cellar door tastings are by appointment only, so make sure to research below planning this on your itinerary!

Winery List for the Granite Belt area:

•  Ballandean Estate (354 Sundown Road, Ballandean)
•  Ridgemill Estate (218 Donges Road, Severnlea)
• Pyramids Road (25 Wyberba Lane, Wyberba)
•  Gold Grove (337 Sundown Road, Ballandean)
• Savina Lane Wines (61 Savina Lane, Severnlea)
• Robert Channon Wines (32 Bradley Lane, Stanthorpe)
• Hidden Creek Wines (2271 Eukey Road, Ballandean)
• Banca Ridge Winery (22 Caves Rd, Stanthorpe)
• Ravenscroft Vineyard (274 Spring Creek Rd, Stanthorpe)
• Summit Estate Wines (291 Granite Belt Dr, Thulimbah)
• Boireann Winery (26 Donnellys Castle Rd, The Dummit)
• Heritage Estate Wines (747 Granite Belt Drive, Cottonvale)

Alternatively, you can take a wine tour with Filippo’s Tours. The “Wine Lovers Tour” can hold a group of 14 people and offers a taste testing of up to five wineries. This tour operates Tuesday to Saturday for up to 7 hours for the price of $125 per person.

Other Things To Do In Stanthorpe

If you have more time, there are lots of other things to do in Stanthorpe. We recommend things such as visiting the local markets, going on a bushwalk, or stopping by the local breweries for a drink. Here are a few other popular things to do in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region.

• Granite Belt Brewery
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
• Fishing or water activities at Storm King Dam
• Truffle Discovery Centre Stanthorpe
• Bald Rock National Park
• Take a Granite Belt bicycle tour
• Sutton’s Juice Factory – Apparently home to the best apple pie and spiced cider ice cream!

There is also the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival held every 2 years in February and March that draws big crowds and has plenty of great entertainment, from a parade to grape stomping and a gala ball.

This sums up our personal recommendations for the Granite Belt area (mostly focusing on Stanthorpe). Our favourite experience would have to be the strawberry picking at Ashbern Farm! 

I’m sure we’ve missed something as we have so much more to do in this beautiful area! Just make sure you take a cooler with you so you can stock up on all the fresh local produce!

Let us know what we missed and what you would personally recommend. 

Explore more of Queensland:

• Camping on Moreton Island
• Far North Queensland road trip
• Things to do on Fraser Island & camping guide
• Best SE Queensland camping grounds
• Western Queensland road trip

Shannon is the organised half of a travel duo. Camping trips fueled her love for the outdoors, eventually leading to the dream to live on the road full-time. She loves the ocean, crystals, sunrises, and hiking - her happy place is surrounded by nature.

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The ULTIMATE Stanthorpe and Granite Belt travel guide

Beautiful scenery, fantastic food and lovely locals are just a few of the reasons to visit Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking the time to reconnect with yourself, those you love and the world around you. Spend your days exploring vineyards, connecting with local growers and sampling amazing food or cosy up in a vineyard cabin and get off the grid for a little while. However you choose to spend it, a trip to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt is a nourishing experience. To help you plan an amazing trip of your own or simply be inspired to visit one day, here’s our ultimate guide to visiting.

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Where is Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt?

The Granite Belt is an area of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region of Queensland , centred around the gorgeous town of Stanthorpe. It’s located very close to the Queensland and New South Wales border. The area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other areas that make up much of South East Queensland. It’s a destination known for its spectacular scenery, incredible food and country hospitality. Interestingly, it’s also renowned for its apples and the region produces virtually all of Queensland’s apple crop! Here’s a screenshotted map to give you a clearer idea of where the region is located in relation to Brisbane , the Gold Coast and Byron Bay . 

How to get there

You will most definitely need a car to get to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region. If you’re visiting from overseas and don’t have access to a car, you’ll need to hire one! In terms of vehicle size, a standard size car would be sufficient. It should take around 2 hours 45 minutes to drive to Stanthorpe from Brisbane CBD, 3 hours 15 minutes from the Gold Coast and around 3 hours 30 minutes from Byron Bay.

For us locals, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, especially if you were to make a long weekend out of it. You could easily take Friday off work or take advantage of a public holiday, for example, driving out on Friday, staying two nights and driving back home on Sunday afternoon. For overseas visitors, it would make an excellent addition to a road trip itinerary, offering the chance to explore country Queensland and sample our amazing food.

Best time to visit

When most people think of visiting Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt, they picture it as a winter destination. With an abundance of fantastic vineyards, great restaurants and cosy cabins with roaring fireplaces, it really does lend itself to being the perfect autumn or winter getaway. That said, Matt and I just visited in October, which is spring in Australia, and we absolutely loved it! The weather was beautiful and warm during the day and lovely and cool in the evenings, a far cry from the intense heat of Brisbane and surrounds. For me, Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt are a fantastic all-year-round destination!

We were speaking with the locals during our visit and they said they definitely see most visitors come in the cooler months but wish more people would visit in the warmer months too! In spring, you can expect to see the region bloom to life with fresh produce, wildflowers, baby animals and longer days. In summer, you can expect beautifully warm days that don’t get so hot it’s unbearable. This is the perfect weather for outdoor adventures, summer BBQ’s, sunset picnics and more!

Where to stay

There’s no shortage of fantastic accommodation options in the Granite Belt region so, really, you’re going to be spoilt for choice! Many are run by amazing locals whose passion for the region flows through into the accommodation they provide. You can expect personalised touches, a friendly welcome and help planning your days. I want to share with you the spot we stayed at for our most recent adventure, Ridgemill Estate .

Ridgemill Estate 

You’ll find Ridgemill Estate located a short 10-minute drive from the heart of Stanthorpe. Not only does Ridgemill offer the perfect base for your adventures, but it’s also an award-winning boutique winery. We stayed in one of the eight studio style cabins and absolutely loved it! Our cabin was a really good size, allowing us plenty of room to get comfortable without feeling boxed in.

The cabin was equipped with a kitchenette, a great idea as it means you can stock up on local produce and provisions throughout the day and whip up your own delicious dinners or snacking platters to enjoy on the deck. The cabin also features a small desk, couch, television, fireplace, spacious and comfortable bed and a bathroom area. We found it had absolutely everything we could need!

We really enjoyed waking up on a winery each day. We would make a cup of coffee and head out onto the deck to sit and watch the area come to life, offering views over the vineyard and stunning country Queensland scenery. A great part of our stay was taking a stroll through the vineyard with the owner, Martin, who talked us through the history of the property and gave us a tour of the winemaking facilities, explaining the process as we sipped a glass of the good stuff! We also did a fantastic cellar door tasting with winemaker, Pete, which gave us an even deeper appreciation of what we were experiencing.

Another highlight for me was putting together a fruit, bread and cheese platter and heading out to a secluded picnic spot beneath the persimmon trees for a sunset picnic. Ridgemill also offers BBQ facilities for guests so you could have a fantastic starlit dinner, feasting on the best local food and enjoy a few glasses of wonderful wine without having to worry about driving.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ridgemill Estate. The location was excellent as it was close to town but far enough away that we felt like we were escaping it all. The accommodation was comfortable, enjoyable and catered to our every need and the additions of the vineyard, cellar door and resident goats and cats just made it that much more special. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt region, I definitely recommend Ridgemill Estate.

Other accommodation options

Booking.com and  Agoda.com  are fantastic websites for finding accommodation. Below are a few of our recommendations and options worth looking into:

Best things to do in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt

The region offers a seemingly endless list of fantastic things to see, do and eat. To get you started, here are a few great ideas:

• Do a guided or self-guided tour of the region with Granite Belt Bicycle Tours & Hire . There are a number of different guided tours to choose from which highlight key spots and activities or if you prefer, arrange a gourmet hamper and explore on your own!
• Spend an hour or two at Ashbern Farms where you can pick your own strawberries fresh from the patch! Bragging rights and a free scoop of ice cream await the person who finds the biggest berry and the cafe serves up delicious bites including strawberry parfait, milkshakes and waffles. Yum!
• Stop in at Sam’s Fresh Fruit & Veg to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and delicious provisions like cheese, fresh bread, preserves, jams and more. We left with a box full of goodies and created an amazing fruit, bread and cheese platter out of it.
• Grab breakfast or brunch at the historic Wallangarra Railway Cafe . The cafe serves up delicious food including fluffy homemade corn fritters and yummy eggs benedict, perfectly accompanied by a great cup of coffee. All of this is best enjoyed at one of the seats on the railway platform.
• Be sure to visit Sutton’s Juice Factory Cidery & Cafe and get stuck into a monster piece of their famous apple pie! They also sell a range of delicious, fresh apple juice and other goodies like apple cider vinegar, chutneys and jams.
• Head into Girraween National Park and explore the various trails leading to amazing viewpoints , past huge granite boulders and beautiful stretches of bushland.
• Be sure to visit some of the region’s amazing wineries for cellar door tastings. If you’re keen to try a few and don’t want to worry about legal drinking limits, there are a number of operators who can help you with guided tours . Otherwise, you may like to drive yourself and either nominate a designated driver or space your tastings out over a few days.
• Grab a bite to eat at the Granite Belt Brewery where you can sample their delicious range of beers with a tasting flight or famous Brewers Platter with four dishes perfectly paired to complement the beers.
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast, fantastic service and wonderful coffee at the beautifully decorated Brinx Deli & Cafe! The food here is absolutely fantastic and it’s a great way to start a day – just be sure to book a table for breakfast on the weekends as it’s very popular (and rightly so!)
• Indulge in a spectacular lunch or dinner at Varias Restaurant overlooking the vineyard and town of Stanthorpe. Sample mouth-watering dishes like beetroot and fetta arancini, BBQ duck leg and perfectly cooked sirloin.
• Check out the Market in the Mountains held the second Sunday of each month showcasing arts, crafts, gifts, food, organic products, plants and so much more!

What to pack

If you’re visiting in the cooler months you’ll need your full winter get-up including lots of layers, warm coats, a beanie, scarves and warm socks and shoes. If you’re visiting in spring or summer you’ll want to pack clothes that are light and breathable for the sunlight hours as well as a few warm options to pull on once the sun goes down. Be sure to keep sun safety in mind and pack a hat, sunscreen and long-sleeve shirt as well. If you aren’t from Australia, you may not be used to our intense sun and could easily get burnt. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating it as an Aussie sunburn is no joke! Trust me!

