The Folly is Queensland’s first commercial truffle farm, situated in Ballandean, Queensland, at the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country.
The Folly Truffles welcome visitors to their truffiere on weekends with tours available all year round, and truffle hunts during harvest season, end of June to August. As it is a working farm, bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
It’s not all about making wine. Great wine comes from exceptional fruit, exceptional fruit comes from a passion to invest back into the vineyard to ensure its productivity for generations to come.
As custodians of this small parcel of the Granite Belt since purchasing the vineyard in 2021, immense effort has gone into restoring the vineyards back to their former glory.
It’s certainly a surprise to encounter a giant stone pyramid south of Stanthorpe near the village of Ballandean! Built from blocks of local granite, the pyramid stands 17.5 metres in height, 30 metres square at the base and contains 7,500 tonnes of rock. It was built using an excavator and dump truck and took eight months to complete.
Why is it there? The land owner had excess granite from excavations on the property and he built it just because he could! We’re certainly glad he did, as it’s an unusual landmark and quite incredible to see sitting against the backdrop of Girraween National Park.
The pyramid can be seen through the trees along the highway south of Ballandean. To reach the pyramid for a closer look, turn off the highway (eastward towards the Ballandean Tavern) on Eukey road, then turn immediately right onto Jacobsens Road. Follow Jacobsons Road for 1.7km until you reach the giant pyramid on the right. The pyramid sits on private property, so no approaching the pyramid, however the roadside is close enough to capture a view and a photo of this impressive site.
The Granite Belt Maze offers an amazing experience, where each customer has to solve their own unique riddle, while navigating their way through the maze.
These riddles don’t help you find your way, instead they make you search every part of the maze from start to finish, and actually get you lost. Then there’s another timber maze and a hexagonal maze with obstacles.
There’s a fairly challenging nine hole mini golf course, a giant musical instrument to play. Around the grounds are some great photo opportunities, with a guillotine, stocks and a giant chair.
They have a well stocked kiosk with pies, sausage rolls, ice creams and tea & coffee, cold drinks, toasted sandwiches, hot dogs, beef/ chicken gravy rolls etc and snack foods.
The mazes and golf offer hours of fun and entertainment for all age groups.
For a panoramic view over Stanthorpe, Mt Marlay’s lookout and picnic area is the spot to drive to. Located within Stanthorpe itself, the lookout is only a short yet fairly steep and winding drive from the shopping district.
There are free-mounted binoculars and picnic tables with and without shade at the lookout.
Don’t miss the short walk around the summit, which follows a narrow concreted path through the trees and offers a scenic vantage point towards the north and filtered views in every direction as you encircle the summit. (Note: the walk is not signposted from the picnic area, but follow the path to start the short circuit.)
The mountain also features four mountain biking tracks, with varying grades of difficulty from family/beginners terrain, to black diamond tracks for experienced riders.
View Wine is produced by Sancerre Estate Vineyard, award winning wine from the heart of the Granite Belt, Ballandean, Queensland.
Visit for a casual wine tasting with the owner’s, or stay a little longer and share a bottle of wine with friends on the outdoor terraces taking in the views and sunsets of the Ballandean Valley and Girraween National Park. The Cellar Door offers several Grape 2 Glass experiences from Masterclasses to Food and Wine Pairing. You can even ‘Geek out on Wine’ if you are more interested in the science of wine.
The wine is a combination of quality grapes and unique terroir. For the wine to become premium quality they use only the best grapes harvested by hand only picking the best.
The Granite Belt is Queensland premier wine region, within the Stanthorpe area.
Their Shiraz was recently awarded as a James Halliday Top 100 wine.
Make sure you say Hi to Brad & Stacey when you visit View Wine.
Discover the fun of mountain biking on granite at Mt Marlay in Stanthorpe, where you’ll find trails to match all levels of difficulty, from beginners to experienced riders.
Mt Marlay is so close to the beautiful town of Stanthorpe, just 1.5kms from the town’s main street’s shops and cafes.
Since opening in 2018, the trails have been attracting both mountain biking enthusiasts and families giving it a try for the first time on the less challenging trails.
The Granite Belt is famous for its spectacular granite boulders and interesting granite outcrops and its here visitors can experience the thrill of riding on that granite.
