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.

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
• Hours of Operation: Friday to Monday with two sittings each day/night (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL)
  • Lunch: 11:45 am and 1:15 pm
  • Dinner: 5:30 pm and 7:15 pm
• Website: https://granitebeltretreat.com.au/
• Cost: $$

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.

Useful Information

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

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.

Useful Information

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

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!

Useful Information

• Address: 2 McGregor Terrace, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
• Hours of Operation:
  • 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.

Useful Information

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

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.

Useful Information

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

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.

Useful Information

• 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.

Useful Information

• 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 & Cafe

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.

Useful Information

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

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!

Useful Information

• 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!

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!

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