The Best of Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt
Local Attractions
Discover the highlights of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt with this curated list. Featuring everything from popular and acclaimed attractions to unique cafes, wineries and national parks
Wineries
Ballandean Estate
As Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery, this is a true regional icon. It was recently named Winery of the Year at the 40th Annual Queensland Wine Awards.
Ravenscroft Vineyard
A high-altitude, family-owned vineyard specializing in high-quality, small-batch wines like Pinotage and Sagrantino.
Ridgemill Estate
Offers stylish on-site accommodation amongst the vines and is home to Queensland’s oldest Tempranillo and Saperavi vines.
Boireann Winery
A red wine specialist with a consistent 5-star Halliday rating, focusing exclusively on French and Italian red grape varieties.
Summit Estate
A winery known for its popular “Sunset Sessions” featuring live music and food trucks. Their red wines are basket-pressed.
Heritage Estate
Offers a “Vine+Dine Journey,” a 1.5-hour experience including a vineyard walk, winemaking talk, and a five-course meal with wine pairings.
Robert Channon Wines
Renowned for its award-winning Verdelho and Chardonnay, with a picturesque cellar door overlooking a serene lake.
Granite Belt’s
Alternative
Wine Trail Map
Discover a different side of the Granite Belt with the Strange Bird Wine Trail, a self-guided journey through cellar doors offering rare and alternative wine varieties you won’t find in typical bottle shops. These small-batch, cool-climate wines are crafted by passionate local winemakers and are perfect for curious wine lovers and weekend travellers.
Preview the Strange Bird Wine Trail Map
Breweries & Distilleries
Mount Stirling Meadery
For a truly different palate adventure, this meadery is recognized as an innovator of modern mead, crafting a range of honey wines.
Granite Belt Brewery
The premier brewery in Stanthorpe, offering a core range of craft beers and ciders since 2012. Enjoy tasting paddles with a view into the brewing operations.
Brass Monkey Brew House
Located in Severnlea, this is another key destination for craft beer enthusiasts exploring the region.
The Ginyard
Located in Ballandean, The Ginyard offers a boutique gin tasting experience featuring locally distilled botanicals and a relaxed, modern cellar door atmosphere.
Conrad Distillery
Conrad Distillery crafts small-batch spirits with passion and precision, perfect for those who appreciate a smooth finish and local flavour.
Image: Granite Belt Wine Country, Re: Granite Belt Brewery
Image: Granite Belt Wine Country, Re: Granite Belt Brewery
Image: Granite Belt Wine Country, Re: Granite Belt Brewery
Image: The Ginyard
Restaurants, Bars & Pubs
Essen Restaurant
Widely regarded as a cornerstone of Granite Belt dining. Run from a quaint cottage, it offers an intimate, seasonal showcasing the region’s best growers. Note: BYO only, and the set menu cannot cater to personal dietary preferences.
Varias Restaurant
Located within the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, Varias is a high-standard training ground for hospitality professionals. It offers a sophisticated dining experience with a beautiful central fireplace and an extensive list of local wines.
Giardinos
A local favourite in Stanthorpe, Giardino’s blends rustic Italian charm with hearty pub classics, making it a cosy spot for dinner, drinks and wood-fired pizza.
The Ballandean Pub
A lovingly restored iconic pub featuring a large beer garden, kids’ playground, and live music. The menu proudly showcases local producers and is known for its excellent steaks.
Aussie Beef Steakhouse
A classic steakhouse experience taking pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and premium quality beef. The venue has an extensive local wine list and a roaring open fireplace in winter.
Anna's Restaurant
Serving traditional Italian cuisine since 1981, Anna’s is a Stanthorpe institution offering both à la carte and smorgasbord options in a romantic setting.
Groove 'n' Grill Diner
Step back in time at this retro diner, named one of Queensland’s top burger restaurants. Enjoy American-style burgers, hotdogs, and shakes surrounded by music memorabilia and a jukebox.
Hanasaku Japanese Restaurant
Offering traditional Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner in Stanthorpe.
