Stanthorpe, QLD
Stanthorpe is located south west of Brisbane and is nestled in the heart of The Granite Belt. Known as Queensland’s Wine Capital, it boasts more than 45 wineries.
Stanthorpe has the reputation as being Queensland’s coolest town, with some altitudes around the shire reaching 1000 metres above sea level. Frosty mornings and the odd snowfall during winter are not uncommon.
The high altitude and unique soil provide excellent growing conditions for not only grapes, but for stonefruit such as peaches, apricots and nectarines along with a variety of apples and berries. The Biennial Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, held each even numbered year in February/March, celebrates the harvest of the district. In February every other year, the Wine and Food Affair celebrates the wines and regional produce of the area with many of the menus influenced by the strong mediterranean culture that is present.
Stanthorpe is surrounded by unspoilt National Parks. Just south of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is quite popular. With its spectacular granite rock formations, and wildflower displays during Spring, it is a favourite park for bushwalkers. Adjacent to Girraween, is Bald Rock National Park and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks. Bald Rock National Park has the largest granite rock formation in the southern hemisphere, providing excellent views over the surrounding terrain. At Boonoo Boonoo National park you can view the river as it cascades down a sheer rock face to the gorge below.
The attractions of Stanthorpe and district have led to a growing accommodation industry. Stanthorpe district now has the highest concentration of self contained cottages and bed and breakfasts in Queensland.
Stanthorpe district celebrates four seasons, the most popular being Brass Monkey Season(tm) during the winter months. This is when the temperatures drop and the fireplaces warm the body and the local wine warms the soul.
Explore the national parks
The national parks within Queensland’s Southern Downs are a favourite escape for nature lovers. Each has something different to offer, from the spectacular granite formations of Girraween, to the 40-metre-high Queen Mary Falls.
Bushwalking tracks will take you on a journey of discovery through rugged gorges, beneath lush rainforest canopies and around dramatic waterfalls.
Girraween – an Aboriginal word meaning place of flowers – is a mecca for bushwalkers. You’ll discover striking granite outcrops, precariously balanced boulders and the brilliant wildflowers that bloom in spring. With scenic creeks, open eucalypt forests and heath that turns golden in the spring, from September to December, this park has plenty of appeal.
Bald Rock is Australia’s largest exposed granite rock and second-largest rock in Australia. Two walks lead to the summit, one more gradual through the scrub, the other straight up the steep face of the rock. Expansive views across a beautiful granite outcrop-dotted landscape can be seen from the top.
Sundown National Park, with its defined ridges and peaks rising to more than 1,000 metres, offers dramatic panoramic views. More than 130 species of bird along with grey kangaroos, wallaroos, possums and gliders thrive in this rocky country.
Impressive peaks, escarpments and ridges promise excellent bushwalking and breathtaking views at Main Range National Park. The World Heritage-listed park protects a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife.
Nearest Airport: Stanthorpe
Where to stay?
Experiences
- Active
- Caravan and Camping
- Farm/Station
- Romance
- Rural/Country
- Cultural
- Environmental
- Food and Wine
- Historic/Heritage
- Relaxation
- Remote
Popular Activities
- Off Road Driving
- Mountain Biking
- Bird Watching
- Bush Walking
- Canoeing
- Rock Climbing
- Cycling
- Driving
- Golfing
- Kayaking
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Swimming
- Wine Tasting
- National Park
- Winery
- Fishing
- Wilderness
- Fruit Picking
- Fishing - Estuary
- Fossicking
About Stanthorpe
- Locality: Urban locality
- Stanthorpe Postcode: 4380
- State: Queensland
- Region: Southern Queensland Country
- Latitude: -28.65578
- Longitude: 151.93388
- Elevation: 796m
- Population: 5406
- Median Income: $25636
- Area (Sq/km): 33.65
- Timezone: Australia/Brisbane
Accommodation In Stanthorpe
Discover some of the accommodation in and around Stanthorpe
- Abivilla
- Acacia Cottages
- Al’s Mayne Hall
- Aloomba Lavender B and B
- Amberley Edge Vineyard Bed and Breakfast
- Apple Blossom Cottage
- Barrington House
- Beverley Vineyard Restaurant and Cottages
- Bonaways Homestead
- Boulevard Motel
- Briar Rose Cottages
- Catspaw Farm Winery
- Cedar Lodge
- Colonial Radford Cottages
- Connor House
- Country Bliss Cottage
- Country Club Hotel Motel
- Diamondvale B&B Cottages
- Escape on Tully
- Granite Court Motel
- Granite Gardens Luxury Cottages
- Grovely House
- Happy Valley Restaurant and Cottages
- Highland Croft Cottage Accommodation
- Honeysuckle Cottages
- Lavender Lane – The Cottage
- Mount Tully Cottage and Nature Refuge
- Murray Gardens Country Cottages and Motel
- Oma’s B&B
- Reilly Road Retreat
- Rovers Rest Guesthouse and Studio Units
- Rubie Cottage
- Stannum Lodge Motor Inn
- Storm King Cottage
- Sugarlea Cottage
- Tin Miners Cottage
- Top of the Town Caravan and Accommodation Village
- Vines Motel and Cottages, The
- Wagtail Cottage