QLD's Cold Country is the perfect place for a winter celebration. Winter temperatures in some parts of the Southern Downs regularly fall below zero and Stanthorpe is the long term record holder for the lowest Queensland temperature ever seen on a thermometer. That was −10.6 °C on 23 June 1961. When the mercury is that low, you can lose yourself in the crackle and dance of lovely log fires, cuddles are snugglier, roast dinners and hot baths are pretty much compulsory, the coffee tastes better, and you might even get to build a snowman.
Every Spring the Southern Downs and Granite Belt bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season.
Welcome to Warwick, the horsepower capital of Australia! The Southern Downs region is set to roar to life in 2024 with a jam-packed calendar of motorsport events that will satisfy even the most dedicated racing fans.
The Southern Downs region is a haven for four-wheel drive (4WD) enthusiasts and motocross lovers, offering a diverse range of tracks that cater to both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Whether you're seeking the thrill of rugged terrain or the beauty of untouched wilderness, our region has something for everyone.
Nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt, Girraween National Park is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Whether you're looking to conquer a challenging hike or simply soak in the serene beauty of the landscape, Girraween offers an unforgettable experience worth lacing your boots for.
This list is for everyone who knows that the best way to give Mum the recognition and appreciation she deserves is to outshine your siblings on Mother’s Day! Flowers and gifts might be great while they last, but it is quality time with her kids that Mum really treasures.
Our region is simply extraordinary in autumn. Warm days are followed by crisp cool nights, and the landscape is splashed with the clarets and golds of deciduous trees preparing for winter. As if that isn’t enough, here are more great reasons to spend time with us this long weekend.
The Southern Downs is a mecca for serious gourmets at any time of year, but winter in our region offers some very special flourishes that other foodie destinations can only dream about. Truffles, cheese, red wine, and chocolates are all culinary delights that rate somewhere between a little bit naughty and daringly decadent on the luxury scale, depending on your point of view.
There’s no doubt that the ability to enhance one’s witty repartee with words of wine wisdom enhances one’s credibility as a wine connoisseur immeasurably, so we have compiled a list of 20 quotable quotes to help you look good and sound knowledgeable while you are visiting the 50 cellar doors in QLD’s Wine Country where award-winning wine makers are waiting to guide you through unique tasting experiences.
QLD’s Wine Country is famous for a wide variety of wines, some well-known, others wonderfully rare. There’s a good chance your palate will be introduced to something new when you visit the Southern Downs region. It is, therefore, more important than ever to have a good understanding of the tasting process. We recommend that you follow the ‘S’s in this six step strategy.
From grapevine to glass, paddle to plate, and farm to fork, the Southern Downs is a mecca for lovers of fresh, seasonal, regional produce. It is also home to the Granite Belt - Queensland’s only cold climate wine region where multi-award winning hand-crafted wines continue to break new ground both nationally and internationally.
Talgai Weir is the least well-known of all the great paddling destinations in the Southern Downs region of Queensland. However, it is unlikely to stay that way for long because, when it comes to shelter, ambiance, seclusion, and wildlife encounters, it is arguably the best.
With wineries, mountainous peaks, art galleries and romantic B&Bs, you could be forgiven for thinking Southern Downs and Granite Belt is an adult-only destination. But that's not the case! Here are 17 things you can do with kids of all ages.
Fill up your ultimate Australian fauna and flora bucket list as you explore the Southern Downs and come face-to-face with the rare and iconic wildlife that call QLD’s Wild Country their home.
Put the wild back into your life in Queensland’s Southern Downs, a region with breathtaking rugged mountains, exhilarating experiences, and sweeping views across pristine Gondwana Rainforest filled valleys, all just 90 minutes from Brisbane.
No trip to Warwick is complete without a visit to the Condamine River and no visit to the Condamine River is complete until you have floated your cares away on the Warwick Paddle Trail.
