Bush Farm Camp by the Dam

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Great bush campsite next to a dam. The area is great for bush walks and wildlfe watching, with lots of rocky areas to explore. Surrounded by national parks, exploration and adventure are at your finger tips! Some great nearby wineries for you to enjoy, as well as great places to swim in the warm weather. Great places to fish in the surrounding waterways. Just 15 minutes into Standthorpe, 3 hours from Brisbane. Guests must be full self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided. Pets are allowed on leash.

Ridgemill Estate ‘Pick Crush Plunge’ Experience

Step into vintage 2027 with winemaker Peter McGlashan, who has spent over 21 years crafting ridgemill estate’s finest wines.

This hands on experience lets you pick grapes, stomp through the crush, plunge an active red wine ferment and deepen your understanding and appreciation for the science behind turning grapes into wine, all while learning from a true winemaking expert.

This small group experience keeps you close to the action, asking questions, getting involved and seeing what winemakers really do.

The experience concludes with a beautiful three course ‘Under the Tuscan Sky’ twilight dinner thoughtfully paired with ridgemill estate wines and hosted by estate owners Martin & Michelle alongside winemaker Peter.

It’s an intimate and memorable way to reflect on the day’s achievements and toast a vintage you’ll always have a connection to!

As a lasting memento and perfect reminder of your day in the vineyard, you’ll also receive a bottle of the vintage you helped bring to life (once it’s released).

Donnelly’s Keep @ Donnellys Castle

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Wildlife lovers, this one’s for you! Adjacent to Donnellys Castle—an incredible granite rock formation you can walk through and over—Donnelly’s Keep is a 40-acre bush paradise. Enjoy native birds, wildlife, and stunning rocky outcrops right on your doorstep. Perfect for self-contained campers in flat, accessible paddocks. Meet our rescue pony, alpacas, and miniature goats at 3 pm. Just 15 mins from Stanthorpe’s orchards and vineyards. Come explore, relax, and connect with nature! Access to paddocks is via a well-maintained gravel road with only minor correlations. Directional access is best via Amiens Rd/Pozieres Rd /Donnellys Castle Rd Intersection.

Murder Mystery Night at Ridgemill Estate

‘The Vintage of Vengeance’ Murder Mystery Experience: sour grapes, sweet revenge, bitter murder!

Behind the elegant façade of fine wine and candlelight, a crime has been committed. The Chief Detective has been called, the suspects are gathered and somewhere among them sits the culprit.

Now it’s up to you to follow the clues, uncover secrets and question what you think you know. Some truths will be revealed openly. Others will be hidden in plain sight.

No acting experience or special knowledge is required — just curiosity, observation and a willingness to engage with those around you.

Gather your friends, dress the part and get ready for a fun and memorable night at ridgemill estate with beautiful wine, delicious canapés and a few unexpected twists along the way!

What’s Included:
Your ticket unlocks a complete, immersive experience from the moment you arrive.

Welcome drink: Settle in with a complimentary glass of wine and take the chance to meet your fellow guests before the evening’s mystery unfolds.

Canapés: A delicious selection served throughout the evening. Dietary requirements can be catered for — please advise when booking.

The Murder Mystery Experience: Step into an interactive evening of storytelling, clues, secrets and suspense.

Spaces are strictly limited—book your tickets now to see if you can solve the mystery before the killer strikes again!

Suited to 18+ years only

31 The Rocks

Nestled within the rugged beauty of South East Queensland’s Granite Belt, 31 The Rocks offers boutique self-contained villas that combine comfort, seclusion, and a deep connection to nature.

Just a short 2 min drive from Stanthorpe and the spectacular Girraween National Park, the accommodation is ideally located for couples, solo travellers, and nature lovers seeking a sustainable and peaceful escape.

Wake each morning to the sound of birdsong and sip your coffee with panoramic views of native bushland. Spend your day exploring the region’s award-winning wineries, walking trails, and fresh produce markets. Then return to your villa to unwind in cosy, contemporary surrounds.

Each architect-designed villa features a private balcony, fully equipped kitchenette, and thoughtful touches to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with yourself, your partner, or the land around you. Universally accessible villa also available.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, attending a seasonal event like the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, or simply craving time in the quiet, 31 The Rocks offers a sanctuary where nature meets understated luxury.

Perfectly positioned for year-round adventures and seasonal getaways, 31 The Rocks is a favourite among guests who value authenticity, comfort, and the gentle rhythm of the bush.

Plan your Queensland Country escape today—and see why so many guests return, again and again.