Green Granite (green – beginners)
Rusty (green – beginners)
The Grape Escape (blue – little more challenging)
On The Rocks (blue – little more challenging)
Hammerhead (black – experienced riders)
Tankslapper (black – experienced riders)
Gnarly Marlay (black – experienced riders)
A distinct advantage is that the Stanthorpe region trails (including Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest) are on sand base, so when other trails around Queensland which are clay based are still unsuitable to ride after rain, Stanthorpe’s trails are ready to ride pretty much straight after a rain event.
For more information visit Trailforks website and also The Stanthorpe Mountain Biking Club on Facebook.
Artworks Granite Belt is an inclusive creative community hub, a place to meet, learn, create and display creativity. It is situated in the Heritage Stanthorpe Railway Station on Davadi Street.
The café and gallery (with regularly changing exhibitions) are open to the public on weekends.
The Whistlestop Heritage and Community Garden, is open to members and and visitors. The nursery has plants available to purchase.
Granite Belt Farmers Markets is open every Saturday morning at the Railway Precinct.
The Southern Downs Steam Railway visits once a month, travelling from Warwick and return, please confirm this using our website under ‘events’.
Take an easy walk through clusters of giant granite boulders along the bush walking tracks at Sentimental Rocks.
This location is not well signposted and parking is unmarked but available on the roadside at the end of Jardine Street, where the walking track begins. Sentimental Rocks is a great alternative to the National Parks for those that have less time on their trip to Stanthorpe, as Sentimental Rocks is tucked away in bushland right on the very edge of the town itself.
It’s pet friendly here, so a great alternative for travellers with dogs to walk amongst the Granite Belt’s famous granite boulders.
A local museum. About 14 km south-west of Stanthorpe is the village of Amiens where over 100 years ago, returning soldiers from the Great War toiled to bring the Pikedale Soldier Settlement into being. The Amiens Legacy Centre can be found at 17 Goldfields Rd, Amiens. The Amiens History Association has worked tirelessly to provide this home for all the artefacts, history and residents’ stories about this unique soldier settlement. Unique, you ask? Yes, unique because this is the only one where all the villages along the connecting rail line are named after WW1 battles in which the Diggers played a pivotal role. Fleurbaix (Fromelles), Pozieres, Bullecourt, Passchendaele, Bapaume, Messines and the administrative centre at Amiens. The village names were approved by the soldiers because of the peaceful surroundings.
Visit the refurbished 1909 carriage, be amazed by the Family Memorial Stone, walk over the Bailey Bridge honouring all the engineers in all conflicts, see short video clips in the Passchendaele Shed, learn about HRH Edward, Prince of Wales’s visit in 1920, picnic at the topiary train, admire the Remembrance quilt, learn about the site from the information boards, marvel at Franco’s mural “Forging a Future after the Trenches”, see the remaining original buildings in Amiens or visit on Saturdays between 10 am and 1 pm when we have guided tours and the carriage is opened.
Stanthorpe’s CBD is scattered with street art between its boutique shopping and cafes. However, the giant murals are striking features that tell the story of the town and done by esteemed local and Australian artists and are well worth seeking out.
One of the most distinctive murals is the one opposite the post office that depicts Angelo Valiante, who turned 100 in the month of completion. Mr Valiante was one of the first Italians to settle in Stanthorpe. The work pays homage to the Italian community that has made the region what it is today (source: Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery).
See the murals and sculptures on foot, from Weeroona Park to the streets and lanes off the main street. A map and guide to the street art are available from the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery in Weeroona Park or the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre.
Glenlyon Dam is in the southern part of the region, visitors can enjoy everything from adrenaline-pumping jetskiing, boating and waterskiing to tranquil stand up paddleboarding, canoeing and swimming. Some activities are not permitted on some waterways, so make sure to check before booking. The dam is ideal for wildlife viewing and many water sports including skiing, sailing and fishing. Fish species in the dam include Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Jewfish and Spangled Perch.
Camping sites, cabins and caravans are available at Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park located at the water’s edge. Facilities include a kiosk that sells bait, a boat ramp, a picnic area with tables and wood barbecues (wood available), drinking water, tennis court, playground toilets, showers and boat hire. Fishing permits are available on-site.
Glenlyon Dam is situated approximately 40-kilometres south east of Texas and 90-kilometres west of Stanthorpe along the road to Texas.
Stanthorpe is Queensland’s colest town and this is marked on the readings shown on Stanthorpe’s Big Thermometer.
See the Big Thermometer next to the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, with toilets available onsite and picnic tables.
From The Big Thermometer there are lovely pathways that follow the creekside right through Stanthorpe, or if you cross the creek on the other side of the bridge and head west you’ll end up at the historic Red Bridge, a popular spot to explore.