Looking for something beyond Chardonnay and Shiraz? Embark on the Strange Bird Wine Trail, where you can sip and swirl your way through the Granite Belt trying alternative varietals like tempranillo, verdhelo and mourvedre.
This free travel guide is the ultimate resource for your trip to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt. Install it on your mobile device and start planning your next visit today!
For a panoramic view over Stanthorpe, head to Mt Marlay lookout and get your legs pumping by taking the concrete stairs from the bottom of the mountain.
If you prefer your walking trails with more granite and less rainforest, then head straight to Girraween National Park and tackle the monster of all walks, the Pyramid track.
Visiting Queen Mary Falls is a must do on your next trip. Embark on the easy Queen Mary Falls circuit, a 40-minute walk that takes you from the lookouts at the top of the falls to the creek below.
Can't leave home without your four legged friend? You don't have to! We've rounded up your full list of pet-friendly camping spots in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
Swap online deliveries and busy shopping centers for a weekend away in the country where you can #SupportLocal. Stock up on berries straight from the farm or attend a festive market.
Whether you’re a practicing artist or you enjoy other people’s creative abilities, we have two weekends of art trails to give you the perfect excuse for a country getaway this Spring.
No plans yet for the People's Weekend? We've put together the ultimate guide to enjoying a country escape. Put that 'out of office' on and hit the road to enjoy a long weekend here.
Every Spring the Southern Downs and Granite Belt bursts to life with blooming flowers, colourful wildlife and exciting events celebrated across the season.
If it's a nature fix you're seeking, then these five trails in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt will keep you active for days. From walking past waterfalls to taking in epic views, these trails are serving all the outdoor vibes you need.
With just one month until Easter, now's the time to book that camping holiday for the family! We are spoilt for choice in our region for fantastic campsites for the whole family.
See the Southern Downs from a different perspective when you follow winding trails through shady forests, cross monolithic granite platforms, roll through magnificent gorges, or cruise along the country roads. The crisp country air provides idyllic cycling conditions. There are many trails suited to families, as well as black diamond tracks for more experienced riders.
Summer is sunflower season on the Southern Downs and every year they’re blooming beautiful! From late December onwards, a sea of yellow floods parts of the region.
Whether you're a practicing artist or you enjoy other people's creative abilites, we have two weekends of art trails to give you the perfect excuse for a country getaway.
Looking for somewhere to stay where you can bring your four legged friends? We've put together a list of places where you can take your pets on holidays.
Want to experience a true winter this year? You’re in luck! Before you start planning a July jaunt to our southern states, simply head two hours south west to the coldest place in the state!
The waterfall chasing in Killarney is next level, with the popular Queen Mary Falls, part of the world heritage listed Main Range National Park, providing plenty of great reasons to jump in the car…
If you think romance is all about chocolates and rose petals, think again. Before you rush off to book another movie night or dinner date, let us play cupid with this guide to the 6 most romantic places to visit this Valentine’s Day.
If it’s time for the kids to breathe in some fresh country air, reconnect with nature (and each other!) and go offline, then bundle them in the car and head south west to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
Want to go remote with zero distractions and the chance of not seeing anyone else? On the Queensland/New South Wales border lies Sundown National Park, a rugged wilderness of spectacular steep-sided gorges, sharp ridges and peaks rising more than 1000m.
Want to experience a true winter this year? Before you start planning a July jaunt to our southern states, simply head two hours south west to Stanthorpe, the coolest place in the State!
Better Homes and Gardens recently headed our way to celebrate the Jumpers and Jazz in July and Killarney Bonfire Night, before heading off on a foodie road trip through the Granite Belt.
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt may have cooled down, but our July calendar is hot with a range of events giving you plenty of reasons to jump in the car and explore our backyard!
With four distinct seasons celebrated across the year, there’s never a bad time to visit the Southern Downs! Each season comes with its own charms, events and unique landscapes.
Michael F. Braby, Associate Professor, Australian National University 
