Where to warm up on cool winter nights in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway near Brisbane where you actually get to wear that coat you bought several seasons ago, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt is your answer.

Stanthorpe is a two-hour drive southwest of Brisbane and is the state’s best-kept winter destination that holds the long-term record for Queensland’s coldest town. Here, temperatures often drop below zero over winter thanks to the region’s high altitude, with occasional snowfall on the radar.

Plan your cold country adventure with cosy accommodations with a roaring fireplace, cellar door dining, and magical winter experiences with this guide.

Where to discover the cosiest winter experiences in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt?

Earth, Wine and Fire Progressive Dinner, Heritage Estate, Cottonvale – Elevate your Saturday date night with a spell-binding soirée that will linger in your mind long after. Tucked away in Cottonvale, Heritage Estate opens their doors every weekend for their signature Earth, Wine and Fire Progressive Dinner.

Sip and savour hors d’oeuvres in the apple orchard against a romantic sunset backdrop, followed with entrees in the vineyard, and mains by the toasty fire. As you dine on a gourmet feast, bask in the soft glow of the flickering candlelight and soak up the scents of heady oak and wine. A stroll through the winery brings you to the barrel room where a decadent dessert awaits. On your way out, look up to the star-filled sky for a glimpse of the Milky Way – incidentally best viewed over the cloudless winter months.

Fireside Friday Dinner and Museum, Heritage Estate, Cottonvale – Heritage Estate welcomes another hearthside retreat – their weekly Fireside Friday Dinner and Museum Wine delivers a similar intimate evening of indulgence. Sink into deep leather chesterfields by the roaring fire and enjoy freshly prepared tapas paired with premium and museum wines. Designed to delight the palate, their curated selection of gourmet bites from Coffin Bay oysters, flambe baby octopus, venison bitesize pies, angus beef tataki and more offer respite from the elements.

Skip the long drive home and stay onsite in one of Heritage Estate’s self-contained chalets or cottages, just a short stroll away from the vineyard. Upgrade to the premium room for an outdoor sauna spa bath and open fireplace, and finish off your gourmet weekend away with a mezze platter and a bottle of handpicked wine.

Fireside Friday Dinner and Museum

Sunset Sessions at Summit Estate Wines, Thulimbah – Afternoons are made for slowing down, and one essential ingredient to craft the perfect homely evening involves a visit to Summit Estate Wines’ Sunset Sessions. From 4pm on selected days, guests can decompress with a glass of wine in hand, accompanied with sprawling views of the vineyard and Thulimbah. Here, you can soak up the sunset’s golden rays with picnic tables, bean bags, and a covered terrace providing a relaxing setting for a catch up. When the temperature mellows, and winter nights unfold through a cold country breeze, this venue’s outdoor firepits and crackling open fires are the quintessential place to gather with your friends and family.

Killarney Bonfire Night, Killarney Showgrounds – For the ultimate evening spent fireside in the Southern Downs, mark your calendars for the annual Killarney Bonfire Night. Taking place every July, cosy up to firepits that take the form of trains, dragons, and crocodiles, carefully crafted by metal artists. Don’t forget the giant bonfire which chases away any chills as it drops below ten degrees. Unwind with live local music and delicious bites and beverages available from a range of local vendors like Bluebird Kitchen and Smokehouse, 2 Serial Grillers and JoJo’s Brewhouse. Stay until 9pm for the grand finale featuring the best type of fire – (fire)works.

Killarney Bonfire Festival

Killarney Bonfire Night, Tourism and Events Queensland

Where you can stay by the fire in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

The Abbey, Warwick – A landmark of Warwick’s heritage, the 135-year-old Abbey Hotel pairs grand sandstone architecture and medievalesque design with a dreamy winter reset. You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped straight into a fairytale as you wander their landscaped grounds complete with giant chess and gardens. As evening falls, curl up by the glowing fireplace with a book and beverage in hand, and let the Abbey’s peaceful ambiance restore your warmth. Beyond the hotel, Warwick’s historic streets beckon visitors to explore the rich stories and people behind this destination.

Granite Belt Retreat, Stanthorpe – If you want to escape the towns, the Granite Belt Retreat in Stanthorpe offers a mountain homestead surrounded by nature, with an onsite function centre, bar, restaurant and craft brewery just steps from your room.

Nestled amongst granite boulders and 30 acres of natural bushland, each of the nineteen rustic cedar cabins feature a log fire perfect for snuggling up together during a frosty morning. At the restaurant, begin your mornings with a continental breakfast spread and conclude with a memorable evening feasting on a winter menu that champions fresh local ingredients.

The Folly Ballandean, Ironbark Hut, Ballandean – Overdue for a date night? The Folly Ballandean’s 360-degree views of the surrounding Ballandean bushland and self-contained log cabin is ideal for couples seeking quieter moments. When darkness falls, watch as the sky comes alive with stars, and toast marshmallows over the firepit. Here, you’re not just limited to the wooden walls of the cabin, connect with nature with fishing, bushwalking and birdwatching just a short walk away.

Still not convinced? You can pat friendly donkeys, plus for an extra level of indulgence, guided fishing and truffle farm tours are also available.

Granite Belt Retreat, Stanthorpe

Granite Belt Retreat

What are the must-see sights in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt during winter?

The Little Brass Monkey

The Little Brass Monkey

The Little Brass Monkey – Did you know that Stanthorpe houses a tiny statue that affirms the town’s claim that it gets ‘cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey?’ Winter in Stanthorpe is affectionately referred to by locals as Brass Monkey Season. Crude as it sounds, the Little Brass Monkey’s phrase echoes a popular expression on sailing ships, where the brass monkey was the name given to the rack used to store cannon balls. On freezing nights at sea, the monkey (metal) would shrink, and the balls would fall off, hence the saying. You can spot the little monkey right in the heart of Stanthorpe’s CBD, opposite the post office and outside the newsagency.

The Big Thermometer

The Big Thermometer 

The Big Thermometer – Besides the monkey statue, Stanthorpe’s owns its title as Queensland’s coldest town with a Big Thermometer, naturally. Find it next to the Visitor Information Centre on Leslie Parade. For real-time snow alerts to guide your trip, you’ll want to follow BOM or our social media where we announce the chance of flurries. It’s worth making the Big Thermometer your pit stop because nearby you’ll also find toilets, picnic tables, and Creekside paths – perfect for quick stretch the legs before heading home.

While you’re here

Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:

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Contact Information

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

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