4 Reasons You Need to Visit this Spring
We might be the coldest place in the state, but that means when spring rolls around, we get the chance to truly defrost and rejuvenate! During the spring months our region bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season. Escape the humidity of the Queensland coastal region and spoil yourself with sunny days, stunning sunsets and perfectly cool nights.
Here’s 4 reasons why you must add a Southern Downs visit to your spring weekend plans:
Queen Mary Falls, Killarney
1. Nature’s Playground
Our warmer seasons are the ideal time to explore untouched national parks, waterfalls and wildflowers. Nature’s playground is waiting for you with three National Parks in the region, offering a range of walks, cascading waterfalls, prolific birdlife and pristine bushland.
Just south of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is a favourite for bushwalkers, campers and photographers, with spectacular granite outcrops and a choice of easy walks through to the popular steep Pyramid climb. Girraween, meaning ‘place of flowers’ lives up to its name in spring and summer as delicate wildflowers emerge beneath the towering granite boulders.
Nearby Sundown National Park offers rugged wilderness, perfect for keen four wheel drivers and campers, with waterholes along the Severn River suitable for swimming, canoeing and fishing.
In the north east of the region, Main Range National Park’s impressive mountain peaks and valleys are World Heritage listed and feature flowing creeks, breathtaking views and walks through sections including Cunningham’s Gap, Spicers Gap and Goomburra. Queen Mary Falls is a popular daytrip destination providing ample picnic spots and views of the spectacular waterfall. Look out for fireflies and glow worms at dusk from late October to November!
2. Seasonal Produce Paradise
It’s a foodie’s paradise!
2. SEASONAL PRODUCE PARADISE
There’s an abundance of fresh and local food and wine to be savoured and celebrated on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Embark on a pick-your-own berry adventure in Stanthorpe, or stop by a roadside stall to taste juicy just picked summer fruit.
Apart from the visual feast of apple blossoms in the orchards, spring also brings the new vintage, providing the perfect excuse to hit the wine trail to meet winemakers at the cellar door. Not a wine fan? Our Granite Belt breweries make some exceptional craft beer and ciders too.
Apple blossoms line the roads in the Granite Belt
3. BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL
The region bursts to life in spring, with vibrantly coloured vineyards, blossoming fruit trees and glorious wildflowers filling roadside fields. It’s not only spring when the blooms come out to play. In summer from late December onwards, a sea of yellow floods parts of the region as spectacular sunflower fields line major highways and country roads attracting thousands of snap-happy visitors. Travel the Sunflower Route from Warwick to Allora to take in these picturesque scenes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Warwick lives up to its name as the ‘Rose City’ in Spring, with plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses planted in the main streets.
4. ART TRAILS IN OCTOBER!
Our region will be buzzing with creative and colourful characters this October as two prominent art trails provide a glimpse into the regions artistic talents.
- The Granite Belt Art Trail (GBART) is on Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November. GBART will now be held as a COVID-sensitive event over one huge weekend: Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2020. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, talent, history and artefacts in the region.
- The Condamine Art Trail and Craft Trail (CCART) is on 17 & 18 October. Meet our fantastic local artists and collectives as well as visiting our beautiful towns, big and small, along the way. This event links with the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail (GBART) to create 2 weekends which showcases the awesome creativity of our region.