Central Hotel & Bistro
A true Stanthorpe institution, the Central has been a favourite watering hole for locals for over a century, offering a classic pub bistro experience in the heart of town.
Image: Varias Restaurant
Image: Groove ‘n’ Grill Diner
Image: The Ballandean Pub
Cafes
The Little Larder
A vibrant cafe bringing a touch of “New York City” flavour to its modern Australian brunch and lunch menu, with pet-friendly alfresco dining.
ZEST Pastries
A well-known stop in the Stanthorpe food scene, this Swiss-inspired bakery offers handmade-from-scratch pastries, breads, pies, and excellent coffee.
Little Pomme
A lifestyle store and cafe with a “conscious soul,” renowned for its decadent, freshly baked brownies and excellent coffee.
Brinx Deli & Cafe
This delightful mother-daughter run cafe offers breakfast with an Italian flair, great coffee, and a deli selection of preserves, jams, and grazing platters.
Jersey Girls Cafe
Located at Stanthorpe Cheese, Australia’s “highest and coldest” cheese shop, this relaxed cafe offers cheese tastings, a famous Ploughman’s lunch, homemade cheesecakes, and local wines.
Jamworks Gourmet Foods
A fully licensed café and larder in Glen Aplin. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or their trademark scones while browsing over 70 artisan jams, relishes, and sauces made on-site.
Hidden Creek Winery Cafe Vineyard
A picturesque spot in Ballandean for a relaxed meal combined with wine tasting in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Vincenzo's Cafe, Deli and Wine Bar
Located at the iconic Big Apple, this is the ultimate all-in-one stop. Perfect for a coffee, a casual meal, or assembling a picnic from the deli.
Sutton’s Juice Factory & Cidery
An iconic Granite Belt shop, famous for its crisp apple ciders, single-varietal apple juices and a cafe renowned for its legendary house-made apple pies.
Image: Granite Belt Wine Country, Re: Granite Belt Brewery
Image: Jamworks Gourmet Foods
Pick-Your-Own Farms
Market in the Mountains
The premier destination for strawberry picking, with the season running from October to May. Entry is free; simply pay by weight for what you pick and enjoy a fresh strawberry ice cream from the farm shop.
Eastern Colour
This family farm opens its gates on select weekends for pick-your-own strawberries and apples. These events are very popular, and bookings are essential.
Local Markets
Market in the Mountains
Held on the second Sunday of each month, this all-weather indoor market showcases 100% local handmade goods from artisans, crafters, farmers, and winemakers. Don’t miss the Cafe de Market for a relaxing bite while you browse.
When: 8AM – 12PM, 2nd Sunday monthly (plus QLD long weekends)
Where: Stanthorpe Showgrounds, Exhibition Pavilion, High Street
Granite Belt Farmers Market
This weekly Saturday market brings together local growers and producers selling seasonal fruit, veg, and gourmet goods. Explore the surrounding community gardens and stop by the ArtWorks Cafe in the old train station.
When: 7:30AM – 12PM, every Saturday
Where: Railway Precinct, Davadi Street, Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe Showgrounds Markets
Browse car boot bargains, local produce and more at this laid-back monthly market.
When: 8AM – 12PM, 4th Sunday of the month (except January)
Where: Stanthorpe Showgrounds, Exhibition Pavilion, High Street
Stanthorpe Fruit & Vege Markets
A fresh produce market held every Saturday morning — perfect for picking up your weekly fruit and veg.
When: 6AM – 12PM, every Saturday
Where: Entry via Folkestone Street, Stanthorpe
Your Private Stanthorpe Retreat Awaits
Discover Country Homestead Retreats, your private accommodation and the perfect setting for your next group getaway or family holiday. It's a place where you can make lasting memories, from gathering around the iconic fire pit to relaxing on the expansive verandah.
- 4-bedroom Homestead on 90 private acres
- Just 10 minutes from Stanthorpe
- Full chef’s kitchen + fire pit for sunset stories
- The perfect sanctuary for families or friend groups
Boutique Shopping
Washpool Supply Co
A must-visit store for natural, handmade soap and skincare. A large viewing window lets you watch the soap makers at work.