The Baronio family has been growing fresh Australian produce in the Stanthorpe district since the 1930s and at Applethorpe since the mid-1970s. Over the years, they’ve developed many different types of fruits and vegetables in various locations. But today, it’s all about fresh Aussie strawberries and apples grown on their home farm in one of the prettiest and highest altitude spots in Queensland. Their location is the secret ingredient to producing some of Australia’s best fruit – fertile soils, cool nights, warm days, and plenty of glorious Queensland sunshine combine to ripen and sweeten their fruits to perfection.
During harvesting, their farm is open one weekend a month for people to come along and pick their juicy strawberries or crisp and crunchy apples. But, of course, which fruit is available depends on the time of year.
Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun day in the country, including your pet on a leash.
Bookings are essential to ensure that Eastern Colour has plenty of fruit for everyone to pick, so please see the website for further details and the next picking events.
Huge granite boulders tower above open forests in the spectacular and popular Girraween National Park, outside Stanthorpe in southern Queensland. Campsites and options are plentiful, with several unique camping areas to choose from. Explore the park on almost 30km of walking tracks.
Stroll the 280m Wyberba Walk alongside Bald Rock Creek; capture your own snap of the famed Granite Arch; climb The Pyramid for great views over the park; or spend the day walking to granite monoliths or waterholes along the creek. Learn from displays in the visitor information building and at the day-use area.
Wildflowers in spring are a sign to behold! Gaze at changing reflections in the rock pools or go birdwatching for blue wrens, rare turquoise parrots and other forest birds. Spy bearded dragons and jacky lizards on the granite rocks, soaking up the sun. Go spotlighting at night to see ringtail possums high in the eucalypt trees. There is much to do in Girraween, and if you are lucky, you may see a wombat or hear superb lyrebirds imitating the calls of other birds.
The Brass Monkey statue in Stanthorpe’s CBD is a famous little fellow that marks the town’s claim to get ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’. Stanthorpe district celebrates four seasons, the most popular being Brass Monkey Season during the winter months.
Not as crude as it may sound, the origin of the ‘cold enough to freeze the balls of the brass monkey’ saying originates by popular account from an occurrence on sailing ships, where the brass monkey was the name given to a metal rack used to store cannon balls.
The plaque that sits by the little Brass Monkey statue in Stanthorpe’s CBD reads “in long ago wars artillerymen had a brass plate called a monkey, which sat alongside the canon. The plate held 30 cannonballs stacked pyramid-like, until on freezing nights the monkey would shrink and the balls would fall off, hence the expression ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’.”
Right next to the Brass Monkey is an incredible mural depicting Angelo Valiante who turned 100 in the month of completion. Mr Valiante was one of the first Italians to settle in Stanthorpe and the work pays homage to the Italian community that have made the region what it is today.
Stanthorpe has a mural and street art trail, with brochures at the Visitor Information Centre.
Free entry, open to all, and bursting with inspiration, this must-see Granite Belt gem showcases top national and regional artistic talent.
Come and see the latest exhibitions, browse the gift shop, and have a chat with the friendly volunteers.
Check for the egular events – music, film, workshops and more!
be pART of it!
The pretty Quart Pot Creek meanders through granite country and natural bushland, passes through the town of Stanthorpe, and continues out through the south-west, where it meets Spring Creek to form the Severn River. Granite outcrops are evident along the watercourse – and make good spots to sit or picnic.
The creek banks have been attractively landscaped by the local Council to include five kilometres of walking and cycling tracks, linking one end of town to the Red Bridge. You’ll find tranquil picnic and barbecue areas along the way. Take time to walk alongside this beautiful creek, past water-worn granite boulders; take some bread to feed the ducks, watch for native birds, paddle at the water’s edge or just relax under the shade of a tree.
Near the visitor information centre on the creek bank is Kidspace – a brass monkey-themed playground for families and a good spot to take a break.
Sitting astride Quart Pot Creek in Stanthorpe is the historic and truly impressive Red Bridge, accessed by a short walk. The bridge, which is no longer red as its name suggests, was built in the mid-1880s without modern equipment, using manpower, horse-drawn drays and explosives.
It’s an enjoyable and easy walk to reach the bridge, and when there, visitors enjoy the photo opportunity and the opportunity to cross the creek on the low-level boardwalk or hop across the rocks to explore the creekside below the bridge.
Quart Pot Creek meanders all the way through Stanthorpe, with five kilometres of walking pathways following the creek, dotted with lovely spots to picnic and playgrounds along the way.