Connor House

Originally built in 1906 this grand old home still has many of her original features and as soon as you walk in, you will instantly feel relaxed.

Connor House is situated within walking distance to the main street and Quart Pot Creek parklands, on a huge fully fenced block with plenty of room for groups, the kids and/or the dog (subject to approval).
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This is a fully self contained home with 4 queen bedrooms and additional bedding is available upon request.

A huge wood heater is ideal to sit beside as you sample the abundance of local wines on offer in the area. Firewood is provided and each bed has an electric blanket for extra coziness in the winter.

All linen and towels are provided. The property features two toilets and two showers, BBQ and outdoor entertaining area, lock-up double garage and off street parking for four cars. Full kitchen and laundry facilities, TV, DVD, video, iPod dock and stereo provided. Tour bus operators will pick up from the front door.

Alure Stanthorpe

Alure Stanthorpe is exclusively for couples who want to indulge in a sublime, romantic retreat and experience the ultimate in sophisticated, self catering bed and breakfast accommodation. This first class luxury tent camping/glamping experience is complete with every convenience you could never imagine you’d find in a tent.

Home of Australia’s most romantic and luxurious self contained tent accommodation, Alure also has two other private luxury split level villas.

Escape for a romantic break at Alure’s beautifully appointed villas. Set back for privacy on a 50 acre property; the villas are nestled amongst tranquil bushland. Take in the magnificent views from the comfort of the sumptuous lounge, unwind in front of a crackling fire, or end the day stargazing whilst soaking in your private heated outdoor spa.

Alure Stanthorpe is located only minutes from the many cellar doors of the Granite Belt Wine region, spectacular National Parks and the treasures that Stanthorpe has to offer, including first class restaurants and cafes.

Fall in love again at Alure Stanthorpe.

Foxbar Falls Campground

Foxbar Falls Campground is an 80-site campground settled amongst granite landscapes, native Australian bush and a working vegetable farm.

The property offers a unique camping or caravanning experience for nature lovers, adventure-seekers and families alike. With hiking, fishing, photography, swimming, mountain biking, kayaking and bird-watching all on offer, there is plenty for visitors to do onsite.

The campground is also located within a 20-minute drive of local wineries, breweries, cideries, bakeries, restaurants and other tourist attractions.

Briar Rose Cottages

Briar Rose Cottages consists of three quaint cottages on the edge of Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt Region.

Mulberry Cottage is a two-bedroom cottage (sleeps four), Silky Oak Cottage is a one-bedroom cottage, and their newest cottage Cedar Cottage is a three-bedroom cottage (sleeps six). All cottages are fully self-contained with modern kitchens, a stove, oven, microwave and a range of cooking utensils and equipment. All cottages also offer a wood heater with all wood supplied and an outdoor fire pit to sit around in the evening to chat about your day’s adventures!

The cottages have all been recently renovated with new, contemporary furniture and fixtures. Mulberry Cottage boasts a beautiful open-plan living area and a large front verandah. Silky Oak Cottage offers a gorgeous spiral staircase leading to a loft bedroom, beautiful front deck and a large bathroom with a bathtub. Cedar Cottage has a front porch and rear deck, modern furnishings and a large private backyard.

Briar Rose Cottages is pet friendly! One small pet per stay. Please get in touch with them to discuss prior to booking.

The cottages are located one kilometre from Stanthorpe Central Business District, cafes, shops and picturesque creek and walkways.

Ballandean Lodge

Ballandean Lodge is a 115-year-old grand Queenslander set on a six-acre olive grove surrounded by grapevines, making it the perfect place to unwind and take in the spectacular valley and mountain views to Sundown National Park – especially as the sun sets.

The Lodge’ s four bedrooms are all air conditioned with their own bathroom, toilet and wide verandah, allowing guests to retreat to their own private space after a hard day’s wine tasting at Ballandean’s numerous prestige wineries (all within minutes of the Lodge).

A Stanthorpe Getaway

A Stanthorpe Getaway is situated on six acres of rustic charm in the heart of granite belt wine country. The accommodation is perfect for families, group getaways, or couples looking for a romantic weekend escape to the country.

Follow the Strange Bird wine trail and visit the local award-winning wineries or visit the local boutique breweries, all a short drive away.

A Stanthorpe Getaway is surrounded by amazing scenery and some of the granite belts best-known landmarks, including Girraween National Park, Storm King dam, Ballandean pyramid and Ballandean dinosaur.

There are five dwellings available, see the website for further details.