5 Top tips for visiting Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt

• Make sure you allow extra drive time as you move through the region . There are loads of great spots to stop at including cafes and producers of delicious goodies like jams, preserves, cheese, chocolate and so on. You’ll spot them as you drive around and will want to ensure you have enough time to duck into those that take your fancy.
• It’s really important to keep in mind that crops are the livelihoods of the farmers who work them . With that in mind, it’s not okay to stop and pick produce from anyone’s private property (unless you’ve been given express permission by the property owner). It’s also not okay to wander onto a farm for a look around. There are plenty of ways to sample locally grown fruit and vegetables so be sure to visit places like Sam’s Fresh Fruit & Veg and spots like Sutton’s.
• Don’t wait until winter or autumn to visit! The region is the perfect playground for your spring and summer adventures so be sure to head out there, support the locals and their businesses and have an amazing getaway in the process.
• The locals are a big part of what makes the region so special so be sure to connect with them where possible. For us, this was in little moments talking to accommodation providers, restaurant and cafe staff/owners and even just people on the street! The country hospitality is fantastic and connecting with the locals makes a visit even more enjoyable.
• Don’t be deterred by bushfires or drought! The best way to show your support for the amazing people in the region is to head out there and visit. We spoke to so many wonderful people from growers and suppliers to accommodation and tour operators who wanted people to know the region is open for business and ready for your visit! If the thought of drought or bushfires is holding you back, banish those thoughts and get out there.

Best travel resources for your trip!

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LITTLE SHERPA TRAVELS

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• Sep 1, 2020

Spend a weekend in Stanthorpe, Queensland: Top things to see and do in the Granite Belt

Updated: Mar 20, 2021

Welcome to perfect travel guide to a long weekend in Stanthorpe, Queensland

Looking for a unique Queensland countryside experience filled with gourmet local produce, rare locally grown Australian wines and stunning open landscapes - Stanthorpe is the place for you! Located 800m above sea-level, Stanthorpe is one of the coldest towns in Queensland, making it the perfect climate for vineyards.

A strange little fact about Stanthorpe wine:

To keep things unique, many wineries within the region participate in the ‘strange bird’ wine trail. When enjoying your wine tastings, look out for the ‘strange bird’ options and be sure to try them. For a wine to be considered a ‘Strange bird’, it must be a variety of wine that accounts for less than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia. Which means you’ll be tasting wines you most likely have never have heard of.  The first grapes in Stanthorpe were planted in 1860 by Italian settlers, so you’ll also find many Italian wines listed on the tasting menus.

Before your visit:

Most cellar doors are small, and with current restrictions only taking small groups at a time for tastings. If you’re planning to visit on a Saturday, call in advance to book your tasting timeslots, lunches and dinner options.

Getting to Stanthorpe:

The best way to get to Stanthorpe is by car, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from the Gold Coast and 2.5- hours from Brisbane, making it the perfect distance for a weekend getaway. If driving from the Gold Coast, take the scenic route past Beaudesert and Boonah, offering views over the scenic rim and Great Dividing Range.

Where to stay in Stanthorpe:

There is plenty of farm stay, hotel and apartment options. We stayed near the centre of town as a base, however having a car makes accommodation options flexible. Check out these deals here:

This post contains some affiliate hotel links, if you click through and book via these links we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

When to visit Stanthorpe:

We visited during the winter, where the average temperature is between 1-17c, taking advantage of cooler weather we just don’t get on the Gold Coast. We had clear and crisp days. However, if you plan to come in the spring and summertime, you can enjoy the region in full bloom, witnessing the apple blossom trees and a visit to the lavender fields.

The perfect 3-day weekend Itinerary:

Friday: sutton juice factor, heritage estate & summit estate winery, stanthorpe cheese, dinner in the barrel room.

Depart Gold Coast or Brisbane by 8.30 am to reach Stanthorpe by lunchtime.

Lunch at Sutton's Juice Factory and farm: Enjoy outdoor garden views over the apple orchard. Within minutes of sitting down, we had seen colourful Rosellas and cockatoos in the trees. Don’t miss trying: Their apple cider, famous apple pie and take home a bottle of their pink apple juice.

Heritage Estate Winery: Across the road from Sutton’s in Heritage Estate Winery, located in a beautiful old converted church building. Stop in for your first wine tasting. Our favourite’s here were the Bootleg Port and Fiano.

Stanthorpe Cheese: From there take a short drive to Stanthorpe Cheese for a tasting. Numbers are limited on the weekend so if you visit on a Saturday be sure to book your time slot. Don’t miss tasting the Rex smoked cheese, and Snowflake soft chee se.

Summit Estate: End your afternoon with some of the best sunset views from Summit Estate. For views over the vineyards, this was our favourite stop.

Dinner at The Barrelroom, Ballandean Estate Winery: Book yourself in for dinner in the Barrelroom at Ballandean Estate . Sit amongst the old wooden wine barrels as you enjoy dinner.

Saturday: Breakfast at Vixens, Stanthorpe Truffle Discovery Centre, Golden Grove, Granite Ridge and Symphony Hill Winery

Breakfast at Vixens: Take a walk down Stanthorpes High Street, past the old post office building, stopping to enjoy some of the street art murals. Stop for breakfast at Vixen’s bakery. With current restrictions, many cafes are open only for takeaway, but this one is available for dining in with outdoor seating options.

Stanthorpe Truffle Discovery Centre: Head out to the Stanthorpe Truffle Discovery centre , where truffles are locally grown and infused into products. Don’t miss tasting the early season truffle oil, truffle butter and cheese. Make sure to plan your visit here for Saturday or Sunday as they are only open weekends.

Granite Ridge Winery: Granite Ridge was our favourite wine stop of the day for location, views, service, wine taste and price. We started with a seat outside overlooking the vineyard for our first glass of wine before moving inside for our tasting right by the wine barrels for the rest of our tasting. The staff were friendly, offering us to taste every wine they had available. We tried a few unique blends which were our favourite of the day too, including the Chardenello and Sparkling Shiraz.

Golden Grove Estate Winery: Our next stop was Golden Grove Estate , just 3 minutes drive away. Don’t miss a picture or two outside the cellar door on the cute blue tables. The staff were exceptional here too, taking their time to explain each wine as we worked our way through the entire menu.

Symphony Hill Winery: Our final stop was Symphony Hill , this was the largest and most commercialised winery of our stops. Being busier, there was less time for personal service here, however, sitting inside with the steel barrels was very nice. The main claim for this winery is their wines are served on Qantas business class flights between Brisbane to Los Angeles (At least they were…). Can you tell by the picture this was the last winery of the day?

Sunday: Brinx Deli, Lions Park, Old Quart Pot Railway Bridge, Granite Belt Maze, Gardens Galore Warwick

Takeaway Breakfast from Brinx Deli: Start your day with a takeaway coffee and breakfast from Brix Deli and cafe . Don’t miss stocking up on local produce here too.

Eat at Lion’s Park by Stanthorpe Visitor Centre & The big thermometer: Take your breakfast to enjoy at Lions Park, where you can find Stanthorpes Big thermometer.

Walk Heritage Park to the old Quart Pot Railway Bridge (Red Bridge): From there it’s about a 15-minute walk down to the old Quart Pot Railway bridge for some amazing creek views among the boulders.

Visit the Granite Belt Maze: End your trip with a visit to Granite Belt Maze’s. Entry is $6 per person. They have 3 mazes, which are fairly quick to complete. After enjoy a round of putt-putt before the drive home.

Garden centre for lunch at Gardens Galore in Warwick on the way back: Gardens Galore i s the cutest little café, wander through the gift store and gardens. They have both takeaway and dine-in options.

Alternate Itinerary options: Girraween National Park

Stanthorpe is located right by Girraween National park, consider adding a trail or hike through the park if you’re looking for something more adventurous to add to the weekend.

We hope you enjoyed our long weekend guide to Stanthorpe, Queensland. To see more of our other Australian destination guides click here .

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A detailed guide to the best things to see and do in Stanthorpe Qld

When you make purchases through links on this website we may earn a commission. Read more .

The Brisbane to Stanthorpe drive follows a well-worn path passing through the Scenic Rim or Lockyer Valley , depending on which route you choose. Located in the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is well known for its wineries, fruit orchards and a range of amazing local products. There is also plenty of wonderful accommodation in Stanthorpe covering the spectrum of luxury, self-contained and pet-friendly. If you love a good fire, Stanthorpe is definitely the place to be when the weather gets cooler.

This drive is also about so much more than the destination. The Brisbane to Stanthorpe road trip is a chance to take it slow, stop at some interesting small towns along the way, and savour the more civilised pace as you leave the big city behind.

We’ve created this comprehensive guide and ideas for several Brisbane to Stanthorpe itineraries to help you plan for your stay in Stanthorpe and what to do along the way. We’ve done all of these activities so we can totally vouch for how great they all are.

If you want to do everything on this list, you will definitely need more than a weekend, we’d probably suggest a week. So if you don’t have that time to spare, use the guide to break down the activities into several weekends and just use it as an excuse to visit more often.

Read these articles to help you plan your best trip to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt:

• The best wineries to visit in the Granite Belt
• The best places to stay in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt
• The best places to eat in the Granite Belt

How to get to Stanthorpe

Tips for visiting the area, 1. do a winery tour and wine tasting, 2. do a cheese tasting, 3. take a soap-making class, 4. discover stanthorpe’s chocolate, 5. visit an old railway station, 6. visit the christmas tree farm and christmas shop, 7. visit a working apple farm and orchard, 8. pick your own strawberries, 9. eat apple pie and taste cider, 10. taste and hunt for truffles, 10. buy fresh local produce, 11. visit stanthorpe regional art gallery, 12. admire the local street art and wall murals, 13. jam and relish tasting at jamworks, 14. visit the pyramids, 15. girraween national park, 16. do a bike tour, 17. visit a castle, apple and grape harvest festival, stanthorpe berry festival, market in the mountains, best time to go, visiting brisbane you might also like to read these local articles.

Stanthorpe lies south-south-west of Brisbane and west of the Great Dividing Range, at its southern-most point, it lies right on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. Driving straight from Brisbane to Stanthorpe will take around three hours and about three and a half hours from the Gold Coast.

If you have a little more time available, we highly recommend spending some time in the regional parts of the Scenic Rim.

Related reading >> Check out our comprehensive guide on the best places to visit in the Scenic Rim

1-day itinerary Brisbane – Warwick – Stanthorpe

2-day itinerary Brisbane – Boonah – Warwick – Stanthorpe

Depart from Brisbane, arriving in Kalbar for morning tea at the Scenic Rim Farm Cafe. Have lunch at the Dugandan Pub just outside of Boonah, or the Scenic Rim Brewery at Mt Alford.