To reach The Ridge Bridge, park at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and walk from there, which involves crossing the creek near Maryland Street bridge on the low-level pedestrian bridge below the vehicle bridge. Then turn right to walk eastward towards Red Bridge which is less than one kilometre.
Alternatively, park closer to Red Bridge at the small parking lot where Rose Street meets Anzac Street at Heritage Park. Follow the creekside pathway in the direction away from the town centre, leading straight to the Red Bridge.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Stanthorpe through the artistically expressed thoughts, feelings, and dreams of the town’s talented creative community. Murals, sculptures, and mosaics are the mediums through which the captivating stories of this remarkable place are told on the Stanthorpe Art Trail. The best way to find and admire all of this amazing artwork is with the official Southern Downs Visitor App.
Download the official Southern Downs Visitor App and start planning your next Southern Downs adventure today. The Visitor App is the ultimate travel resource for the Southern Downs that helps you explore even more.
The Award winning Stanthorpe Heritage Museum has two collections of national significance and one of state significance. Subjects include pastoral, tin mining, orcharding, military, Aboriginal, Italian, Red Cross, medical, ‘Make-do’ and social history.
The Shepherd’s Hut (1842), Gaol (1876), School Residence (1894) Ardmore House (1920) Heath House (1940) Council Chambers (1914), Telecom building are incorporated into the complex.
With 14 buildings and more than 20,000 artefacts, the collection is supported by local family histories researched during the past fifty years. These records and photographs are housed in the Jean Harslett Research Room.
Come and visit this fascinating museum and see the story of this unique area come alive! Bus groups welcome but must be booked.
The Stanthorpe and District Historical Society has operated the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum since 1970.
The collection is maintained and presented by members of the Society. All items are donated by the local community and carefully restored and/or cleaned and displayed by volunteers.
Washpool Supply Co. is a natural soap, skincare, home health and giftware store in Stanthorpe, southern Queensland, which is part of the Granite Belt wine region.
The purpose built store opened in July 2022, after 13 years of being located in the nearby town of Ballandean, and provides a full sensory experience for locals and visiting tourists to the area wanting the complete Granite Belt experience. You will see the artisans handcrafting luxurious raw materials into gorgeous natural products for healthy skin and home. There is a product testing station to try the soap ranges, handwashes, shaving soap and more, and the team love nothing more than helping with gift selection and wrapping.
The store contains a coffee bar, where you can enjoy an organic coffee or specialty tea, whilst you browse the store surroundings, or watch the products being made in the lab. Friendly pets are welcome to visit too!
The Washpool products are made with natural ingredients including essential oils, and are supported with sustainable and ethical production and business practices.
There’s nothing better than immersing yourself in the full Washpool experience, or booking into one of the soap making workshops to learn to make your own soap.
Washpool Supply Co. is easily accessible and parking is provided nearby.
Stride into the history of Tin Town on the Stanthorpe Heritage Trail!
While corsets, three-piece suits and top hats are not compulsory, you might be tempted to dress the part as you walk in the footsteps of those who shaped this historic town in the late 19th Century and beyond.
The Stanthorpe Heritage Trail is a self-guided trail that is mapped and described on the free official Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App.
The Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App can be used 100% offline and features up-to-date information about the region’s attractions, accommodation, events, restaurants, tourist drives, walking trails and more.
Download the Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App from the App Store or Google Play and start exploring today!
This trail is approximately 2 kilometres long and will take under 1 hour of walking time to complete. Extra time will be required to take in the history and admire the architecture.
Images courtesy of the State Library of Queensland.
Journey along back roads to the spectacular wilderness of Sundown National Park on the Queensland–New South Wales border. With its dramatic landscape of sheer-sided gorges, tree-lined ridges and peaks rising over 1000m above the Severn River, discover for yourself the park’s wild isolation.
Camp on a river flat and throw a line in to see if you can catch a yellow-belly or eel-tailed catfish. Wander to Permanent Waterhole for a refreshing dip, or climb the Western circuit and gaze out across the horizon.
Witness rust-red granite cliffs at Red Rock Gorge lookout track, with peregrine falcons flying overhead. Walk among box, ironbark and cypress trees in beautiful eucalypt woodland, and picturesque river red gums and river oaks growing along the water.
Challenge yourself with a half-day adventure, following the creek from Burrows Waterhole to Rats Castle or into Ooline Creek. Keep watch for brush-tailed rock-wallabies hiding among rocks near Nundubbermere Falls. Investigate centuries-old pastoral relics and abandoned mines where tin, copper and arsenic were unearthed from the 1870s.
Jamworks Gourmet Foods has been creating Queenslands’ favourite condiments since 2001.
They manufacture a range of over 80 gourmet jams, relishes, chutneys, sauces and pastes, and have recently been awarded Medals in both the Australian Food Awards and the Royal Sydney.
Jamworks Gourmet Foods Café and Larder is a fully licenced café and manufacturer of artisan preserves.
They produce 70 plus products which are gluten and preservative free and are made on site using local produce where possible.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm and 7 days during Queensland School Holidays.
The menu includes breakfast, lunch and light meals including their trademark scones.
Dine, wine taste and experience the amazing facility that is Varias. A learning centre focused on all thing’s food, wine, tourism and hospitality.
It’s award winning Varias Restaurant is renown for showcasing local food and wines, and the talented young local who prepare and serve them. The Banca Ridge winery and Tastes of the Granite Belt cellar door provide a wonderful introduction to the region’s wine.
In February/March the popular Winemaker for a Weekend program coincides with grape harvest at the College.
Provides quality training and learning experiences based in a true commercial operation.
This quaint railway siding has photographers stopping in their tracks, literally. The view down the railway track with rustic, character-filled buildings flanked on either side makes it a favourite with photographers.
The buildings across the tracks from the railway siding were originally cold store buildings for local apples. Today these buildings are also in a disused state and what remains has rustic beauty for photography.
The siding is no longer in use, however once a month a steam train passes this way enroute from Warwick to Stanthorpe taking tourists for a day tour with Southern Downs Steam Railway. Please be watchful for trains or maintenance on the tracks and be aware the buildings are not open for public access.
Find Thulimbah Railway Siding at the intersection of Granite Belt Drive and Amiens Road, next to The Big Apple.
Storm King Dam rests in a picturesque rural setting with many water birds (including pelicans) and is an ideal spot for picnics, water sport and fishing. Fish species include golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch, jewfish and river blackfish. Anglers over 18 years of age require a fishing permit, available from any Australia Post outlet.
Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, drinking water, jetty, boat ramp, swimming area and playground. Please note that camping is not permitted however there is a private tourist park offering camping and caravan sites, and a recreational/youth camp available for large group bookings.
Storm King Dam is situated 10 kilometres southeast of Stanthorpe on the road to Eukey.
Sit at the 17-seat rosewood and leather table, that seated the Executive Council when Queen Victoria declared Queensland a colony in c1859! See original pictures of the government’s Executive Council. Enjoy the ambiance of tasting excellent award-winning wines, situated in a yesteryear atmosphere of collectibles and antique furniture. To complete the picture a warm, open log fire awaits, at the Cottonvale Cellar Door.
Enjoy the picturesque mountain views through the vines and pine trees, whilst indulging in award winning wines.
Three wines scored 95 points (out of 100), and this was published in The Australian Newspaper on Easter Saturday, 2020. A total of 9 wines submitted achieved the highest score in QLD and placed Heritage in the top 8% of Australia. Awards include:
Varieties include: Whites: Ansonica*, Chardonnay, Fiano*, Frizzante, Frontignac*, Marsanne*, Muscat Secco, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Savagnin* Sparkling Chardonnay, Verdelho*, Vermentino*,
Reds: Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec*, Muscat, Nero D’Avola*, Rosé Cabernet, Sagrantino*, Sangiovese*, Sparkling Shiraz, Shiraz Mourvèdre Grenache*, Shiraz Viognier*, Tempranillo*.
Heritage Estate is proud to feature in the Granite Belt’s StrangeBird Trail, representing emerging wine varieties.
Winner of Trip Advisor 2023 Travellers Choice and AGFG 2022-2024 Readers Choice Award.
At their Stanthorpe store on the New England Highway, Kent Saddlery invites visitors to experience their distinctive gallery style retail area; drop in say G’day, and smell the leather.
Reminiscent of an old-time saddlery store, guests are encouraged to touch, feel, and examine these beautifully handcrafted leather products, including Kent Saddlery’s own Heritage Collection of locally designed and handmade bags, handcrafted Kent saddles, horse-related products, and an extensive range of handmade leather belts and other top-quality items.
A family-friendly environment is guaranteed; the sights and sounds of the Comet Windmill and the Outback Mural combine with friendly chooks, animals, picnic tables and leather stamping to create a relaxing space the whole family can enjoy.
