What Is Stanthorpe Known For
Stanthorpe is best known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and delicious food and wine. Stanthorpe is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the best of regional Australia, including:
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Wine - there are plenty of incredible wineries to visit
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Produce - you will find plenty of homegrown goods aplenty in this region
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Hiking and biking trails with unique views
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Rock formations in Girraween National Park
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Great day trip from Brisbane
If you are starting your campervan trip from Brisbane and looking for some local spots to check out, Stanthorpe should be on the list.
The best time to visit Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe can get rather cold in winter, but there is still plenty to do. This region truly comes alive however in spring – showcasing stunning wildflowers viewable in the national park. Summer is warmer, and you will find no lack of things to do with outdoor adventures. While autumn is the harvest season and is the perfect opportunity to sample the apples and strawberries that grow aplenty in this region.
Incredible things to do in Stanthorpe
Take a picture at Balancing Rock
The Balancing Rock is located just a short drive from the town centre and is a fascinating and unusual geological formation that is definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring the Granite Belt region. The rock itself is a large granite boulder that seems to defy gravity by balancing precariously on a much smaller rock beneath it, creating a stunning visual spectacle. After parking your motorhome, you can easily access the site via a short walking trail that winds through the surrounding bushland.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Visit the Truffle Discovery Centre
The Truffle Discovery Centre offers a fascinating insight into the world of truffles – the prized fungi that are highly sought after by chefs and gourmands around the globe. Here you can take a guided tour of the centre and learn about the history, cultivation, and harvesting of truffles, as well as the intricate science behind their distinctive aroma and flavour. The centre also offers truffle tastings, where you can sample the delicate and complex flavours of this culinary delicacy paired with local wines and cheeses. Once you’re done, head to the store on-site, where you can choose from a range of gourmet products and gift items, including truffle oils, salts, and accessories. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or a flavoursome addition to your campervan kitchen.
Explore Storm King Dam
The Storm King Dam is a picturesque attraction located just a few kilometres outside of Stanthorpe in Queensland, Australia. The dam is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking or canoeing on the calm waters of the dam, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside. There are also BBQ facilities available for use, making it a great spot for road trip stop picnic.
Try the cheese
Stanthorpe Cheese is a popular artisanal cheese factory bound to pique your tastebuds. Here they produce a range of high-quality cheeses, including their unique ‘granite gold’ – inspired by the rocks of the region. Stop by to enjoy a cheese-tasting experience where you can try the different varieties of cheese on offer and learn about the cheese-making process from the knowledgeable staff. The factory also has a cafe where visitors can enjoy a cheese platter and a glass of local wine and a gourmet store where you can grab some cheese to cook up a gourmet meal in your campervan.
Visit Granite belt brewery
The Granite Belt Brewery is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates quality beer and great food. Situated in the heart of the Granite Belt wine region, the brewery offers a range of award-winning craft beers brewed on-site, including pale ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal brews. Feeling a little peckish? The brewery also houses a rustic restaurant serving delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients. With its laid-back atmosphere, delicious beer and food, and stunning location, the Granite Belt Brewery is a must-visit attraction in Stanthorpe for beer lovers and foodies alike.
Challenge your memory at Granite Belt Maze
The Granite Belt Maze is the perfect fun day out and stimulating challenge for anyone who loves a good puzzle. Here you can wander through the mazes as well as a host of other activities, including challenging your travel partners to a round of mini-golf. There is also a licensed café on-site, serving delicious homemade treats and refreshments.
Girraween National Park
Located just outside of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is a stunning natural attraction that is a must-visit for any nature lover exploring the Granite Belt region of Queensland, Australia. The park is known for its unique geological features, including massive granite boulders and rocky outcrops that have been sculpted by the elements over millions of years. One of the park's most popular activities is hiking, with a range of trails to suit all fitness levels and interests. The Granite Arch walk, for example, takes you through a stunning natural rock arch, while The Pyramid walk rewards you with breathtaking views over the park's rugged terrain. In the spring, the park comes alive with a riot of colour as wildflowers bloom, creating a stunning tapestry of colours across the landscape.
