6 Things to do in Spring Near Brisbane

If you’re looking for a mini spring break from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, get ready to pack your bags, fuel your car and sort your playlist! From September to November, the Southern Downs region bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season. Check out our top picks for a weekend getaway to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, featuring plenty of epic national parks, world class wineries and good ol’ country hospitality, all within 2-3 hours of Brisbane.

1. Killarney for a rainforest retreat

Queen Mary Falls, Image by @emiliebrooke_ via Instagram

Killarney’s rolling hills, secluded valleys and dramatic waterfalls make this the perfect digital detox destination for spring. If you’re driving from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, it will only take about two hours to get to Killarney, with plenty of open roads, sprawling landscapes and cafe stops along the way.

The waterfall chasing in Killarney is next level, with the popular Queen Mary Falls, part of Main Range National Park, providing ample picnic spots and spectacular views. Spend some time exploring the Queen Mary Falls circuit, a 40-minute walk that takes you from the lookouts at the top of the falls to the creek below. Across the road at Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park you’ll be able to hand feed king parrots and crimson rosellas. Chase more waterfalls by heading off on The Falls Drive, which takes in Browns Falls, Daggs Falls, Queen Mary Falls and Carr’s Lookout and provides an alternative route home to Brisbane via Boonah.

TOP TIP: If you’re visiting in late October or November, head to Queen Mary Falls at dusk for a view of fireflies and glow worms. Follow the Southern Downs and Granite Belt Facebook page for updates on when they’re out!

2. Warwick for a country escape

Mother’s Day Morning Tea at Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick

Abbey of the Roses, Warwick

Known as the rose and rodeo capital, Warwick is a charming country town steeped in history. It’s the largest hub of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt, and while it is a popular caffeine stop for road trippers heading south or west, it really is a destination in of itself. Travelling from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, you’ll traverse the impressive mountain peaks of Main Range National Park, with Cunningham’s Gap, a perfect mid-way stop to stretch the legs before continuing on to Warwick.

Sitting gracefully on the banks of the Condamine River, historic Warwick features some of Queensland’s finest original sandstone buildings. The town of Warwick is best explored by embarking on one of the 5 Walks of Warwick, perfect for discovering on two wheels as well. Step even further back in time with a trip on the Downs Explorer, which offers rides most weekends, including occasional winery and heritage package tours.

Known as the “Horsepower Capital of Australia”, Warwick is home to the Warwick Rodeo – Australia’s most famous, held each October, as well as Morgan Park Raceway, which is host to world-class motor sport events.

TOP TIP: For a real sneak peek into country life, head to the weekly Pig n Calf Markets where you’ll be able to experience a real pig and calf auction!

3. Granite Belt for a wine tasting delight

If you’re looking for things to do in spring, try playing amongst a smorgasbord of cellar doors, breweries, dairies and orchards within Queensland’s premier food and wine region, known as heaven or the Granite Belt.

As you drive through the Southern Downs’ country roads, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for places to pick up decadent chocolates, homemade apple pies, indulge in wine tasting or partake in strawberry picking. There are over 40 cellar doors to explore within the region, providing you with an eclectic range of wines to try and explore the distinctive taste of wines on offer in the Southern Downs.

Once you’ve had your fix of charcuterie boards and wine, plan out a visit to Girraween National Park, which has a huge variety of walks and hiking trails to choose from. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, be sure to lace up your boots and conquer the steep Pyramid Walk.

TOP TIP: Let someone else do the driving on an escorted cellar door or brewery tour.

4. Stanthorpe for fruit picking galore

girl dancing through Apple blossoms at Suttons Juice Factory

Sutton’s Juice Factory, Thulimbah (near Stanthorpe)

Did you know that all of Queensland’s apple crop (about one million trees) is grown around Stanthorpe. That makes Stanthorpe Queensland’s most stunning location for viewing orchards of apple blossoms during the spring. The best time to see the blossoms is from the end of September through until early October. Spring is also the perfect time of year to see other trees, such as plum, peach and nectarine blooming as early as the first week of September.

Here’s some springtime apple experiences you won’t want to miss in the Southern Downs:

Take a self-guided drive to see the apple blossoms. The best route to take is along Amiens Road.
Visit Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery to taste their famous apple pie. Stock up on their popular juices and ciders too!
Nab a selfie with the Big Apple! Located across the road from Sutton’s, and right next to Vincenzo’s Deli, you can’t miss taking a pic with this huge Royal Gala apple.
Picnic under the blossoms at Nicoletti Orchards. This farm is opening its doors to share their flowering fruit trees. BYO picnic. Open Sundays in October/November. Secure your ticket first.

5. Girraween National Park to hike amongst the wildflowers

Field of coreopsis at Azjure Studio Restreat

Field of coreopsis, Azjure Studio Retreat

A visit to Girraween National Park, about 30 minutes south of Stanthorpe, is a must do on any trip to the Southern Downs. Girraween, meaning ‘place of flowers’ lives up to its name in spring and Summer as delicate wildflowers emerge beneath the towering granite boulders. Throughout the National Park you’ll find golden wattles, yellow, red and purple pea flowers, dainty orchids and flannel flowers grow amid the forests.

On your drive around the Granite Belt, you’ll also spot springtime yellow flowers everywhere. It’s the annual arrival of the coreopsis flowers, which blanket fields and pop up by the thousands on the roadsides around Stanthorpe each November.