Best Block Friendly Fruit Art Farm

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering.

Serenity, forest, boulders and wildlife. Camping on a 127 acre (51 hectares) mixed farm made up of pastures, old orchards and 50% remnant forest and rock wilderness. Only 10 minutes drive to Stanthorpe. The western farm boundary sides with Broadwater State Forest, a broad expanse of public wild land managed by QNPS. Diverse wildlife include grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, turtles, native frogs, brush tail possums and squirrel gliders. Wild birds include crimson and Eastern rosellas, king parrots, red-winged parrots, currawongs, koels, native ducks, cormorants, coots, bronze-winged pigeons, superb wrens, pardalotes, grey cuckoo-shrikes, firetail finches, white throated tree creepers and many many more. Campground features include piped dam water and stainless steel sink, wood BBQ, cast iron wood stove with oven, 2.5m counter top, fire pit with seating, outdoor pit toilet and shower stall with hook for a bucket shower. Instead of camping, Best Block Friendly Fruit Art Farm also offers lodging. Built to house teams of WWOOFERs (Willing Workers On Organic Farms). the strawbale construction bedroom, adobe laundry & toilet, and stonewall kitchen & shower makes for a convenient mountain holiday.

2026 Progressive Dinner and Tour (P.O.E.T.S.)

Every Saturday, under a romantic sunset, take Entrees in the Vineyard, Mains by fire in the Cellardoor surrounded by candles and twinkles in the high vaulted ceilings, and wrap up with a walk through the winery to end in the heady Barrelroom with decadent Dessert in the heart Granite Belt’s highest altitude 5-Star winery. Enjoy the afterglow of dinner with an after-dinner digestif. Stroll under the Milky Way stars back to your vehicle and take in the clear airs.

AGFG ReadersChoice Awarded chef (4yrs to 2024) prepares a gourmet meal of scallops, prawns, lamb, Angus beef, cheeses and delightful desserts, in three different locations. Drink/take away four bottles of wine as a memento.

Be escorted by the Vignerons and owners of the winery. Romantic music, candlelight, roaring fires, soaring ceilings, smell the beautiful roses, soak up the heady oak and new wine smell of the Barrelroom. Indulge in this exclusive, luxury, private experience. POETs (Push Off Early, Tomorrow’s Sunday) Progressive Dinner is unique in Queensland.

Camerata Weekender – Camerata Gala

A blockbuster evening.

Get ready for the roof to lift off at this Camerata Gala – a landmark event marking the first time Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra will appear outside Brisbane in its full, expanded 35‑piece ensemble. Mozart’s sparkling Marriage of Figaro Overture sets the scene with wit and brilliance, followed by a brand‑new work from Camerata’s Emerging Composer‑in‑Residence, Imogen Ferdinando, inspired by the Queensland shire of Balonne. The evening culminates in Beethoven’s exhilarating Symphony No.7, the work that cemented his status as the world’s greatest living composer. Experience the magic of live orchestral music created right in front of your eyes.

Charcoal & Scarlet – Sunset Spit Rotisserie at Balancing Heart Vineyard

Every Friday Balancing Heart offers a special sunset spit rotisserie from 4pm along with fantastic live music

The charcoal & scarlet menu is a two-course set meal, featuring a different roast meat every week. The usual delicious Balancing Heart pizza menu is also available, so no need to restrict the table – everyone can enjoy their favourites!

Limited roast servings are available, so please book online if you don’t want to miss out.

Menu:
Starter – Garlic focaccia bread
Main – Roast on the spit (meat changes weekly)
Sides – choice of either:
Duck fat potatoes + seasonal greens + pumpkin
or
Salad.

Pricing Per Person:
AUD29 regular serve of roast
AUD36 large serve of roast
AUD15 child’s serve.

Camerata Weekender – Festival Finale

A sublime classical playlist.

What’s the saying? Not too heavy, not too light – just right! After a big weekend of listening, settle in for the final concert designed as the perfect musical palate cleanser. This irresistible classical taste tester brings together short, sweet gems for string quintet, ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Piazzolla and bold contemporary voices. Performed in the luminous surrounds of the Stanthorpe Art Gallery, this breezy program moves effortlessly from the intimate to the uplifting. Sublime, varied, and deeply satisfying, it’s the ideal way to wind down the Weekender and head home on a high.

Sunday Session in the Vines at Balancing Heart Vineyard

Sunday afternoons unwind slowly at Balancing Heart Vineyard, where live music drifts across the vines to send the weekend out on a high note.