Pink Poppies Living Creatively
A beautifully curated boutique on Stanthorpe’s main street for high-quality gifts, women’s fashion, and unique accessories, known for its exquisite gift wrapping.
Vintage Roads
An eclectic warehouse in Applethorpe described as a “treasure hunter’s delight,” packed with antiques, collectables, vintage furniture, and crafting supplies.
Unique France Antique
For more treasures, Unique Antiques & Crafts offers French and European antiques by appointment.
Carol Power Hats, Clothing & Crafts
A boutique shop stocking bespoke local crafts, clothing, accessories and more.
Image: Washpool Supply Co
Image: Vintage Roads
National Parks
Girraween National Park
World-renowned for its spectacular granite landscape and spring wildflowers.
The Pyramid: Girraween’s signature and most challenging hike (3.6 km return). A steep scramble up an exposed granite rock face to the iconic Balancing Rock.
The Sphinx & Turtle Rock: A longer 7.4 km return walk to two fascinating rock formations: a granite pinnacle with a balancing boulder (The Sphinx) and a monolith resembling a turtle’s shell (Turtle Rock).
Granite Arch: An easy, family-friendly 1.6 km trail leading to a stunning natural archway formed by giant boulders.
The Junction: A picturesque 5.2 km return walk along Bald Rock Creek, known for its spring wildflowers and birdlife.
Sundown National Park
A remote wilderness park with spectacular gorges and sharp ridges, ideal for experienced hikers, 4WD enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Offers remote camping, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the Severn River.
Key tracks include the Red Rock Gorge lookout and the path to Rats Castle, requiring a higher level of preparation.
Image: Girraween National Park
History & Attractions
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
The region’s cultural heart, offering free entry to a dynamic program of exhibitions from local and national artists. It hosts the prestigious biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize.
Stanthorpe Heritage Museum
An award-winning museum featuring 14 authentic historic buildings and over 20,000 artefacts that tell the comprehensive story of the district’s past.
Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail
A flagship four-day annual event. Follow a self-drive map to discover private studios, galleries, and community spaces, with opportunities to meet the makers and participate in workshops.
The Big Apple
No trip is complete without a photo at this giant sculpture in Thulimbah, located outside Vincenzo’s at The Big Apple.
Balancing Rock
The ultimate reward after the challenging Pyramid hike in Girraween National Park. This massive, precariously balanced boulder makes for a jaw-dropping photograph.
The Ballandean Pyramid
An unexpected and impressive man-made pyramid constructed from blocks of local granite, offering a quirky photo opportunity in a Ballandean paddock.
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Image: The Big Apple
Annual Events & Festivals
Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival
The region’s premier event, a massive biennial celebration of the local harvest held over ten days. It features a grand parade, food and wine fiesta, and the iconic grape crushing championships.
Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
Queensland’s premier winter festival, held biennially on odd-numbered years. The town transforms with a guaranteed snow experience, featuring a snowfield, an ice-skating rink, markets, fireworks, and family entertainment.
Christmas in July
A month-long celebration across the region, where local venues embrace the cold weather. Wineries and hotels like Heritage Estate and the Abbey Boutique Hotel host their own festive feasts, offering a traditional cosy Christmas experience with roaring fires and special menus.
Christmas in July at Granite Belt Christmas Farm
The farm hosts its own popular Christmas in July luncheons on select days. Enjoy a traditional 2-course Christmas meal in a winter wonderland setting. Bookings are essential as this event sells out.
Stanthorpe Berry Festival
A popular November festival dedicated to the region’s delicious berry crops.
Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail
A four-day open-studios event held in spring, perfect for exploring the picturesque landscapes and meeting local artisans.
Grazing the Granite Belt
A popular food and wine event held seasonally in Autumn and Spring, where ticket holders enjoy specially designed dishes and wine pairings across participating venues.
Image: Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
Image: Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival