Stanthorpe is a small town in the heart of the Granite Belt, Queensland.
What is Stanthorpe known for?
Thanks to the high elevation of the area, Stanthorpe is known as the coldest town in Queensland. It’s a popular tourist destination in winter as people long for the cooler weather and the hope to see snow! Although whatever the season, there’s an abundance of activities celebrating local produce and championing businesses.
Here’s our recommendations for activities in Stanthorpe and the surrounding area.
Food and drink in Stanthorpe
The high elevation of the Granite Belt allows for cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay and Shiraz to thrive. However, the Granite Belt wine is also known for its “Strange Bird” wine trail which are rare, alternative, and experimental wines.
Wineries and vineyards
Severn River Cottages is located close to dozens of top-quality wineries and cellar doors vineyards. We’ve had a fair go at sampling the local wines with cellar door wine tastings (it’s a tough job, but someone must do it!), and our favourite wineries are:
- Granite Ridge Wines. We often use their wines for our complimentary bottle when you stay at Severn River Cottages.
- Pyramids Road Wines have a wonderful foot-stomped rosé available in limited quantities.
- Robert Channon Wines – we’re big fans of their sparkling Verdelho!
Check out more in our recommendations of Stanthorpe wineries blog.
Pubs, hotels, and breweries
Wine not your thing? Don’t worry, as there are other alternatives available.
Stanthorpe has a handful of pubs and hotels – we’re a fan of O’Mara’s Hotel and the RSL Services Club. But if you’re looking for handcrafted boutique beers, then Brass Monkey Brew House is our recommendation. Less than ten minutes’ drive from Severn River Cottages, it’s a great place to try award-winning beer. The view from the beer garden isn’t too shabby either!
For more information on our local watering holes, check out our “drink” blogs.
Local produce
The Granite Belt is also famed for its local produce, particularly apples and stone fruit. So if you’re not much of a drinker, there’s plenty of food to enjoy.
Listing all the local producers in the area would take a long time, so here are our recommendations:
- Sutton’s Farm and Juice Factory in Thulimbah has a huge range of apple products available from their shop or on-site café. All guests staying at Severn River Cottages receive a bottle of Sutton’s juice on arrival.
- Heavenly Chocolate near Girraween is a wonderful chocolate shop full of handmade delights.
- Award-winning Stanthorpe Cheese and Jersey Girls Café host cheese tasting if you fancy something savoury. Our personal favourites are the Granite Gold and The Outlaw cheeses.
- Or maybe you’re looking for an activity to do with the family? Take the kids strawberry picking at Ashbern Farms or Eastern Colour! We love the strawberry ice cream at Ashbern’s. The town is also home to the Berry Festival and the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival.
Restaurants and other eateries
There are many other places to eat when you visit the town.
Varias Restaurant (part of the Queensland College of Wine and Tourism) serves local Granite Belt produce in their dishes. The menu changes regularly to take advantage of seasonal crops. One highlight of ours is the “Medley of Mains” lunch dish which has a selection of the food menu, paired with their own wines. It’s a great restaurant to visit for a celebration meal or special occasion.
Although if you’re looking for something comforting, Groove ‘n’ Grill diner offers a classic burger, fries, and milkshake menu. A huge range of burger toppings and fillings are available, stuffing the burger full to the brim. Don’t worry about making a mess – it’s all part of the visit!
You can read more about our recommendations for places to eat with our “food” blogs.
Exploring nature
The Granite Belt is (unsurprisingly) named after its granite rock geology, and is a beautiful area of Southern Queensland.
As part of the Great Dividing Range, the area is surrounded by national parks and nature reserves. Girraween National Park, Bald Rock, Sundown, and Boonoo Boonoo are all between 20 minutes and an hour’s drive away from Severn River Cottages. The national parks are great for bushwalking, wildflower walking, and birdwatching. And for swimmers, we recommend Boonoo Boonoo National Park for a dip in secluded rock pools and waterfalls.
Luckily for us, the languid Severn River passes the bottom of our accommodation. It’s perfect for fishing or a relaxing float down the river in your kayak.
Look up at the night skies above you during your visit for a clear view of the Milky Way. Warm yourself around an outdoor firepit as you stargaze on those crisp nights!
Unique and unusual things to do
It’d be hard to miss the street art that adorns Stanthorpe! Murals and sculptures highlighting the rich history of the town can be seen with short stroll around the streets. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery has a fantastic map of all the murals you can spot in the area.
You may also spot the train line running along the eastern side of the town. Although commuters can no longer catch a train to Stanthorpe, it is still possible to hop on a heritage steam train at the Stanthorpe railway station. Downs Explorer host trips between Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Ballandean throughout the year.
To commemorate Stanthorpe’s title of coldest town in Queensland, the Big Thermometer was erected in 2019. Situated near the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and overlooking Rotary Park, it’s a wonderful landmark for the town.
Christmas doesn’t only come once a year for the Granite Belt Christmas Farm! Open all year round, you can grab some decorations and visit Mrs Claus’ kitchen. During Harvest season (December), you can pick your own Christmas tree to take home.
Finally, just a short drive south of the town is the village of Ballandean, home to the Ballandean Pyramid. Built using surplus granite rocks, the towering structure stands over 17 metres tall.
Where should I stay in Stanthorpe?
Now you know what to do in the area, but what about where to stay? Well, look no further for your Stanthorpe accommodation! Severn River Cottages is situated just 15 minutes’ drive south of Stanthorpe and is surrounded by pristine Australian bush and the Severn River. We’re close to dozens of wineries, restaurants, and multiple national parks.
We have three private cottages available. Orchard cottage is fronted with a diverse range of plants and is perfect for couples. Sit on the outdoor patio and our local birds may join you as they visit the bird bath!
Catbird Cottage and Frog Hollow Cottage are both closer to the bush and the Severn River, offering peace and a place to relax. Catbird is great for two people, whilst up to five people can stay at Frog Hollow.
Each accommodation has an indoor fireplace, veranda with outside furniture, and kitchen appliances. You’ll be welcomed with a local bottle of wine, local apple juice, and a breakfast snack basket.
Book your stay with Severn River Cottages!