Come and experience Vintage Roads; a treasure hunter’s delight, crafter’s paradise, and adventure for the whole family!
Explore the eclectic warehouse packed with antiques, collectables, vintage, retro and up-cycled pieces to suit all tastes and budgets.
They stock a full range of knitting, crochet, and quilting supplies as well as retro & vintage clothing and jewellery.
Nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt wine region, South East Queensland is family owned and operated Granite Belt Christmas Farm. Renowned for bringing the ‘Christmas Spirit’ alive all year round, there are a bundle of ‘must do’s’ on the farm for the whole family.
Granite Belt Christmas Farm’s specialty is creating a family fun atmosphere where memories can be made and traditions created. 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 and let the kids pick the perfect tree for your family festivities.
Capture the magic of Christmas through the doors of our 3 magical stores and browse the spectacular range of Christmas decorations and gifts. Taste, indulge and enjoy Mrs. Claus’ festive hand crafted sweet treats and gourmet products.
The original bushranger hideout for ‘Thunderbolt’ who roamed the New England Tableland.
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 is far more accessible for young adventurers.
This rock formation, which you will find a short drive out of Stanthorpe near Pozieres, was named after Ned Donnelly, an early settler of the area. Now a crown recreation reserve, the area is maintained with picnic tables and barbecues.
The site offers boulders to scramble over and hidden passageways to explore, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area from the 200 metre walk to the top.
The main purpose at Zenik Hippy Shop is to provide each person who walks through the door with a positive, uplifting and enlightening experience. It is a space to relax, unwind and have a chat. They do their absolute best to ensure that anyone who visits them leaves with a smile on their face.
Their store stocks a wide range of metaphysical and spiritual products such as Crystals, Tarot Cards, Singing Bowls, Incense, Prayer Flags and Dried Medicinal Herbs, just to name a few. Along with a variety of other products including Jewellery, Clothing, Home Decor, Ornaments and much more. As well as showcasing some of the amazing artistic talent in the area with locally made Jewellery, Paintings, Pottery, Dreamcatchers and Skin Care.
They also provide a Free Book Nook containing books on everything from spiritual practices and mindfulness to natural healing and nutrition. These book are for anyone to take and enjoy, as we believe knowledge and information should never have a price.
Stanthorpe is where all of Queensland’s apple crop is grown, with more than one million trees surrounding the area it’s no surprise this is where you can find The Big Apple.
Stanthorpe’s Big Apple is 13km north of Stanthorpe along the New England Highway in the area called Thulimbah. The Big Apple sits outside Vincenzo’s at The Big Apple – a cafe, deli and wine bar.
Stop of a photo holding up the apple, pretending to eat it – we and visitors alike can’t help but stop to take these fun photos.
Why a big apple?… well Stanthorpe and particularly the Granite Belt villages north of Stanthorpe such as Thulimbah are where all of Queensland’s apple crop is grown. There are orchards everywhere around the countryside and Stanthorpe even has it’s own Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival every second year in February/May.
A Little Bit of History… The Big Apple was built in 1978 by local tradesman John Ross and erected by Brian Wilmot at Vincenzo’s a popular tourist spot near Stanthorpe in Queensland, Australia. The Big Apple was originally painted green, but has since been pained the colour of a red Royal Gala apple.
This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.
Welcome to The Tolly Ballandean
Plenty of room between you and the next site on Queensland’s first commercial truffle farm. 30 minutes from Stanthorpe, at the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country. Nestled in the hills with 1700 acres to explore, 7 kilometres of Severn River frontage, peace and quiet. Sleep under the stars and re-connect with nature.
Twinstar Guesthouse offers clean, comfortable, motel‑style accommodation in the heart of the Granite Belt, South-East Queensland, surrounded by wineries, orchards and wide country skies.
Conveniently located on the New England Highway at Ballandean—just 15 minutes from Stanthorpe and 40 minutes from Tenterfield, NSW—it’s an ideal base for exploring Girraween, Bald Rock, Sundown, and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks, renowned for bushwalking, birdwatching and spectacular wildflower displays.
Family‑owned and welcoming, Twinstar Guesthouse is also a favourite among amateur astronomers and astro‑photographers. They can enjoy dark rural skies from a dedicated stargazing area featuring a concrete observing platform eclosed by 1.8‑metre Colorbond fence, power access, extension cords, table and chairs. Each room includes a pair of binoculars and a star disk for personal sky‑viewing.