• Stanthorpe can get very busy, especially on weekends and in winter. It is highly recommended to book your accommodation and any tours or local experiences in advance to avoid disappointment.
• While it is popular to book a weekend away in Stanthorpe, there is so much to see and do here that sometimes a weekend is never enough. Consider booking a long weekend, or even a four-day break if you can.
• We recommend having a car for the entire time you are in Stanthorpe. Unless you are visiting here as part of a tour that includes transport, you will need convenient transport. The Granite Belt region covers a lot of area and the great places to visit are spread across the area. While some are clustered together, you’ll find that there are places to visit on the northern approach to Stanthorpe right through to the south. There is no public transport.
• Pack properly. The seasons can have some extreme weather here. Check our packing tips at the end of the article.
• Share the driving around with your friends and family who travel with you so that everyone can take part in the wine tasting, or jump on a local tour bus to take you around to the wineries.
• Quite a few of the businesses in Stanthorpe, including restaurants, are not open on Monday and/or Tuesday. Once again, to avoid disappointment, be sure to check opening times in advance of your visit.

The best things to do in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt

Stanthorpe is a very good example of why it is so important not to ignore small regional towns. What they might lack in geographical size or population numbers is more than made up for by the exhaustive list of amazing things to see, do, watch and experience in the region. On top of all of this, Stanthorpe has wonderful places to stay and some excellent places to eat. Many of the foodie experiences certainly can’t be found in the big smoke.

As regular visitors to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region, we have participated in all of these activities listed below. We encourage you to add them to your itinerary too.

No visit to Stanthorpe is complete without participating in a wine tour or wine tasting at some stage of the trip. In fact, visiting the Stanthorpe wineries is one of the main reasons visitors are attracted to one of Queensland’s best winery regions.

Read more >>: Our detailed guide on some of the best wineries to visit in Stanthorpe – Wine tours in Stanthorpe

Love cheese? Head over to Stanthorpe Cheese and meet new owner Will Rodgers who has been making cheese for six years. He started his craft at this very location, learning from the previous owners and the head cheesemaker. It’s a far cry from Will’s previous career in education, but it’s one we are thankful for as we sit down to enjoy a tasting of his fine cheese.

With Will at the helm explaining the nuances of them all, we work our way through cheese with unusual names. There’s the soft brie-like cheese (Snowflake) and the harder variety that goes well with fruit pastes (Thulimbah). Rex, named after the family Maremma, has a creamy, slightly more mature taste, while the Outlaw, a nod to a local bushranger, has a smoked hickory influence. The Blue Lagoon introduces us to a beginner’s version of blue cheese, finishing with the Smoky Blue, a strong version not for the faint-hearted.

Once you have finished your cheese tasting, pop into the Jersey Girls Cafe located in the same building. Here you can explore the Stanthorpe Cheese more by ordering a platter or just enjoying a coffee.

All Stanthorpe Cheese can be purchased onsite.

Looking for the best places to eat in Stanthorpe? Read our comprehensive food guide for Stanthorpe .

LOCATION : 4 Duncan Lane Thulimbah

At Washpool, ex-teacher turned soapmaker Melissa Thomas talks to us about all the nasty stuff that can be found in commercial soap and why her products are different.

Along the way, we become ensconced in her back story; that of a teacher and cattle farm owner. Traditionally, Melissa and her husband Warren were graziers. When the drought hit, their cattle numbers declined, water was hard to come by, and Melissa’s side hustle of soapmaking suddenly took centre stage.

As we bring ourselves back to the lessons involving soap, we learn that so many of the big-name brands, even the expensive ones, are made from nasty ingredients and have the oils stripped out of the soap. If you scratch a soap and it turns to powder, it’s likely to be one of these kinds.

Washpool soap, on the other hand, is made from all-natural ingredients, and it’s made to last, There are no palm oils, the glycerine is kept intact, and in return, it’s good for people with really sensitive skin or for those who don’t want to wash in chemicals. Think activated charcoal, olive leaf, goat milk and shea butter. All soaps are also scent-free.

Soap-making workshops are run regularly. Check the Washpool website for details. Washpool also offers a range of natural body and bath products and other environmentally friendly, sustainable products in the store on-site. All soap and skincare products are made on-site, from scratch. You can also grab a coffee here as well.

LOCATION : 16 Bents Road Ballandean

At Heavenly Chocolate, you’ll find a shop that is exclusively chocolate, and it is the only one in the Granite Belt. It’s a must-visit for chocolate lovers like me or for anyone wanting a locally made gift.

LOCATION : 2117 Pyramids Road Wyberba

Built on the border of Queensland and New South Wales, the Wallangarra Railway Station was built in 1888. Back then, the rail network did not have standard infrastructure, so the rail gauges of Qld and NSW tracks were different. Trains from Qld and NSW met at Wallangarra and passengers were required to change trains.

There are a couple of fun things to observe once you are here. Firstly, be sure to get a photo of you standing with one foot in NSW and one in Qld. There’s a line painted on the platform as soon as you enter.

From this location, look towards the station building. Here you will notice that the facade on each side is architecturally different. Once again, this represented the lack of uniformity between states, with each having its own design standards. In the earlier days, the station was even called a different name (Jennings) on the NSW side, until it finally just became known as the Wallangarra Railway Station.

Don’t miss popping into the Wallangarra Railway Museum located in the original Station Master’s Office. It’s small but has some excellent displays and reading all about the history of the station via the numerous newspaper cuttings, particularly during the war is worthwhile. The museum has free entry.

The original Railway Station Refreshment Rooms is now home to a cafe and a second-hand shop. Place your order at the counter and then browse the shop while you wait.

For a very special experience, catch the heritage steam train from Warwick to Wallangarra return. For more information, availability and pricing, click here .

A visit to the Christmas Farm in Stanthorpe is such a surprise. It’s incredible to think that such a place could exist in Queensland, but it is so much more than just trees. Brad Fraser and his wife Katrina own this fabulous business, celebrating everything that makes Christmas fabulous and making those of us who live in a hot tropical climate feel a little European for a moment.

Brad is the tree-grower, and as he takes a moment to chat to us with his very long and very sharp-looking machete, he’s got my full attention. People visit here from all over in search of their perfect Christmas tree. Once you choose your tree, ranging from the very small to big six-footers, Brad will chop it down for you, and package it in something that looks like a big hair net, so that you can transport it home with you.

While you are outside, take the time to hang out with the farm animals, including reindeer.

Katrina’s domain is inside, where you will find an incredible Christmas shop with every possible bauble and Christmas decoration you can imagine. It instantly reminds me of all the Christmas shops I trawled through in Germany especially. Katrina also makes yummy chocolate fudge and other Christmas goodies and puts together hampers that can be used as gifts or to take out into the farm and have a picnic under the Christmas trees.

Don’t miss the special event held every year at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm. Find an ugly Christmas jumper, gather your friends and family for the annual Christmas in July.

LOCATION : 321n Aerodrome Road Applethorpe

McMahons Apple Orchard

Kicking back in an orchard with a glass of wine in my hand is something I’ve also wanted to do but I’ve always felt that this is something that only seems to happen on tv. Not so. At McMahon’s Apple Orchard, fourth-generation apple farmers David and Paul McMahon are carrying on their parent’s tradition with a modern touch.

Following a tour of the apple orchard and a discussion about the farm’s history

and apple farming techniques, we are delighted to see a long table stretched out between two rows of trees. It’s a perfect day in Stanthorpe, so sitting down here and enjoying a lunch put together by David made up of locally acquired treats and washed down with a glass of the Granite Belt’s finest is simply the best.

LOCATION : 638 Poieres Road Pozieres

Nicoletti Orchards

There is plenty of family history at Nicoletti Orchards, with third-generation apple growers Daniel and Toni running the show. Their young son showed enormous enterprise at a young age by asking his parents if he could open the farm to tourists to earn some pocket money. Today, orchard tours and apple picking tours are part and parcel of this working farm. Cherry picking is also possible here during cherry season.

You can find accurate dates and times for tours on their website .

LOCATION : 61 Nicoletti Lane Pozieres

Who doesn’t love a fresh, juicy strawberry? Here you can pick them yourself and you can be assured of their freshness.

Ashbern Farms are located in Stanthorpe and on the Sunshine Coast, but it is in Stanthorpe that visitors can gain access to observe a working strawberry farm and participate in picking their own. Afterwards, visit the onsite cafe for all kinds of strawberry treats.

It is free to visit Ashbern Farms but always check their website to ensure it is picking season and the farm and shop are open.

LOCATION : 2 West Road Stanthorpe

If you are coming from Brisbane into Stanthorpe, then time your drive to arrive here at morning tea time. You won’t be disappointed. A traditional apple and stone fruit orchard, owners David and Ros bought the farm in 1994 and have transformed it via various innovations along the way.

Hailing from North Queensland, David says “they started value-adding when it no longer made commercial sense to keep selling to the markets”. With a strong market now for cider, vinegar and their now-famous apple pies, it appears their foresight and strategy have all paid off.

All apple pies are made on-site and are made from either Sutton’s Farm apples or locally grown apples. A big week might see up to 800kg of apples cooked and sometimes 160 pies a day. Grab a slice of pie served with delicious homemade apple cider ice cream and cream, or take one home, or better still, do both.

While you are at Sutton’s Juice Factory Cidery & Cafe take the time to browse around the shop. Here you’ll find a range of Sutton’s ciders, juice, jams, chutneys, pickles and vinegar. You can also do a tasting there as well which I highly recommend. Be sure to check out the jams, relishes and sauces too, all made locally.

LOCATION : 10 Halloran Drive Thulimbah

Truffle hunting is one of the best things we have done in Italy , but you don’t have to go to Europe to get up close and personal with them. At the family-owned business, The Folly Truffles, you can learn everything you wanted to know about truffles and more.

Vibrant co-owner Maple explains, “truffles are like wine. You might have the same type of grape or even the same winemaker, but the wine will taste completely different when it comes from different areas. The same can be said about truffles. Depending on where they are grown will change the way they smell and taste.”

The Folly Truffles support local businesses with their locally-produced speciality, preferring to sell as close to home as possible to keep the integrity and freshness of the truffle intact.

Tea with the truffle farmer

Offered on weekends, all year round, Tea with the Truffle Farmer gives you the experience of walking through the truffière – the field of truffles. You’ll learn how they are grown, about the dogs that are used for hunting and all about the family business that is Queensland’s largest commercial truffière.

After the tour, you’ll return to the Truffle Cottage for tea and a chat.

Duration: approximately one hour

Truffle hunting

If you want to get involved in the hunt, this is your opportunity. You can follow the farmers at work, or you can don your own boots and get your hands dirty to help dig for truffles. It’s up to you. You’ll learn about how to find them, how to dig them up and how to leave them if they aren’t ready.

After the hunt, you’ll head back to the Truffle Cottage for a truffle-inspired light lunch. Think crunchy baguette, laden with fresh ham and truffle mustard, paired with a glass of wine. Watch and learn from Maple as she grates and slices fresh truffle in front of you to make truffle butter and cheese. She’ll even share some of her favourite recipes with you. It’s truffle heaven.

