What To Do In Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe is a must-visit spot in Queensland’s Granite Belt. From wine tasting and biking trails to the dramatic rock formations at Girraween National Park, there’s plenty to explore. If you are starting your motorhome trip from Brisbane and looking for some local spots to check out, Stanthorpe should be on the list.
Balancing Rock
The Balancing Rock is located just a short drive from the town centre and is a beautiful 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. After parking your motorhome, you can easily access the site via a short walking trail that winds through the surrounding bushland. It’s a 1.6km return loop that takes about 30–40 minutes.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Truffle Discovery Centre
The Truffle Discovery Centre offers a really interesting insight into the world of truffles. Here you can take a guided tour of the centre and learn about the history, cultivation, and harvesting of truffles, as well as the science behind their smell and flavour. The centre also offers truffle tastings, where you can sample them 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.
Explore Storm King Dam
The Storm King Dam is a large and scenic dam surrounded by stunning views of hills and countryside, around 10km southeast of Stanthrope. It’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking or canoeing on the waters of the dam. It’s surrounded by stunning views. There are BBQ facilities available for use, making it a great spot for road trip stop picnics.
Try the Cheese
Stanthorpe Cheese is a popular artisanal cheese factory that produces a range of high-quality cheeses. They have a unique flavour, a ‘granite gold’ which is inspired by the rocks of the region. Ifn you stop by to enjoy a cheese-tasting experience, you can try the different varieties of cheese on offer and learn about the cheese-making process. 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 motorhome.
Visit Granite Belt Brewery
The Granite Belt Brewery is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates great beer and great food. It’s right in the heart of the Granite Belt wine region and offers a range of award-winning craft beers brewed on-site. They have pale ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal brews (including a crowd-favourite chocolate stout). The brewery also houses a rustic restaurant that serves delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients. It has a great laid-back atmosphere in a stunning location.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Granite Belt Maze
The Granite Belt Maze is a super fun day for all ages! There are mazes, puzzles, mini golf and more. The staff are super friendly and happy to share a few hints if you get really stuck in the maze! It’s the only maze in Queensland where it can snow, which adds a pretty magical touch in the colder months. You can’t bring your own food but there is a café on-site so you can eat and drink before or after you’ve had fun.
Girraween National Park
Located just outside of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is a stunning natural attraction. The park is known for its unique geological features, including massive granite boulders. One of the park's most popular activities is hiking and there are a range of trails to suit all fitness levels. The Granite Arch walk, for example, takes you through a natural rock arch, while The Pyramid walk shows you with breathtaking views of the park's terrain. In the spring, the park comes alive with wildflowers in bloom.
Check Out The Wineries
Stanthorpe is known for its award-winning wineries, so it makes sense to add some of these to the list. Some of the must-visit wineries in the area include Ballandean Estate and Golden Grove Estate. At both of these vineyards, you can enjoy wine tastings and explore the vineyards. They also offer delicious food options, like gourmet cheese platters, wood-fired pizzas, and locally sourced produce. It’s a perfect stop on a motorhome road trip for foodies and wine lovers.
Granite Belt Farmers Market
The Granite Belt Farmers Market is perfect for travellers looking to experience the local food scene. The market features a range of stalls showcasing locally grown produce. There are 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 motorhome or grab a quick snack while exploring the region. The market also provides an opportunity to meet and chat with local farmers and crafters, so you can learn more about the region and community.
Regional Art Gallery
Located in the heart of Stanthorpe, the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery is a must-visit attraction if you love art and culture. The gallery has a range of contemporary and traditional artworks. There are paintings, sculptures, and also mixed-media installations. The building itself is beautiful too, with a cool and colourful design.
Mount Marlay
Mount Marlay lookout and picnic area is a great spot to stretch your legs on a road trip through the Stanthorpe region. You could drive to the summit or park at the base and walk the short 500-metre return climb. Once you reach the top, you can take in the gorgeous views and enjoy a picnic lunch.
The Big Thermometer
Stanthorpe is known for being the coldest place in Queensland. To celebrate this, the town put up the Big Thermometer. It’s 30 meters high and displays the current temperature of the town. It’s a popular spot for tourists to take photos and check the weather. It might not seem like a conventional tourist attraction, but the Big Thermometer has become a symbol of the region and is definitely worth a visit.
Suttons Farm
Suttons Farm is an apple orchard in Stanthorpe. It specialises in all things apple, growing high-quality apples and making apple products. There is a cafe too with delicious homemade treats and drinks. While visiting, try their famous apple pie which is all hand made, and check out the on-site juice factory. You can buy fresh apple juice to take home with you too from their shop.
Granite Belt Bike Trail
The Granite Belt Mountain Bike Trails is the ideal adventure for mountain bikers visiting Stanthorpe. It offers a range of trails for all levels of bikers, from beginner to advanced. What makes these trails so great is the beauty of the region. It has breathtaking views of the granite boulders and rolling hills. Along the trails, you can also spot native wildlife like wallabies and kangaroos. The trails are well-maintained and signed, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your skill level. You can choose to bring your own bike or rent one from a local shop.
Aloomba Lavender Farm
Aloomba Lavender Farm is like stepping into a little slice of Provence in the middle of the Granite Belt. It’s a working lavender farm that’s about 30 minutes from Stanthorpe. It’s open all year-round but it's extra magical when the lavender fields are in bloom (during spring and early summer.) You can walk through rows of lavender or browse the on-site gift shop. It’s filled with handmade products like soaps, oils, and jams. The farm is also known for its bush camping, with powered and unpowered sites. You can usually pick your own spot, and while not all are level or close to amenities, you’ll get wide open skies, quiet nights, and starry views in return. There are hot showers, flushing toilets, a communal firepit with firewood provided, and even a veggie garden you can borrow from (respectfully, of course).
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Where to stay in Stanthorpe
When travelling in a motorhome, it's a good idea to have a few ideas of places to park your motorhome 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 $41 per night depending on the time of year
Facilities:
- Fire Pit
- Laundry
- BBQ area
- Camp kitchen
Top of The Town Holiday Park
Top of the Town Holiday Park offers a variety of motorhome 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 $40 per night depending on the time of year
Facilities:
- Swimming pool
- Camp kitchen
- BBQ facilities
- Laundry facilities
- A playground for kids.
Stanthorpe Weather
Stanthorpe is known for having one of the coldest climates in Queensland. Thanks to its elevation (of over 800 metres above sea level), the region gets crisp winters, mild summers, and even the occasional dusting of snow in winter which is rare in Queensland.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Warm days and cooler nights, with average highs around 28°C. It’s a great time to explore the outdoors, but pack layers for the evening.
Autumn (Mar–May)
One of the prettiest times to visit. The vineyards turn golden and the air starts to cool. There are sunny days, chilly mornings, and perfect hiking weather.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
There will be frosty mornings, fire pits, and cosy winery visits. Temps can dip below freezing at night, and occasionally it can snow!
Spring (Sep–Nov)
It’s really pretty at this time because wildflowers are in bloom. Temperatures are mild and perfect for exploring.
No matter when you visit, pack for layers. The temperature can shift quickly, especially in the evenings.
Adding Stanthorpe to your travel itinerary?
Stanthorpe has something for every traveller. Ready to hire a motorhome with maui and enjoy everything this special part of Queensland has to offer? Book online or at your local maui branch today.