The Guesthouse offers three ensuite rooms, each with its own private entrance from the veranda, accommodating up to six guests in total. Every room is equipped with air‑conditioning, a pedestal fan, private bathroom (toilet and shower), fridge, microwave, toaster, basic cutlery, tea/coffee facilities, wardrobe, iron, hair dryer, toiletries, towels, linens and free Wi‑Fi.
Guests may also enjoy an optional home‑cooked dinner delivered to their room at 7pm (24‑hour advance booking required). Free undercover parking is available on site.
Radford Couples Cottage Circa 1874 is an intimately romantic and stylish cosy couples cottage for those seeking something special. An easy 10-minute stroll from cafes and shops in the heart of Stanthorpe. Only a short drive to the beautiful surrounding wineries.
Relax with your favourite wine by the open fire or take a soak in the claw foot bath. The cottage has a country kitchen with a full-size oven, air-conditioned bedrooms and soft fluffy towels. Complimentary tea and coffee supplied.
Whiskey Gully has luxury bush cottages for short stay and holiday rental all year round. Self-contained with kitchenette facilities or they can cater breakfast baskets for guests in their cottages.
Wood burning heaters to keep you cosy in winter and reverse-cycle air-conditioners for summer months.
Wander the gardens and parkland of this grand old country homestead property next to a working vineyard. Get away from it all; it’s lovely up there!
The Folly Ballandean’s outstanding location and wide open spaces are perfect for those wanting to escape it all. They offer 16 campsites for self-sufficient campers with 360-degree views of the surrounding hills and plenty of space between sites.
Activities available on the property include fishing, birdwatching, bushwalking, patting donkeys, outdoor fires and general exploring. Guided fishing and truffle farm tours are also available.
Twisted Gum Cottage is the perfect place to spend the weekend when you are visiting the Granite Belt.
This friendly 1920’s farm cottage is located in the centre of the vineyard. It has a beautiful outlook, a toasty wood fire, three generous bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped modern kitchen, dining area and a sunny living room overlooking the vine covered deck.
A historic ex-railway federation cottage located in the heart of the Granite Belt wine district, the perfect spot to immerse yourself in local Granite Belt wines, incredible food coming from producers in the area, and the stunning walks in the nearby Girraween National Park.
The perfect friends or family retreat with three comfortable bedrooms sleeping up to six people. Two bedrooms have queen size beds, with a double bed in the third, each room has a different outlook to the countryside or Glen Aplin village.
A country style well appointed dine-in kitchen caters to all of your needs. You will not struggle finding the kitchen implements you need to create a gourmet meal.
The cosy living area with large glass fronted fireplace is the place to spend those cold granite belt nights. Super comfortable lounge and seating to accomodate everyone with a TV and games for those colder nights.
Relax under the stars in the large yard and snuggle up around the fire pit to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Surrounded by some of the best wineries in the region and overlooked by Mt Stirling, this cottage is relaxing, homely yet modern and beautifully appointed catering to everything you need for your country getaway.
Set on a spacious 38-acre property, Stargazers Escape offers a sense of tranquility in the heart of the Granite Belt. Just a short 5-minute drive from the town centre of Stanthorpe, your gateway to the region’s wineries and natural wonders, our retreat promises a memorable experience.
Explore the best the area has to offer, then return to the private cottages to relax and recharge. Each cottage features a fully screened private verandah with a BBQ, perfect for al fresco dining while enjoying the surroundings and magic sunset views.
Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, take a leisurely hike to the lookout, or simply unwind by the fireplace in the comfort of their private sanctuary. The cottages are designed for privacy, featuring a king-size bedroom with plush linens, a spacious bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a generous living area. Additionally, one of the cabins can accommodate twin sharing and includes a pull-out bed suitable for children under 12.
At Stargazers Escape, they specialize in providing a premium, private, and customized experience in the Granite Belt. Whether you’re a couple seeking a special getaway or a small group in search of tranquility, they’re here to ensure your stay is memorable without overwhelming luxury.
Built in the early 1900s, The Nurses Quarters is located on Mt Stirling Farm, nestled at the end of a tree lined Olive Drive, surrounded by natural bushland and stunning views.
The brand new fully equipped kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, with everything you need to prepare your country favourites. The two large bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with comfort and style in mind, while the living area is perfect for relaxation, featuring original stained-glass windows, a lush three seater lounge, and a cosy fireplace.
The brand-new bathroom includes an antique silky oak wash basin and mirror, a large walk-in shower, underfloor heating, and dual access from the lounge and verandah, allowing you to enjoy your own private shower with a view across the farm.