Taste your way around the wineries
Stanthorpe is a region renowned for its award-winning wineries, making visiting a winery a must-do activity for anyone visiting the region. Some of the must-visit wineries in the area include Ballandean Estate and Golden Grove Estate. At both wineries, you can enjoy tastings, explore the vineyards, and relax in scenic surroundings. The wineries also offer delicious food options, including gourmet cheese platters, wood-fired pizzas, and locally sourced produce, making it a perfect stop on a campervan road trip for food and wine lovers.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Stock up the camper with goods from Granite Belt Farmers Market
The Granite Belt Farmers Market is a must-do attraction in Stanthorpe for travellers looking to experience the local food scene. The market features a range of stalls showcasing locally grown produce, organic fruits and vegetables, fresh juice, handmade preserves, baked goods, and much more. Visitors can shop for fresh ingredients to cook up a gourmet meal in their campervan or grab a quick snack while exploring the region. The market also provides an opportunity to meet and chat with local farmers and artisans, making it a great way to learn more about the region's culture and community.
Regional art gallery
Located in the heart of Stanthorpe, the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery is a must-visit attraction for art enthusiasts and culture lovers on an Australia road trip. The gallery features a range of contemporary and traditional artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations. The building itself is an attraction, with its unique design providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.
Look out over Stanthorpe on Mount Marlay
Mount Marlay lookout and picnic area is a popular destination to stretch your legs on a road trip through the Stanthorpe region. You can choose to drive to the summit or park at the base and get your legs pumping on this 500-metre return climb. Once you reach the top, you can take in the panoramic views and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Get a picture with the Big Thermometer
Stanthorpe is known for being the coldest place in Queensland. To celebrate this unique feature, the town erected the Big Thermometer. Standing at an impressive 30 meters high, the thermometer displays the current temperature of the town, making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos and check the weather. While it may not seem like a conventional tourist attraction, the Big Thermometer has become a quirky symbol of the region and is definitely worth a visit when exploring things to do near Brisbane on a Queensland road trip.
Visit Suttons Farm
Suttons Farm is a picturesque apple orchard in Stanthorpe that specializes in producing high-quality apples and apple products. The cafe offers a variety of homemade treats and refreshments, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon tea. While visiting, be sure to sample their famous apple pie and check out the on-site juice factory, where you can purchase fresh and delicious apple juice.
Hit the Granite belt bike trail
The Granite Belt Mountain Bike Trails offer an exciting adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts visiting Stanthorpe. Located in the stunning countryside of Southern Queensland, this attraction offers a range of trails for all levels of bikers, from beginner to advanced. What makes these trails special is the scenic beauty of the region, featuring breathtaking views of the granite boulders and rolling hills. Along the trails, visitors can also spot native wildlife, such as wallabies and kangaroos. The trails are well-maintained and signed, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your skill level and preferences. You can choose to bring your own bike or rent one from a local shop before heading out to explore the trails.
Head out for some shopping
The local shopping scene in Stanthorpe, Australia, is a must-visit for anyone who loves to shop locally and support small businesses. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, or gourmet treats. One of the best places to start is at Washpool Farm Soaperie, where you can buy all-natural soaps, skincare, and home goods. For those interested in handcrafted goods, Market in the Mountains is a great spot to browse handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and more from local artisans. And, of course, no visit to Stanthorpe is complete without a visit to one of the many gourmet food stores in the area, where you can purchase everything from locally-made cheeses and chocolates to artisanal olive oils and wines.
Where to stay in Stanthorpe
When travelling in a campervan, it's a good idea to have a few ideas of places to park your campervan overnight. Here are a few of our top recommendations for where to stay in Stanthorpe.
Country Style caravan park
Country Style Caravan Park is a family-friendly park situated on the foreshore of the Severn River. There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, such as exploring the nearby national parks or visiting the wineries and cellar doors of the Granite Belt region.
Cost: Powered sites start at $36 per night depending on the time of year
Facilities:
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Fire Pit
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Laundry
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BBQ area
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Camp kitchen
Top of the town holiday park
Top of the Town Holiday Park offers a variety of campervan sites, ranging from powered sites to ensuite sites with their own private bathrooms. There are also a variety of activities nearby, such as visiting local wineries, exploring national parks, and enjoying the town's cafes and restaurants.
Cost: Powered sites start at $37 per night depending on the time of year
Facilities:
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Swimming pool
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Camp kitchen
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BBQ facilities
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Laundry facilities
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A playground for kids.
Adding Stanthorpe to your travel itinerary?
From picturesque mountain views to local shopping and unique attractions, a road trip to Stanthorpe has something for every traveller. Ready to hire a campervan with maui and enjoy everything this special part of Queensland has to offer? Book online or at your local maui branch today.