Fantastic family-friendly fun in the Southern Downs

With wineries, art galleries and romantic B&Bs, you could be forgiven for thinking the Southern Downs & Granite Belt is an adult-only destination. But that’s not the case at all. If you’re planning a road trip to the Southern Downs for the school holidays or looking to get the little ones off their screens for the weekend, keep reading for 15 activities for kids of all ages.

Kid friendly activities in Stanthorpe and surrounds

1. Visit a Bushranger’s Hideout

The original bushranger hideout of ‘Thunderbolt’, who roamed the New England Tableland, Donnelly’s Castle is great for kids of all ages.

For a fun family outing with the kids, Donnelly’s Castle is a granite rock formation that you can walk between, around and over. The massive boulders are just as spectacular as some of the rock formations in Girraween National Park, and are more accessible for young adventurers. The site offers boulders to scramble over and hidden passageways to explore, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area from the 200m walk to the top.

Tire the kids out at Girraween National Park

Kids need to burn off some energy? Girraween National Park’s 30 km of walking trails are the perfect place for restless legs. Try the Granite Arch walk (pictured above). It’s a fairly short, easy trail that’s perfect for children of all ages. Following a trail past fascinating rock formations, granite archways and hidden caves, it’s the perfect place for young adventurers to explore.

3. Visit the Big Apple

Image by Keith Barnett

No family road trip through Queensland is complete without a customary stop for a photo with one of Australia’s iconic roadside ‘big things’. The Big Apple will greet you on the New England Highway as you make your way towards Stanthorpe, providing the kids with endless photo opportunities. Park on-site at Vincenzo’s Cafe and grab a coffee to refuel, or head across the highway to Sutton’s Juice Factory and grab a slice of Stanthorpe’s famous apple pie.

4. Camp with the family under a starlit sky

Darlympe National Park Campground 

A family escape to the country is all about leaving the tech at home and reconnecting with each other while immersed in nature, and there’s no better way to do that than camping under a starlit sky. Take your pick from a huge variety of camping and caravanning spots across the Southern Downs & Granite Belt – from national parks to tourist parks and bush camping too. From national parks and tourist parks to bush camping experiences, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and reconnect with nature.

5. Keep the kids on their best behaviour with a cheeky sweet treat

Ashbern Farms

Our foodie paradise is not just for adults! It’s easy to treat the kids (and yourself!) to a delicious stop when you’re travelling through the Granite Belt, with plenty of options for a cheeky morning tea stopover. Choose between apple pie, handmade chocolates, strawberry ice cream and heaps more! Follow your appetite to some of the enticing hotspots.

6. Grab a family snap in front of a granite pyramid

You don’t need to fly the whole family to Egypt to take a selfie with the pyramids. Head to Ballandean. Built from blocks of local granite, the pyramid stands 17.5 m in height, 30 metres wide at the base and contains 7,500 tonnes of rock. Built using an excavator and dump truck, it took eight months to complete. The pyramid sits on private property, so it’s a “look, don’t touch,” for the kids. However, the roadside is close enough to capture a view and a photo of this impressive site.

7. Soak up the festive magic at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm

Head to Applethorpe and ignite a festive mood for the family at the Granite Belt Christmas Farm. Let the kids explore Santa’s animals, wander through the fields of real Christmas trees and savour the fresh smell of pine, or visit the farm in harvest season to let the kids pick the perfect tree for your family festivities. Open all year round, it’s never too early for some holiday spirit at this festive family favourite.

8. Spend the morning on the farm and pick your own fruit

Ashbern Farms

Did you know that 100% of Queensland’s apples come from the Granite Belt? Well, now you do! Stone fruit and strawberries also flourish here in the cool climates of the Southern Downs. Take the kids to Ashbern Farms, Eastern Colour or Nicoletti Orchards for the unforgettable experience of picking their own fruit, straight from the crop!

Explore the blossoming wildflowers with the kids

The name Girraween means place of flowers, which makes Girraween National Park just that much more spectacular during the springtime – a fun fact the kids will love learning along the way. Wildflowers emerge amidst the granite boulders and rocky outcrops during the spring months. Coupled with the mild springtime weather that makes for an ideal time to wander the many walking trails, there’s never been a better excuse for a family outing.

10. Conquer the Granite Belt Maze

Do you think you and the kids have what it takes to escape from the twists and turns of a seven-foot-tall maze? Put your wits to the test and get lost in the Granite Belt Maze while solving the hidden riddles throughout. The maze has wheelchair access to most areas, with a mini maze for the younger children, and a hexagonal maze with obstacles to squeeze through. Solve riddles as you work your way through and out of the maze. All entry fees include the mazes and one game of mini golf.

Kid friendly activities near Warwick and surrounds

11. Farmstays with the family

Say howdy to life in the country by experiencing firsthand how a functioning farm works with a family farmstay. There are a number of farmstays in and around the Southern Downs, with plenty of activities for the kids, from live shearing demonstrations, horseback riding, milking cows, whip cracking and plenty of one-on-one time with the farm animals.

12. Cast a line with the kids at Leslie Dam

Swap the surf and the sand for freshwater and fish at Leslie Dam – one of Queensland’s most popular freshwater fishing and camping destinations. It’s also an ideal spot for swimming and plenty of water sport activities, so BYO kayak, tinnie or jet ski and head out onto the water. kangaroos are regular visitors to the area, so keep an eye out.

13. Picnic, wander and waterfall at Queen Mary Falls

Queen Mary Falls is one of the Southern Downs’ most stunning natural attractions, and a beautiful spot for the whole family to stretch their legs. Take the easy walk to the lookout point, which is suitable for little walkers too, and settle in for a picnic amongst the trees. Once you’ve had your waterfall fix, head over the road to Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park for a bite to eat before hand feeding wild rosellas and lorikeets.

14. Dig into a fossicking adventure

Eureka! Let the kids try their luck at striking gold with three fossicking areas in the Warwick region, including Thanes Creek, Durikai State Forest and Talgai State Forest. Alternatively, if the family road trip is taking you to the Stanthorpe area, you can check out Swiper’s Gully. Keep in mind you need to purchase a fossicking permit in Queensland before you head off, or you can drop into the Warwick Visitor Information Centre to purchase one (cash only).

15. Dalrymple Circuit, Goomburra

The Goomburra section of Main Range National Park is home to the Dalrymple Circuit, a family-friendly trail that only takes about 30 minutes – and it’s even suitable for the youngest walkers in your group! You’ll cross bridges and platforms over cascades. Keep an eye out for fish, tadpoles and, if you’re lucky, a platypus. Make sure to print off the kids activity sheet before leaving home to keep the little ones entertained along the walk.

While you’re here…

For more ideas on things to do in our backyard, check out our Things to Do section, or drop into our Stanthorpe or Warwick Visitor Information Centres when you arrive and say hi! Our volunteers are ready to inspire you with fun and family activity for your holiday.

Plan your visit

Taste the Southern Downs: Fresh produce and farmers markets

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Couple at a national park

Your guide to birdwatching in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

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Meet The Makers of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

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Contact Information

Stanthorpe Information 07 4681 2057
Warwick Information 07 4661 3122
Email us: visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Top 10 wildlife experiences in the Southern DownsLeyburn jewel butterfly (Hypochrysops piceatus). Photograph provided by Michael F. Braby, Associate Professor, Australian National University.Michael F. Braby, Associate Professor, Australian National UniversityTalgai Weir Paddle Trail from aboveDiscover Talgai Weir Paddle Trail