The sprawling wrap-around verandah, complete with a safety gate to stairs, ensures the safety of both furry friends and children, providing peace of mind as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the ever changing landscape of our cultivated paddocks, granite outcrops and natural bushland. With sweeping vistas extending to Mt Stirling, this outdoor haven becomes the perfect spot to unwind, savoring a morning coffee or indulging in an afternoon wine while immersing yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.
Built in the mid-1900s, The Packing Shed once served as the bustling heart of the property, where local produce was packaged and prepared, laying the foundation for the farm’s early success.
Today, The Packing Shed has been reimagined as a luxurious one-bedroom accommodation. The spacious open-plan design combines an expansive lounge and living area, providing both comfort and style. Stepping outside through the generous double doors you’ll find your own private fire pit, the perfect setting for peaceful evenings.
The polished concrete flooring pays homage to its rustic origins, while the kitchen combines all your modern comforts with a handcrafted timber island bench. Once a wool classing table on a rural sheep property, it underwent a stunning transformation by a local artisan, resulting in a remarkable piece of furniture.
The spacious bedroom features a plush queen-sized bed, antique furnishings, beautiful linen, curated artwork, a textured rug and bespoke lamps, all signature styling that Mt Stirling Farm & Cottages is renowned for.
The bathroom has been thoughtfully restored, featuring heated underflooring, an early 1900s vanity, and bespoke mirror, adding a touch of elegance to this remarkable accommodation.
At the end of a day exploring, unwind on genuine timber squatter chairs as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside, teeming with abundant fauna and native wildlife, immersing yourself in the serene and peaceful escape.
The Shed Stanthorpe is a brand new luxury Architect designed Shed House for up to 6 people, including two queen bedrooms and a private bunk nook.
Located in the heart of town in a quiet street, a very short walk to all the restaurants and pubs.
After exploring the Granite Belt and all it has to offer during the day, cosy up in the living room next to the fireplace.
Experience the ultimate short stay luxury in Stanthorpe. Perfect for girls long weekends, romantic getaways or a family adventure.
Journey along back roads to the spectacular wilderness of Sundown National Park on the Queensland–New South Wales border. With its dramatic landscape of sheer-sided gorges, tree-lined ridges and peaks rising over 1,000m above the Severn River, discover for yourself the park’s wild isolation.
Base yourself at one of Sundown’s camping areas and explore the surrounding park. Burrows Waterhole, Nundubbermere Falls, Reedy Waterhole and The Broadwater camping areas are scattered along the Severn River, and Red Rock Gorge camping area is on a ridgetop above sheer, lichen-stained cliffs.
Head out on foot for a bush camping adventure and experience the park’s rugged, secluded landscape at its finest. Explore up and down the river, or tackle challenging multi-day hikes up side creeks, into gorges and up formidable ranges, stopping to pitch a tent at one of the many remote campsites.
Book and purchase your camping permit in advance.
Up & Away, at 857m above sea level, is the highest point between Toowoomba & The Summit. Offering spectacular 180-degree views of the entire Southern Downs region.
Relax, enjoy wine by the fire pit, soak in the infinity saltwater pool/spa, make pizza in the outdoor pizza oven, or explore the gardens & nature trails. Just 20 minutes to Warwick, and less than 30 minutes to wineries of the Granite Belt.
The Folly Ballandean’s outstanding location and wide open spaces are perfect for those wanting to escape it all. The Ironbark Hut offers guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in rustic log cabin, with 360-degree views of the surrounding hills.
The cabin is perfect for couples or small families, with one bedroom and separate bathroom, a studio layout in the kitchen and lounge and a fold out sofa with curtains to pull across for privacy.
The outdoor firepit is the perfect place to relax, toast marshmallows and watch as the native animals go about their business before the sky comes alive with stars.
Activities available on the property include fishing, birdwatching, bushwalking, patting donkeys, general exploring. Guided fishing and truffle farm tours are also available.
The location boasts freedom, romance and relaxation, nestled amongst the areas wineries, breweries and many other attractions directly linked to the famous Granite Belt.
Relax with a local wine amongst the trees, friendly kangaroos and enjoy the fresh country air, peace and serenity of the bush. Take a walk to the highest point and watch the glorious sunsets over the mountain- or just sit on your balcony and watch the sun go down.
Snuggle up for a cosy evening next to the fireplace and enjoy the ambience these cottages provide.
Contact Information
Stanthorpe Information 07 4681 2057
Warwick Information 07 4661 3122
Email us: visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au