Cost: $100 per person

Duration: approximately two hours

Note: The Folly Truffles is a working farm. To avoid disappointment, bookings are recommended. Truffle hunting generally occurs between June and August, but can change depending on the season. Truffle hunting is also available by appointment. For accurate tour times and availability, visit their website .

LOCATION : 1110 Bents Rd Ballandean

The Granite Belt is known for its fruit orchards, so it’s virtually impossible to visit here without doing some shopping at local roadside stalls and shops.

For a touch of history, head to the “Fruit Run”, a name locals give to the road where fresh local farm produce can be found and purchased. It is here in the area aptly called Applethorpe that you will find many of the local orchards and their owners.

Call into Sam’s Fruit and Vegies, an old store on the side of the road overflowing with crates of farm produce and every type of apple you could imagine out the front when they are in season of course.

LOCATION : 44 Middleton Road Cottonvale

The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery is located in the centre of Stanthorpe and houses around 900 art pieces in a permanent exhibition. In 2021 the Stanthorpe Art Prize was run and much of the artwork was part of this exhibition. The art gallery runs regular programs that include local and international artists.

LOCATION : 56 Lock St Weeroona Park Stanthorpe

Street art is admired worldwide. Regional Stanthorpe shows its street art credibility with some wonderful wall murals dotted about the town. You can follow them all using this street art map .

Established in 2001 inside an old relocated school building, Jamworks was elevated to a gourmet foods powerhouse in the Granite Belt when current owners Stephanie and Christine purchased it in 2015. This award-winning manufacturer now includes a factory, retail store and cafe onsite. They produce 90 preserves, using 98% Australian ingredients (local where possible).

Come in and do a tasting or simply browse the enormous range. We love the fruit pastes in particular, but the jams are also very good.

LOCATION : 7 Townsend Road Glen Aplin

Stanthorpe is also home to one of the wackiest things. In Ballandean, a gigantic pyramid made from stones sits in the middle of a paddock. It’s no Stonehenge, that’s for sure, and you can’t get close to it due to it being on private property, but it is worthy of a drive-by. At 17.5 metres tall, this man-made feature consisting of 7,500 tonnes of stones just can’t be missed.

LOCATION : Turn off the highway on Eukey Road, then turn right into Jacobsens Road. Follow Jacobsens Road for 1.7 km.

Girraween National Park is not the usual type of national park you would expect to find. Instead of lush, tropical rainforests and other native flora, streams, rock pools and even waterfalls, Girraween National Park is all about the huge granite rocks, tall gums and wildflowers.

Visitors come to Girraween to camp at Bald Rock and Castle Rock and to walk more than 17 kilometres of pathways.

• Beginners walk to Granite Arch . This is an easy walk for those wanting to reserve their energy for wine tasting. It will take you across Bald Rock Creek and through a natural stone archway. Approximately 1.6km or 30 minutes (average walk speed).
• Intermediate walk on the Pyramid Trail . This walk will give you plenty of exercise and ensure you burn off all the calories you’ve consumed while having fun in the Granite Belt. At the end of this walk, you’ll need to climb a steep exposed rock face. Approximately 3.6 km or two hours total walk.
• Intermediate walk Bald Rock Creek . This isn’t a difficult trail as no rock scrambling is necessary. Approximately 5.2km or two hours.
• Challenging walk to Castle Rock . This walk also has a steep, rocky climb. Approximately 5.2km or two hours.
• Challenging walk to the Sphinx anad Turtle Rock. This walk is for the serious walkers who aren’t as concerned about all the fantastic food and wine in the area, but who want to take in everything that Girraween has to offer by way of landscapes and views. Approximately 7.4km or four hours.

Good to know – If you want to continue with hiking, bush walks or camping, Sundown National Park is about an hour’s drive from Stanthorpe.

Tip : Like any bushwalking and hiking, always let someone know where you are going and an expected return time. The landscape in Girraween National Park is quite harsh, Be prepared by wearing proper hiking boots, and have a hat, water and sunscreen. This area gets very hot in summer and freezing in winter, with overnight temperatures often around zero. It’s therefore always a good idea to take layers.

Feeling energetic? Granite Belt Bicycle Tours and Hire are the only bike company in the Granite Belt and offer everything from DIY bike hire to fully-guided tours. They will also deliver the bikes to your accommodation and organise a picnic hamper for you too.

Note – Only open on weekends. Bookings are recommended via the website .

This isn’t your usual castle. Instead, you’ll find a series of huge granite boulders that once helped to keep bushranger Captain Thunderbolt protected and hidden. It’s good fun for kids to wander in amongst this network of boulders that work together to create caves and secret hiding spots.

Festivals and events

The Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival runs every two years and has entertained locals and visitors since 1966. Highlights of the festival usually include such things as the Grape Crush Championships, Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta, the Apple & Grape Gala Ball, Apple Peeling and Apple Pie Competitions. Being wine country, there are also many opportunities to meet the winemaker across the entire festival. More information

Stanthorpe loves a good festival, and with the introduction of the first Stanthorpe Berry Festival in November 2021, it is fast becoming known as the place to be when you want to have a party. The Berry Festival will showcase berry producers just in time for the commencement of the summer strawberry season. Buy tickets here

Operating since 1993, the Market in the Mountains brings together local producers. With a tagline of “If it’s made, baked, sewn or grown”, you’ll find everything you could possibly imagine at these long-running markets. They generally operate on the second Sunday of every month and long weekends. Check market dates

Stanthorpe is a great place to visit at any time of the year. For those who crave the cool and sometimes frosty climes, Stanthorpe is perfect for a winter getaway. There’s nothing quite like drinking a glass of wine in front of the fire, and you’ll find most accommodation locations will have a fireplace. Be sure to check this when booking if this is important to you.

Wintertime is particularly busy in Stanthorpe, so it is always recommended to book well in advance.

What to pack

Regardless of the time of year you go to Stanthorpe, you should always take some warm clothes. At close to 1000 metres above sea level, the nights can be cooler than you might expect, even in summer. In summer, it does get hot so be sure to pack clothes that are light to wear but cover up your skin. Hats and sunscreen are a must. As the weather turns cooler, this is not the place to be caught without some serious woollies.

Pack layers and make sure you have good jumpers, coats and even scarves and beanies, especially if you are going to be doing outdoor events, especially in the evening. On the whole, Stanthorpe is a casual place, with no requirement to dress up to visit wineries or enjoy any of the other activities on the Granite Belt.

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Book your flight:  Flights are an important part of travel and we’re always looking for the best deals. If you can travel mid-week and be flexible, you’ll often find great deals on flights. We also use  Skyscanner  and  Expedia for flight bookings. Dollar Flight Club is a great resource for getting special advance offers and even error fares directly to your inbox.

Book your accommodation:  We all love to stay in different places, from the comfort of a self-contained apartment or house to a resort or luxury hotel. Sometimes we need something quick, easy and comfortable for an overnight stay. 

We use all of the following online booking portals depending on where we want to stay and the type of accommodation we are looking for.

• VRBO and Stayz (in Australia) – great for holiday rentals of more than seven days and often have discounts for longer periods.
• Booking.com and Expedia – two of our favourites due to their cancellation and refund policies.
• Trip Advisor – perfect for getting reviews, checking availability and pricing comparisons all in one place.

Book your rental car or motorhome:  We always use  Discover Rental Cars  anywhere in the world for car hire.  Anywhere Campers  is our preferred motorhome hiring company in Europe, especially if you want to be able to pickup and drop off at different locations (even countries) in Europe. If you’d like to buy your own motorhome in France , we use and recommend  France Motorhome Sales . Use our code FMS1022 or tell John we sent you!

Book a tour:   We travel independently, but when we do book we book them with reputable companies who have a great cancellation and refund policy. If you are looking for advance tickets to an attraction, group or private tours, we use and recommend  Get Your Guide  and  Viator . Both have a great range of tours and flexible cancellation policies. If you are looking to do a food tour in Europe, we also recommend  Eating Europe Tours .

Be covered:  We always travel with  travel insurance . We did it before the pandemic and it’s even more important for us to do so now. We use Cover-More in Australia.  SafetyWing  has great rates for travellers who are away from home for extended periods. 

Be ready : Make sure you pack a few essentials: universal adaptor ,  power bank  and  noise-cancelling headphones

About The Author

Kerri McConnel

A former corporate business executive, Kerri is the content creator for Beer and Croissants, a trusted source of detailed guides on motorhome travel, road trip itineraries, and destinations.

Together with Stirling, they are motorhome experts, having independently road-tripped their way across much of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand since 1995. Back home in Australia, they own their own motorhome and can always be found on a regional road trips, taking in towns that often no one has heard of.

They are responsible travellers; long, slow trips in motorhomes, spending time in small regional communities where the tourists usually don't wander, and spending money in their small economies. And where possible, they travel in shoulder and off seasons, so they don't add to the tourist rush.

As an Honorary Barge Lady for Barge Lady Cruises and a regular on European Waterways vessels, Kerri is also an expert on luxury barge travel in Europe, having completed five barge cruises in France and Scotland.

Kerri is a Digital Travel Publisher Member and former board member and treasurer of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (2020-2023).

Everything written and produced on this site is our own work. there's no AI and if we've written about it, you can trust we've been there, done that!

Read more about Kerri here

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25 of the Very Best Things to do in Stanthorpe with Kids

Located in the Southern Downs, Granite Belt Region, Stanthorpe is a rural town a few hours southwest of Brisbane.  The area is well known for its exceptional wine and delicious local produce, but also has some great nearby National Parks and there is a range of excellent family friendly Stanthorpe attractions.

Due to its incredible wineries, Stanthorpe is often considered to be an adults only destination, however you may well be surprised to hear of how many great things to do in Stanthorpe with kids there are.  Stanthorpe things to do, the whole family will enjoy include tasting all the delicious local produce, petting farm animals, exploring the nearby National Parks and many of the Stanthorpe wineries are in fact very family friendly.

If you’re planning a visit and wondering what to do in Stanthorpe , then you definitely need to read this guide.  In this Stanthorpe – things to do guide, I’ll cover all the best things to do in Stanthorpe , as well as essential information such as location, opening hours, and entry prices.

As well as providing tips for things to do around Stanthorpe , this guide will cover practical information such as how to get to Stanthorpe and some suggestions for the best accommodation in Stanthorpe for families.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

Talk to other families about their tips on visiting Stanthorpe and join our  Queensland Travel Facebook Group.  

