We recently visited Stanthorpe and stayed in a Glamping Tent on a property in Severnlea, just 7 minutes south of Stanthorpe. A bit fancy for us campers but a big anniversary called for something spesh! However, next time we will be camping in the Girraween National Park, a further 30mins south. We visited at the beginning of September, and being the coldest town in Queensland, it was still very cold (4 degrees at Sunrise). Keep in mind the days get very hot here in the Summer months and remember this is a small country town; not everywhere is open every day of the week. Weekends are obviously the peak time for visitors.
Day 1
Brisbane to Stanthorpe (3.5hrs)
Once you spot the Big Apple you have arrived!
We drove into town and had lunch at The Little Larder - the best burgers! This place looks like it would have good weekend bar vibes.
Stopped in at Foxy's Bakery to grab a couple of afternoon treats.
2pm check in at Serenita Glamping Tent which is on a 40 acre property and overlooks the Severn River.
The fridge was full of lots of goodies, there was no need to take any food! Quiche, sourdough, bakery treats, wine, juice, honey, chocolate...spoilt!
Day 2 (spent north of Stanthorpe town centre)
Visit the Christmas Farm. A farm where you can buy a live Christmas Tree, choose from thousands of decorations, visit the farm animals, treat yourself to a hot chocolate & delicious fudge - I recommend the honeycomb!
Pop into Sutton's Juice Factory if you're into Apple Pie with Apple Cider Ice-cream or simply some of their famous juice made from Apple's straight from the orchard.
For lunch, head to Jersey Girls Cafe/Cheeserie for cheese tasting & lunch. You can purchase all sorts of goodies here!
Drop into Castle Glen if you like Liqueurs or just to walk inside a castle!
Ashburn Berry Farm (Open Oct-May)
Stop in at Stanthorpe Quality Meats and grab dinner. Keep in mind you are in a small country town and some shops close around lunchtime on Saturday and not open Sunday.
Check out Quart Pot Creek that runs through Stanthorpe and the giant Thermometer. A nice place for a walk and picnic.
Enjoy some wine and dinner infront of the fire.
Day 3 (spent south of town centre)
Girraween National Park - time to walk off some of those calories consumed yesterday!
It took us 1.25hrs to do the Granite Arch & Pyramid walks. Approx 4kms.
The top of 'The Pyramid' is 1112m above sea level. It was very windy up there.
At the beginning of the track you cross over Bald Rock Creek which is currently fast flowing. There are bridges in place so you don't have to get your feet wet, unless recent rains create puddles on the track.
Afterwards drop into the Wisteria Cottage Chocolate Shop and stock up on some locally made goodies.
Then make your way to Ballandean’s Wine Estate - Wine Tasting & Purchasing. This is the oldest family owned & operated winery in Qld and here I found the first Wine I've ever liked - aptly named 'Summertime'. You can also purchase these wines online if you find a favourite.
For lunch, head to Jamworks - Jam & Relish Tasting/Purchasing & Lunch.
For dinner, Granite Belt Brewery is an absolute must! Choose from a 2 or 3 course menu and enjoy Beer/Cider tasting + regional gin bar on weekends. The restaurant is currently open for Lunch & Dinner Fri-Mon.
Day 4
Stanthorpe to Brisbane
Drove home and detoured over to Queen Mary Falls seeing as we've had lots of rain this year and walked the short 570m Cliff Circuit to the top of the falls. There is also a longer 2km circuit for those that have more time.
Three or four full days around Stanthorpe is perfect, of course you can day trip from Brisbane, but you would miss out on so much. We were a bit early to see all the wildflowers on display so we would probably aim for around October next visit. A great getaway for food, wine and outdoor lovers. Have you ever been to Stanthorpe?
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