Page Contents

• 1 Where is Stanthorpe & how to get there?
• 2 The Best Time to Visit Stanthorpe
• 3.1 The Big Apple at Vincenzo’s Cafe
• 3.2 Famous Apple Pie at Suttons Stanthorpe
• 3.3 Big Thermometer
• 3.4 Quart Pot Creek
• 3.5 Red Bridge
• 3.6 Stanthorpe Cheese Shop
• 3.7.1 Balancing Heart Vineyard
• 3.7.2 Summit Estate Wines
• 3.7.3 Ridgemill Estate Wines
• 3.7.4 Girraween Estate Vineyard
• 3.7.5 Ballandean Estate Wines
• 3.8 Granite Belt Maze
• 3.9 Ashbern Farm Strawberries
• 3.10 Stanthorpe Heritage Museum
• 3.11 Castle Glen
• 3.12 Nicoletti Orchards
• 3.13 Washpool Skin Wellness
• 3.14 Donnellys Castle
• 3.15 Mt Marlay Lookout
• 3.16 Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• 3.17 Truffle Discovery Centre
• 3.18 Jamworks Gourmet Foods
• 3.19 Stanthorpe Street Art
• 3.20 Markets In Stanthorpe
• 3.21 Ballandean Pyramid
• 3.22 The Heavenly Chocolate Shop
• 3.23 Wallangarra Railway Station
• 3.24 Girraween National Park
• 4 The Best Family Accommodation – Stanthorpe
• 5.1 The Little Larder
• 5.2 Zest Pastries
• 6 Stanthorpe – Our Verdict

Where is Stanthorpe & how to get there?

Firstly, where is Stanthorpe ?  Stanthorpe is in the Granite Belt Region, about 2.75 hours drive southwest from the Brisbane CBD or about 3.25 hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.  Stanthorpe is only about a 30 minutes drive from the NSW border.

The best way to get to Stanthorpe is by car.  There is however a Brisbane to Stanthorpe bus that departs twice daily from the Roma Street Transit Centre and takes around 3.5 hours.

However while you can get a bus from Brisbane to Stanthorpe, you’re still going to really need a car once you’re in town.  All of the Stanthorpe tourist attractions are well spread out and a car is the best way to get around.

The other option is to join one of the Stanthorpe day tours however these tend to focus on the wineries.  If you are looking for day tours, I recommend Granite Highland Maxi Tours .  They do day tours from Stanthorpe or even day trips from Brisbane if you have a group.  Allan Foster (the owner) is an excellent tour guide and more than welcomes families to join his tours.

The Best Time to Visit Stanthorpe

While most people consider Stanthorpe a winter destination, the truth is anytime is the best time to visit Stanthorpe !

The most popular time for a Stanthorpe holiday is during the colder months of Autumn and Winter from around April to August.  During the colder months, families can snuggle up in front of the fireplace and on the very rare occasion, you may even be lucky enough to see snow! It does get cold though, so be prepared to rug up!

However, the Spring and Summer months are still a great time to visit.  In the Summer months, families can escape the heat and humidity, which is common in other Queensland tourist destinations. While in Spring the region is alive with beautiful wildflowers and is the perfect time to explore the regions National Parks. If you come in the warmer months, I recommend staying at the Girraween Environmental Lodge as this is one of the few places in the region with a swimming pool.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Stanthorpe in Summer or things to do in Stanthorpe in Winter, you’ll no doubt find plenty of tips in this guide.

The Best Things to do in Stanthorpe with Kids

Below in this things to do Stanthorpe guide, I’ve provided a comprehensive list of the best things to do and what to see in Stanthorpe.  Please note that all prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing and may fluctuate depending upon changes to currency conversion and rate increases.  To check the rate in your local currency, click here.

To help with planning your Stanthorpe itinerary, I’ve also provided this hand map below which shows you where all the different attractions are.  Zoom in and out for a better view.

The Big Apple at Vincenzo’s Cafe

Did you know that Stanthorpe produces almost all of the Queensland apple crop?  So it’s no surprise that one of the first things you will see as you drive into Stanthorpe is the Big Apple at Vincenzo’s Cafe. 

The Big Apple – Stanthorpe is a cool spot to get creative with some fun photos – like the kids eating or holding the apple.  We tried and failed miserably!

And if you’re hungry head on into the Vincenzo’s Cafe, they’re open for breakfast and lunch daily.  It’s also a great spot to stock up on some local produce for your stay, and they even offer wine tastings too.

While you’re at the Big Apple, walk on towards the old railway station you see behind you.    This makes for a lovely photo opportunity and don’t worry, trains only pass here once a month now.

Location : New England Hwy and Amiens Road, Stanthorpe 

Opening Hours : Mon – Fri 8.30 am to 3.30 pm | Sat & Sun 8.30am to 4pm – although the Big Apple is available for photo ops always!

Famous Apple Pie at Suttons Stanthorpe

Apart from all the wine tasting, one of my personal favourite things to do in Stanthorpe, QLD is eating apple pie at Sutton’s!  Sutton apple pie is sooooo good, probably because it is all hand made in the kitchen on site.  

Located on a real working apple orchard, these guys actually use apples straight from their trees.  Sutton pies are so popular that they cook up to 800kgs of apples onsite every week! Even the pastry is made on site.  

At Suttons Stanthorpe , you can sit down and try the various yummy apple products at the Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery Cafe, or purchase from their store and take your goods home to eat later.  As well as apple pie, other products made here are apple juices, sparkling apple cider and a range of preserves.

No need to leave your dog at home either, because there is even an area where they are welcome too.

And before you leave be sure to pop your head in the window and see Dave Sutton using the machine peeling apples.

Location : 10 Halloran Drive, Thulimbah

Opening Hours : Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Big Thermometer

Stanthorpe is said to be Queensland’s coldest town, and so in honour of that reputation, one of the newest things to see in Stanthorpe is the Big Thermometer.  Grab a photo of this new iconic monument and then take a walk along the lovely Quart Pot creekside there.  The visitor information centre is also here, so a good place to pick up some brochures for more tips on things to do at Stanthorpe.

Location : 28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : 24 hours / 7 days a week

Price : Free to look

Quart Pot Creek

Another one of the lovely places to visit in Stanthorpe is Quart Pot Creek.  Quart Pot Creek is a gorgeous place for a walk in Stanthorpe or even a picnic if you have time and the weather is warm.  The creek meanders through Stanthorpe and eventually out to Spring Creek where it then forms the Severn River.

Along the creek, there is 5 km of walking and bike tracks that take you past some gorgeous landscapes.  Along the way, you’ll find a range of playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas as well as see some of the town’s local birds. The pathway eventually meets up with the Red Bridge.

Price : Free

While not actually red anymore, the Red Bridge is a gorgeous old historic railway bridge and well worth checking out.  Built in the 1880s as part of the Brisbane to Sydney interstate rail link, this heritage listed bridge was built solely using just manpower, horse drawn drays and explosives.

The Red Bridge makes for a wonderful photograph and is perfect for combining with a walk along Quart Pot Creek if you have the time.  The landscape surrounding the bridge is gorgeous and well worth at least a wander for 15-30 minutes.

Location : Heritage Park Stanthorpe – we entered by parking at the end of Pioneers Parade and following the pathway down to the bridge.

Stanthorpe Cheese Shop

What to do at Stanthorpe for a family who loves cheese?  A visit to the Stanthorpe Cheese shop of course!  The Stanthorpe Cheese shop is the highest and coldest dairy farm cheese shop in Queensland and makes cheeses from a single herd of purebred Jersey cows.

The Cheese Shop offers a range of cheeses for you to try before you decide what to buy and take home with you.  On any given day you can expect to be able to try around 12  different cheeses as well as a range of other great local produce.  There is also the Jersey Girls Cafe on site where you can try their fantastic Ploughman’s lunch which comes with cheese, bread or crackers, relishes, eggs and cured meat.   It is sooooo good – plan your trip around morning tea, afternoon tea or lunch so you can indulge!

Location : 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah

Opening Hours : Daily from 9.30 am to 4 pm

Price : Cheese prices vary

Stanthorpe Wineries

Holidays in Stanthorpe wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least a couple of wineries!! While you might think visiting the wineries in Stanthorpe isn’t very family friendly – think again!  There is a range of great wineries Stanthorpe has that are perfect for bringing the kids too.  

Some of the best wineries in Stanthorpe have activity corners for the kids to hang out in while the parents partake in wine tasting or even encourage families to wander through the vineyards where you can all see the grapes growing.

The wineries we visited and found super family friendly are below.  Of course there are a zillion more wineries in Stanthorpe – but these a few which we can guarantee are more than happy for you to bring the kiddies with you!  And we can also recommend their wine – in fact I’m enjoying a glass right now as I write this article!

If you want to visit a few wineries, and both parents want to try wine tasting – then I highly recommend you join a wine tasting tour with Granite Highlands Maxi Tours.  I’ve been on a tour with these guys and they are very family friendly.

Balancing Heart Vineyard

Balancing Heart Vineyard gets its name from the natural granite rock formation which resembles a heart balancing on a rock.  The interesting rock formation sits among the vineyards which guests are encouraged to wander through.  The property is gorgeous with the cellar door, surrounded by a range of massive granite boulders in the background as well as the vineyard and dam in the foreground. You can even see as far as the NSW countryside from here! 

At Balancing Heart Vineyard you’ll find a range of red and white fine including Verdelho, Chardonnay, Viognier, Shiraz, Wild Ferment Syrah, and their signature blends Campfire White and Campfire Red.  The wines are made by 2017 Australian Wine Maker of the year Mike Hayes.  Parents can enjoy wine tasting while the kids enjoy their own drinks or make use of the toys outside.

If you happen to be in town over the weekend, I highly recommend you come for dinner.  As you can see from above it’s the perfect place for watching the sunset – mum and dad can enjoy a glass of wine while the kids run amuck on the grass.  Balancing Heart Vineyard offers wood-fired pizzas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm and they are among the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted – particularly love their Three Cheese pizza – yum!  Pizzas start from $19 and bookings are essential.  

Balancing Heart Vineyard also serves lunch daily from 11 am and holds a range of events such as Sip & Paint and live music – click here for more information.

Location : 221 Old Wallangarra Rd, Wyberba

Opening Hours : Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4.30 pm and then Friday to Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm.

Summit Estate Wines

While Mum and Dad enjoy some wine tasting, the kids can hang out with their devices or toys on the bean bags or ask to borrow their cricket set.  Also if you’re in town on a Friday or Saturday night head down for their family friendly sunset sessions nights from 4 to 6 pm – bring a picnic and drink their beautiful wine. 

The good thing about Summit Estate is dogs are welcome too.  

Location : 291 Granite Belt Dr, Thulimbah

Opening Hours : Friday and Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday and Monday 10 am to 2 pm

Ridgemill Estate Wines

Yet another great place for families is Ridgemill Estate Wines.  This is a super modern site that welcomes the kids – in fact, while mum and dad are enjoying wine tasting the kids can either have their own drink or go and feed the greedy resident goats for free!  Ridgemill Estate is also one of the few Stanthorpe wineries with accommodation.  Onsite are some beautiful cabins that accommodate families of 4 (from $180 per night) or even a 3 bedroom house for up to 6 people (from $395 per night). Click here to book accommodation.

Location : 218 Donges Road Severnlea

Opening Hours : Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Sundays when the cellar door closes at 3 pm

Girraween Estate Vineyard

The Girraween Estate is a lovely little vineyard where the owner’s Steve and Lisa do absolutely everything – yep they grow the grapes, make the wine and sell it too. These award winning wine makers are well known in the region for their Cabernet Sauvignon, for Shiraz and Sparkling wines – I fell in love with their sparkling rose – I highly recommend it and if you like feel free to pick me up a bottle while you’re there!

The Girraween Estate is a really lovely winery close to the Girraween National Park and there is plenty of space outside for the kids to play while parents partake in a bit of wine tasting.

Location : 41 Hickling Lane, Wyberba

Opening Hours : Weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm and during the week by appointment

Ballandean Estate Wines

The Ballandean Estate is the oldest winery in the Granite Belt Region, with wine being made here since 1932, although the cellar door was only first opened to the public in 1970.  Today it is still Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery and one of the most popular in the region.

As well as make award winning wine, Ballandeean Estate prides itself on being one of the friendliest cellar doors in the region.  This means families can be rest assured that they will be welcomed.  They have a great wine lounge where grazing boards can be ordered – perfect for sharing with the kids.

Wine tastings are available daily.

Location : 354 Sundown Road, Ballandean

Opening Hours : Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Granite Belt Maze

One of the fun Stanthorpe activities the kids will love is exploring the Granite Belt Maze.  Here there are 3 different mazes of varying degree of difficulty.  There is the large main maze for the entire family to enjoy as well as two smaller mazes perfect for the kids to enjoy on their own.  If you’re up for a double challenge, as you go through the mazes, you can look for clues to complete a few riddles the staff give you as arrive. 

As well as the maze there is a 9 hole mini golf course, as well as a range of fun props for some great photo opportunities.  There is also a kiosk selling some snacks and drinks.

Location : 364 Old Warwick Rd, Glen Niven

Opening Hours : Daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10 am to 5 pm, open daily during school holidays and closed during the month of February. Best to double check opening hours via their website.

Price : $20 per adult | $14 kids (5-16) | Family Pass $62 (2A+2C)

Ashbern Farm Strawberries

If you happen to visit Stanthorpe between October and May, then head to Ashbern Farm for some strawberry picking.  J ust grab a punnet from the farm shop, go and pick as many strawberries as you like, then you’ll pay by the weight of what you’ve picked on return.

There’s also a little set of swings here which the kids will enjoy.

Location : 2 West Rd, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : The season is October to May when it’s open Friday to Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm

Price : Admission is free you just pay by the weight of what you pick

Stanthorpe Heritage Museum

At the Stanthorpe Museum, there is so much for the entire family to explore including 14 different buildings, featuring over 20,000 historical artefacts,  as well as a range of old machinery and vehicles.  

The buildings at the museum include a School Residence from 1894 complete with old desks and, slates and inkwells, Ardmore House (a summer holiday home) from the 1920s which is filled with period collections, Heath House from the 1940s which has been completely decorated with household furniture and items from the 1930s and 1940s and Wilson’s Downfall Gaol from 1876.

The artefacts on display come from many different industries and areas of life including pastoral, tin mining, Aboriginal, Red Cross, medical and social.  Here you will find old farm machinery, fire engines and a WWI display.

Location : 12 High Street, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturdays from 1 pm to 4 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Price : Adult $10 | Child (5-14) $3.50 | Family Pass $30

Castle Glen

You may be forgiven for thinking that Castle Glen is an old medieval castle, but the reality is this castle was built in 1994. Castle Glen is, in fact, a winery and distillery and to be honest is not all that child friendly (particularly for tiny tots) on the inside as there are far too many temptations, with hundreds of bottles within arms reach.  Nevertheless, the exterior of Castle Glen is well worth checking out, no doubt the kids will enjoy seeing the large medieval style ‘faux’ castle.

However for those parents that enjoy their liqueurs, spirits, beers, ciders and wines, they might want to stop by Castle Glen. Here owner Cedric Millar makes all his own beverages which are all 100% Natural, Chemical Free and Preservative Free. He also makes Crème Liqueurs which are free of dairy, fat and eggs – this is a world first.

Location : 3184 Amiens Road, Thulimbah

Opening Hours : Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Nicoletti Orchards

What better way to get the kids to eat their fruit than to get them to pick it themselves!  Third generation apple growers Daniel and Toni Nicoletti occasionally open up their orchard for tours, as well as the opportunity for the kids to wander through the fruit trees and pick their own apples.  This is a fabulous way for the kids to learn how the apples make their way onto the supermarket shelves.

If the orchard isn’t open for tours when you’re in town, you can still stop by the farm gate and stock up on some freshly picked apples.  Alternatively, look out for Nicolleti apples in Woolworths as well as selected IGAs.

If Nicoletti Orchards are closed, you could see if Eastern Colour are open – so also do apple picking.

Location : 61 Nicoletti Lane, Pozieres

Opening Hours : Varies – check their website and pre book for apple picking.

Washpool Skin Wellness

If you’re like me and love your beautifully handmade soaps and other bath and body goodies, then a visit to Washpool Skin Wellness is an absolute must!  All the soaps and beauty products are developed and handmade onsite at the store by soap maker Melissa Thomas and her family.  Everything is made using the purest of ingredients including butters and milks, cold pressed oils, extracts, infusions, botanicals and essential oils.

As soon as you step into the store you’ll be in heaven with all the beautiful smells.  Allow plenty of time to visit though, from first hand experience, its tough narrowing it down to just a few purchases!

 Location : 4/7 Reeves Road, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : 9 am-4 pm Weekdays (except closed Wednesday) and Saturday | 9.00 am-1.00 pm Sunday

Price : Soap prices start from around $7

Donnellys Castle

No doubt the kids will love exploring Donnellys Castle, a place which was once a hideout for bushranger “Thunderbolt” who use to roam the New England Tablelands.

While not an actual castle at all, Donnellys Castle is a granite rock formation, which you can explore by walking between and over the large boulders.  There is a range of cave like entrances with narrow crevices – a natural playground for the kids! There is also a great lookout on top of one of the granite outcrops.

The picnic area has toilets and a few picnic tables, and you don’t have to walk more than 100m from the picnic area to explore all the rocks and caves.  

We all loved this place and there were plenty of families with little ones while we were there and it was clear that all the kids were having a great time climbing over the large boulders and going in and out of the caves.  Definitely a must do for families coming to Stanthorpe.

Location : Donnellys Castle Road, Pozieres

Opening Hours : Always – best during daylight

Mt Marlay Lookout

For panoramic views of Stanthorpe, head to Mt Marlay Lookout.  For an even better view, the kids will love using the free mounted binoculars there.

Once you’ve checked out the view at the lookout, take the short walk around the summit.  The narrow walkway goes through the trees and offers even more great views across Stanthorpe.  The walk is not signposted, but just follow the path from the lookout – it is just a 10 to 15 minute circuit.

Location : Lock Street Stanthorpe

Granite Belt Christmas Farm

A really cool place for families to visit in Stanthorpe is the Granite Belt Christmas Farm.  Here kids get the rare opportunity to see rows and rows of real life Christmas trees being grown.  

Brad and Katrina planted their very first Christmas tree back in 2015 and today have 15,000 trees growing on their property.  It takes 7 years to grow the perfect size Christmas tree, which requires pruning four times a year.  From December 1 each year, families can come and wander up and down the rows of Christmas trees until they find the perfect tree. 

Brad will then cut it down for you and net it so you can take it home.  Trees last for about 6 weeks and start at $75 for a 5 ft tree up to $250 for a massive 12 ft tree. 

As well as the real Christmas trees, there is a range of things here for families to do, including feeding Santa’s farm animals and shopping for Christmas decorations in their huge 100sqm shop.  No doubt the highlight here for the kids is the farm animals.  Here kids can feed animals including reindeers, lambs, donkeys, goats, chooks and ducks.  It’s just $2 for a small bag of animal feed.  We had lots of laughs feeding these greedy little animals!

A nice new experience you can have at the Christmas Farm is a picnic among the Christmas trees.  Grab a picnic basket which is $40 for adults or $65 per family and choose a spot among the trees for a nice lunch.  Picnic baskets include bruschetta, shaved ham, crumbed chicken, mixed leaf salad, white crusty loaf, cheese, relish, aioli and rocky road.  Baskets also come with a rug and you’re welcome to bring a bottle of wine.  Picnics must be pre ordered.

The Christmas Farm also has an on site cafe serving a range of light breakfasts, cakes, burgers, chips and afternoon teas.  Owner Katrina also makes delicious Belgian hot chocolate served with marshmallows, and boutique chocolates and fudge – and trust me they are all delicious!  If you still have any room left there is even Rudolph’s Ice Cream Bar which serves Maleny Food Co Gelato.

Throughout December there is a range of great Christmas events most weekends. However, throughout the year there are events such as Christmas in July and Easter egg hunts.

Location : 321 Aerodrome Rd, Applethorpe

Opening Hours : Mon, Wed-Sat 9am to 4pm, Sun 9am to 2pm

Price : Free – $2 for animal feed

Truffle Discovery Centre

Visit the Truffle Discovery Centre where you can learn all about the most expensive edible fungus in the world.  At the Truffle Discovery Centre, as well as getting to smell and taste a range of truffle products, you can learn all there is to know about truffles through informative talks and interactive exhibits.

As well as tasting truffles, there is so much more to try.  At the Truffle Discovery Centre, you can try a range of local produce including honey, mustard, balsamic, aioli and more.

To get the most out of your visit here, allow at least 30 minutes.

Location : 335 Church Road, The Summit

Opening Hours : Wednesdays and Weekends from 10 am to 3.30 pm

Price : Entry is free

Jamworks Gourmet Foods

If chocolate, wine and cheese wasn’t enough, Stanthorpe even has a place where you can go and buy a range of yummy local jams, sauces and relishes!  At Jamworks they make around 87 different products from a variety of great local produce found around the Granite Belt.

If you’re hungry, it’s also an excellent spot for lunch and dog friendly too!

Location : 7 Townsend Road, Glen Aplin

Opening Hours : Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 4 pm

Price : Depends on what you buy!

Stanthorpe Street Art

One of our favourite things to do when we travel is to go on the hunt for local street art and so we were pleased when we got an insider tip that Stanthorpe has it’s own gorgeous street art.  Here are some you might want to check out:

Weeroona Park, Old Ambulance Building (Marsh Street): “Whatever the Weather, We Stand Together” is a beautiful tribute to the emergency services that worked hard to save properties during the February and September 2019 bushfires.

Weeroona Park, YMCA / Gallery Alleyway (Marsh Street): Between the Art Gallery and the Swimming Pool is a few fun interactive type murals that the kids will enjoy getting their photo taken with.

Brass Monkey Statue :  Now this is something I didn’t know, but the locals refer to winter in Stanthorpe as Brass Monkey Season – which is what this little sculpture is referring to.  This statue is located on the corner of Maryland and Railway Streets outside the newsagent.

Fromes Lane : Fromes Lane, near the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, has some nice street art and it also looks quite pretty all lit up at night.

South Wall of the Country Club Hotel (Laneway off Maryland Street): Here you’ll find some fun murals which were painted during the 2016 Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.

Farley Piazza (Maryland Street): In the piazza, you may think you’ve just stepped into a piazza in Italy with the great mural here celebrating the local Italian community.

Angelo Valiante : Corner of Maryland and Railway Streets – this artwork completed by Guido van Helten is of Angelo Valiante who was one of the first Italians to settle in Stanthorpe.

Backpackers Mural : Just outside Australia Post on Maryland Street, you’ll find this artwork which depicts the backpackers who come to town to help pick the crops.

Public Toilets Around Town : A popular place to find some bright and colourful murals are the public toilets around town.  Check out the toilets behind Farley Street Piazza, Brock Park, the Lions Club on Wallangarra Road and Storm King Dam.  So if you happen to go to the toilet while in town, maybe pay attention to the building before or after entering.

Markets In Stanthorpe

If you happen to be in town on the second Sunday of the month, be sure to head on down to the Markets in Stanthorpe .  The entire family will love wandering the various stalls, in search of unique treasures.  Items for sale include local handicrafts, organic products, plants, jewellery and loads more.

Location : Exhibition Centre, Stanthorpe Showgrounds – High Street Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : The second Sunday of the month from 8 am to 12 pm.

Ballandean Pyramid

If you’re heading out to Ballandean, be sure to stop for some fun family photos with the Ballandean Pyramid.  This surprising site is built from blocks of local granite and stands 17.5 metres high and 30 metres square at the base.  The structure took 8 months to complete and is made with 7500 tonnes of rock.

Just keep in mind that the pyramid is on private property so you can’t get too close, but you can take a photograph from afar.  To reach the pyramid, turn off the highway (eastward towards the Ballandean Tavern) on Eukey road, then turn immediately right onto Jacobsens Road.  Follow Jacobsens Road for 1.7km until you reach the giant pyramid on the right. 

Location : Jacobsens Road, Ballandean

Opening Hours : Always

The Heavenly Chocolate Shop

For the family of chocolate lovers, you can’t skip a visit to the Wisteria Cottage Chocolate Shop!  Here you’ll find a range of delicious chocolates and other yummy treats.  It’s also the perfect place to get warmed up with a seriously rich cup of European style hot chocolate – they have over 20 different hot chocolate flavours to choose from!

There is so much chocolate to choose from here and there perfect place to indulge after a morning of bushwalking in Girraween National Park.

The kids will also love sitting at one of the tables by the chook pen so they can watch the chooks run about while they enjoy their morning tea.

You can stay here too – click here for more information.

Location : Pyramids Road, Stanthorpe – not far from the entrance of Girraween National Park

Opening Hours : Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm

Price : Depends how much you buy!

Wallangarra Railway Station

Make sure you plan a visit to Wallanagarra Railway Station around lunchtime so you can enjoy a great value lunch at the Wallangarra Railway Cafe.  This cafe is located at the historical Wallangarra Railway Station which is on the Qld / NSW border.

Opening in 1888, the Wallangarra Railway Station was built to service the change in gauge from Qld’s narrow gauge railway to NSW’s standard gauge.  Right up until 1930, this railway station was the only way people could travel from Brisbane to Sydney on the train.  Eventually, with the new coastal train line, train services stopped coming through Wallangarra by 1997 with now only the Downs Explorer tourist train passing through once a month.

Today you can stroll around the gorgeous old station which has the state border running right through the middle.  Be sure to notice that one side of the station has the old Qld railway platform design while the other side has the NSW design.  There is also a small museum here as well.

Before you leave be sure to get a photo with one foot in NSW and one in Qld as well as a photo with the awesome Queenslander sign.

Location : Rockwell Street, Wallangarra

Opening Hours : The cafe is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm while the Museum is open daily from 9 am to 3 pm.

Price : Meals start from around $14 for adults and $7 for kids – the museum is free as is all the photo opportunities.

Girraween National Park

After indulging in the amazing local produce and wine, you’ll no doubt welcome a walk in one of the National Parks near Stanthorpe . Girraween National Park is a great place for families and has a range of walking trails through picturesque landscapes of massive granite outcrops that protrude from the ground, flowing streams, deep plunge pools, gorgeous waterfalls, wildlife and fauna.

Some of the more popular family walks include:

Wyberba : This is a short 580m, return walk where you’ll stroll along the creek and get a view of The Pyramid.

Granite Arch :  This is a popular family walk which is just 1.6km return, taking around 30 minutes to complete.  Along the walk, you’ll see some cool rock formations (including the Granite Arch) and secret caves, as well as the lovely Bald Rock Creek.

Bald Rock Creek Circuit :  The Bald Rock Creek which takes about 1 hour to complete or combine it with the Granite Arch Walk which is 1.5 hours to complete.

The Pyramid : If your family is up for a longer walk, combine the Granite Arch walk with the walk to the Pyramid, which includes the area’s most famous attraction – Balancing Rock.  This walk is 3.6km return and you’ll need to allow around 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. Make sure you have joggers with good grip for this walk, and do expect to be on all fours for parts of the climb to the top –  but the views are well worth the effort.

The start of the above walks is about 30 minutes drive from Stanthorpe.

Click here for more information

Location : Walks start from the car park at Bald Rock Creek Camping Area, Pyramids Road Ballandeen

The Best Family Accommodation – Stanthorpe

When it comes to the best family accommodation, Stanthorpe offers, think cozy little cabins or charming little cottages.  You won’t find big fancy hotels and resorts here, rather small country style accommodation, run by friendly locals.

In fact in many ways, the accommodation offered in Stanthorpe is part of the attraction.  Most accommodation is on properties with stunning views, gorgeous walking tracks, or perhaps even a few farm animals for the kids to pet and feed.  Armed with some local wine and produce – you could easily spend your family getaway relaxing the days away in your accommodation.

Over the years we’ve stayed in various places in and around Stanthorpe – including the Granite Belt Brewery Retreat, Girraween Environmental Lodge and more recently Accommodation Creek Cottages, all excellent properties for families.  We have written full reviews on each of these properties you can read our review on the Granite Belt Brewery here , our review on the Girraween Environmental Lodge here or Accommodation Creek Cottages here. 

Another place that I’ve visited, but not actually stayed is Strawhouse B&B (see pictures below).  For something a bit different, this 22 acre property offers two gorgeous little cottages made from straw bales.  Each cottage has a queen size bed and a fold down sofa so perfect for a family.  The best part though is all the animals that live on the property.  There are two gorgeous highland cattle, loads of chickens, alpacas, miniature goats, Scottish belter galloways and dogs.  Guests are welcome to interact with the animals as much as they like – this is one place I’m super keen on staying.  Oh and it’s pet friendly too – so you can bring your dog.

Alternatively, read our full guide on where to stay in Stanthorpe with kids here .

Stanthorpe – Where to Eat

Now I haven’t had the privilege of eating at too many places within Stanthorpe and the wider Granite Belt Region – but here are a few places I have eaten and highly recommend for families.  Also some of the above attractions which I’ve already mentioned offer some great food – I won’t repeat them again below but that doesn’t mean they are not fantastic places to eat because they are – so also consider eating at places like Balancing Heart, Stanthorpe Cheese, Wallangarra Railway Cafe and the Granite Belt Christmas Farm.

The Little Larder

Although the Little Larder only opened in November 2020, it is already one of the most popular dining spots in town.  This modern industrial themed restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner most days plus a funky place to come for drinks on Friday and Saturday nights.  I came for breakfast on a Sunday morning and the place was vibing with the huge outdoor undercover deck absolutely packed with diners and then a few people up at the bar looking out across the centre of town.

Not only is the Little Larder a great place to eat – it has a great story behind it too.  When Qantas flight attendant and Stanthorpe local Cam Giddings found himself out of work during covid he decided to try something new and started this new venture with his mum.  The cafe started with just 4 staff and just 4 months later was running with a staff of 24.  It is a true family affair with Cam’s mum making all the jams and relishes using recipes she found in Cam’s grandma’s old recipe book and also using all local produce.

The menu is full of all your favs, and there is a simple kids menu including all the kid’s favourites like nuggets and chips, fish and chips or bolognese pasta.  Little Larder is not only entirely family friendly – it is also dog friendly too, with dog treats soon to feature on the menu.  

Location : 19 Railway St, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : Daily (except closed Wednesday) 7am to 2pm, Sunday 7am to 12pm and then open for dinner until 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

Prices : Breakfast starts at $14, Lunch starts at $16 and dinner mains are around $30.  Most of the kids meals are $9.

Zest Pastries

Stephen Lambert is not only one funny, entertaining guy he can bloody make good pastries too!  He opened Zest Pastries in 2013 and is proud to say that he has made every single pastry since day one.  His days are filled with making bread, pies, sourdough, tarts, croissants and danishes.  As well as delicious pastries, Stephen’s bakery serves up breakfast and lunch most days.

If you not only want to eat these delicious pastries but want to have a go at making them yourselves, Stephen also offers workshops for pretty much anything you want to make.  I had the privilege of attending a mini workshop with Steve and let me tell you he is one entertaining guy.  So I can guarantee you his workshops would be a lot of laughs.  He also encourages you to bring some local wine with you and he serves up some delicious Turkish bread so you can eat and sip as you learn.  Workshops are 100% family friendly – he reckons in most cases the kids do way better in his workshops than the parents.

If you’re interested in booking a workshop – contact Steve via his FaceBook page  or on (07) 4681 4320.  Workshops are $500 for 4 people and go for 6 hours.

Location : 54 Maryland St, Stanthorpe

Opening Hours : Tuesday to Friday 7 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 7 am to 2 pm.

Prices : Most meals start at around $9 including gourmet rolls, frittatas, salads and more.

Stanthorpe – Our Verdict

I’ve visited Stanthorpe quite a few times now, but this recent trip showed me how diverse this region really is.  No matter what your families interests, there are so many wonderful things to do in Stanthorpe, QLD which will appeal to both the kids and adults.  There is a range of fabulous attractions for kids, some excellent locally made produce and of course some fantastic wines.

So for those parents that thought Stanthorpe was just a romantic destination for wine lovers – think again!  Stanthorpe makes for a great family destination year round.

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Hopefully you found our guide to visiting Stanthorpe with kids helpful, another great idea for a weekend away is the Bunya Mountains .  You can find more great ideas for weekends away from Brisbane here or click here for all our tips on things to do in Queensland.

2 thoughts on “25 of the Very Best Things to do in Stanthorpe with Kids”

Just an observation, Fromes Lane is nowhere near the Civic Centre it is in the middle of the main street between the Chemist and Choice Variety Store also rumour has it Mt Sterling Olives are closing down Cheers

I live in Stanthorpe. Well done on portraying our little town so well. Thankyou

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Top Things to Do in Stanthorpe, Australia

Things to do in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

What travellers are saying

• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum

Top Things to Do in Stanthorpe

Things to do in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

What travellers are saying

• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum

14 Most Beautiful Towns In Queensland, Australia

• In Queensland, Australia, you'll find beautiful towns like Stanthorpe with stunning farms, regional cuisine, and historical structures.
• Mount Alford offers breathtaking countryside scenery, bush walks, and local markets in southern Queensland's "Scenic Rim."
• Montville is a charming town with coffee shops, art galleries, and access to Kondalilla National Park and the Blackall Range's forests.

Sprawling in the northeastern region of Australia, Queensland is a beautiful state and a popular destination for those looking for fun and adventure. In addition to being the second-largest state in the country, Queensland serves as a melting pot for amazing cultures, delectable cuisines, and fascinating museums. Tourists fly down here each year for vacation, thanks to the lovely beaches and stunning parks worth exploring .

The state is also home to many towns that are fit for royalty. From Brisbane to Sunshine Coast, there are countless intriguing places to visit. Here are some of the most beautiful towns in Queensland, Australia, worth visiting.

UPDATE: 2023/11/20 13:10 EST BY REENA JAIN

Two More Of The Most Beautiful Towns In Queensland, Australia

Queensland, Australia, attracts visitors with year-round beautiful weather and unrivaled natural splendor. And for those looking for fun and excitement outside of the city's hectic pace, many lovely towns in Queensland are a must-see for all. This list has been updated to include even more of the best towns in Queensland, Australia. Pick one, and have a wonderful vacation!

Stanthorpe is among the best places to visit in Queensland, dotted with stunning farms, cattle ranches, and public artworks. Just 2.5 hours from Brisbane, the town is great for foodies interested in farm-to-table meals. Renowned for its abundant food selection, which includes regional cheese and wines, guests will depart with an assortment of food and wine souvenirs. The town also has lovely historical structures and a museum with a lovely collection providing good insight into the region's history.

• Popular Attractions: Girraween National Park, Stanthorpe Wine Region, Granite Belt Maze, Bald Rock National Park, Stanthorpe Art Gallery
• Best time to visit: March to May

Mount Alford

Interested in Queensland's picturesque countryside? Without a doubt, one of the best tourist places in Queensland is Mount Alford, which boasts a true small-town feel and breathtaking scenery. As part of southern Queensland's "Scenic Rim," Mount Alford is surrounded by lush mountain landscapes and rainforests. Visitors will have a great time here with bush walks and delightful fresh food. Other than scenic splendor, visitors will find a lot at the Artisan Market, wineries, farms, and the nearby Moogerah Peaks National Park.

• Popular Attractions: Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, Mount Alford Artisan Market, Moogerah Peaks National Park, The Overflow Estate 1895, Lake Moogerah
• Best time to visit: May to September

Montville, with its charming coffee shops, art galleries, and scenic trails, is a lovely town in Queensland to spend quality time in. The most popular tourist destination in Montville is Kondalilla National Park, which has walking trails, wildlife, and cascading waterfalls. Additionally, the town is conveniently close to the coast, Lake Baroon, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, and the Blackall Range's forests, allowing visitors to have abundant, lovely experiences during their trip.

• Popular Attractions: Montville Village, Kondalilla National Park, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, The Montville Art Gallery, Flame Hill Vineyard

Canungra awes with its scenic rolling hills, and the fresh air calms both mind and soul. Visitors will find plenty to do here, from visiting vineyards to sampling local cuisine to simply taking in the scenery. Another attraction with views and wildlife is Lamington National Park. Not to be missed is the Mountview Alpaca Farm, which is home to over 70 alpacas, each with their own personality and name. Visitors will enjoy petting, walking, and even posing with them for a memorable photo of their visit to this beautiful country town in Queensland.

• Popular Attractions: Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Canungra Valley Vineyards, Sarabah Estate Vineyard, Mountview Alpaca Farm
• Best time to visit: November to March

Emerald Town

Emerald is certainly the best town in Queensland where traveling families can have a memorable adventure. There are plenty of spots in town where visitors can have fun, such as Emerald Botanic Gardens, where they can picnic and hike. The garden also has dedicated areas where kids can play.

Another top sight in town is Morton Park, which houses the world's largest Vincent van Gogh Sunflower painting. Other places where tourists can enjoy themselves include Camp Fairbairn and Emerald Art Gallery.

• Popular Attractions: Fairbairn Dam, Emerald Botanic Gardens, The Gemfields, Emerald Golf Club, Nogoa River
• Best time to visit: April to September

For those who wish to go for a beachside retreat in a place where they can experience a small-town vibe, Yeppoon is the perfect destination. It is a lovely coastal enclave known for its gorgeous beaches and balmy tropical climate. Tourists can have fun at Yeppoon Lagoon as they splash water in the large public pool. Beach aficionados can have the fun of their lives at Yeppoon Main Beach. Visitors can take their kids to Appleton Park to play and skate.

• Popular Attractions: Great Keppel Island, Yeppoon Main Beach, Capricorn Coast National Park, Singing Ship Monument, Keppel Kraken Water Play Area
• Best time to visit: December to March

Tucked away in the Cassowary Coast Region, Innisfail is an incredible destination in Australia that every globetrotter should visit at least once in their lifetime. Apart from being one of the wettest places in the country, the town is also a major hub for the sugar and banana industries. While in town, adventurers should join one of the Snapping Tours to view crocodiles. Regarding accommodation, the town is home to trendy hotels such as Black Marlin Motel Innisfail , located along Gladys Street.

• Popular Attractions: Johnstone River Crocodile Park, Paronella Park, Innisfail Art Deco Tours, Warrina Lakes Botanic Gardens, Etty Bay
• Best time to visit: May to August

RELATED: 10 Amazing Things To Do Around Byron Bay, Australia

Those who wish to spend their upcoming vacation interacting with nature should book a ticket to Mareeba. Boasting a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, the town offers respite for those looking to escape the chaos of big cities. Tourists can learn about Aboriginal culture and history at Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre. Outdoor enthusiasts can go camping at Davies Creek, Dinden National Park. Honeymooners and lovebirds can sip locally-made wine at De Brueys Boutique Wines .

• Popular Attractions: Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre, Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, Granite Gorge Nature Park, Mareeba Gliding Club
• Best time to visit: June to August

Adventure lovers can spend their holidays in the charming town of Karumba, soaking up the golden sunsets. The town is strategically perched at the mouth of the Norman River, making it an ideal spot for adventures such as fishing. It is also home to many different species of birds that attract animals as well as nature lovers from near and far. Tourists can take advantage of Croc and Crab Tours Karumba to explore aquatic animals such as crabs and crocodiles.

• Popular Attractions: Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park, Karumba Beach, Karumba Wetlands, Barramundi Discovery Centre, Karumba Airport Park

Nestled in the Shire of Paroo in Queensland, Cunnamulla is a marvelous destination for couples looking to enjoy an off-the-grid romantic getaway . It’s a quaint rural town home to over 165 species of native birds. Visitors who wish to indulge in a thrilling outdoor adventure should head to Charlotte Plains Road and enjoy camping. For those visiting the town for the first time, it would be great to stop by the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre for some tips and to buy souvenirs.

• Popular Attractions: Cunnamulla Fella Statue, Warrego River, Cunnamulla Opal Fields Golf Club, Paroo-Darling National Park, Historic Cunnamulla Railway Station
• Best time to visit: April to October

RELATED: Kakadu National Park Is One Of Australia's Prehistoric Landscapes

Australia is home to a myriad of beautiful small towns that every vagabond should tour at least once in their lifetime, such as Weipa Town. It is a vibrant community set on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. The town takes pride as one of the best fishing grounds in Queensland. For an elaborate town exploration, visitors can sign up for the Weipa Mine and Town Tours or Western Cape Eco Tours.

• Popular Attractions: Gonbung Point, Lake Patricia, Pennefather River Mouth, Weipa Fishing Classic, Batavia Downs
• Best time to visit: May to October

Blackall Town

Art enthusiasts would have a fabulous time if they vacationed in Blackall. This is an attractive rural town in Queensland that has earned the moniker “the Arts Capital of the West,” thanks to the availability of an outdoor public gallery where both local and international artists come to showcase their works. Those interested in digging deep into the local history should not hesitate to visit Blackall Woolscour. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking and camping at Idalia National Park .

• Popular Attractions: Blackall Woolscour, Blackall Aquatic Centre, Barcoo River, Blackall Cemetery, Rambler Park
• Best time to visit: March to September

Found in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, Gympie is an intriguing destination in Australia with plenty of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Sitting on the banks of the Mary River, the town is a busy market for fruits and vegetables and dairy products produced within that locality. Tourists can learn about the mining history of the town at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum . Traveling families can enjoy themselves at River to Rail Trail - Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre .

• Popular Attractions: Lake Alford Park, Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, Gympie Bone Museum, Woodworks Museum
• Best time to visit: December to February

Atherton may not be prominent amongst many tourists like its neighboring towns, but it’s an enthralling place worth exploring. The town is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in Australia that each adventure-seeker should experience . Nature lovers vacationing in town always find their way to Curtain Fig National Park or Peterson Creek - Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track to admire different indigenous species of flora and fauna. Before completing their adventure in Atherton, thrill-seekers can tour the five stunning manmade caves at The Crystal Caves.

• Popular Attractions: Hallorans Hill Conservation Park, Crystal Caves, Hasties Swamp National Park, Tinaroo Dam, Atherton Tablelands

Top Things to Do in Stanthorpe, Australia - Stanthorpe Must-See Attractions

Things to do in stanthorpe, explore popular experiences, top attractions in stanthorpe.

Other Top Attractions around Stanthorpe

What travellers are saying

• The Granite Belt
• Donnelly's Castle
• Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre
• Pyramids Road Wines
• Granite Belt Christmas Farm
• Storm King Dam
• Stanthorpe Museum