A rotating line-up of local musicians, with guest artists from across Australia joining throughout the year, sets a mellow soundtrack for an easy afternoon among the granite boulders and rolling vines of Queensland’s high-altitude Granite Belt. Pair a glass of complimentary tasting wine with a Stonefire pizza fresh from the oven, or settle in with a shared platter and let the afternoon stretch out.

It’s a relaxed, family and dog friendly way to close out the weekend, with sweeping views to the Roberts Range.

Just outside Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt wine trail, Sunday Session in the Vines makes a fitting last stop on any Southern Downs getaway.

Camerata Weekender – Lunch at Varias Vineyard

A moment to savour.

A relaxed and indulgent Sunday lunch set among the breathtaking surrounds of Varias Vineyard. Enjoy a beautifully curated two‑course meal celebrating the best locally sourced produce, perfectly matched with exquisite regional wines. This shared long‑table experience is the ideal opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow festival guests, and reflect on a weekend of music and discovery. With stunning vineyard views and warm hospitality, this is a memorable flourish to your Camerata Weekender.

Stanthorpe Berry Festival

Mark your calendars and head to the beautiful Granite Belt for a berry good time at the Stanthorpe Berry Festival!

This year, festival favorites are back bigger and better, with epic cooking demonstrations from talented local culinary crews and a celebrity chef hitting the stage to wow you with their strawberry-inspired creations.

The whole family is in for a treat—kids will love the games, activities, and fun zones, while the BBQ lovers in the crowd can cheer on the sizzling action at Stanthorpe’s first Sausage Slam, guaranteed to fire up the competition after last year’s epic showdown.

This is a true strawberry celebration, packed with live cooking demos, jam and chutney competitions, the iconic celebration cake, eating contests, pie throwing, live music, and so much more! Whether you’re here to taste the sweetest berries, jam out to great tunes, or watch all the fun unfold, there’s something for everyone.

Take the scenic trip to Stanthorpe this summer, soak up the fresh country air, and join the festivities. It’s a delicious, fun-filled day you won’t want to miss. See you at the Stanthorpe Berry Festival!

It’s totally Strawesome!

Camerata Weekender – In Conversation

On music and memories.

Join Camerata Artistic Director Brendan Joyce for a warm and engaging conversation that invites you inside the creative life of an artist. Set against the nostalgic charm of the old Stanthorpe Railway platform, this relaxed morning event pairs thoughtful discussion over Devonshire tea. Brendan will share stories from his musical journey, reflections on performance and creativity, and insights into what inspires his work – past, present, and future. With the peaceful setting of a country station as the backdrop, this unique gathering offers a rare chance to listen, ask questions, and connect in an informal setting where music, conversation, and community meet.

Saturday Sounds and Sips at Balancing Heart Vineyard

Live music and award winning wine meet every Saturday at Balancing Heart Vineyard, set among the granite boulders and rolling vines of Queensland’s high altitude Granite Belt.

From lunch until dinner, the Cellar Door comes alive with a rotating line up of emerging talent, much loved local musicians and touring performers, so the soundtrack is never quite the same twice. Settle in with a glass of cool climate wine, share a plate of locally inspired food, and let the afternoon unfold across views that stretch across the vines.

It’s a relaxed, family and dog friendly affair, just as suited to a long lazy lunch with friends as a sunset wind down and dinner. The team will guide you through tastings that reveal the unique characteristics of the Granite Belt, while the next song drifts across the vineyard.

Just outside Stanthorpe, and an easy stop on the Granite Belt wine trail, Balancing Heart Vineyard makes Sounds and Sips a natural fit for any Southern Downs getaway. Discover why locals and visitors keep coming back, Saturday after Saturday.

Australian Small Winemakers Show

The premier show recognising the excellence and innovation by small wine producers.

A week of judging culminating in a Public Tasting event of the exhibited wines. Discover new and emerging wine styles and wine varietals plus have a few of your old favourites along the way.

The Public Tasting event is a ticketed event occurring, generally, on the last Saturday in October each year held in Stanthorpe, Queensland,

Fireside Friday Dinner and Museum Wine

Fireside Fridays at Heritage Estate offer an intimate evening of indulgence, where you can sink into deep leather Chesterfields beside the glowing fire and enjoy tiers of hot tapas paired with premium and museum wines in the company of their vignerons. The menu features a curated selection of gourmet bites, including Coffin Bay oysters (Mornay or Kilpatrick), flambé baby octopus, crocodile green curry, quail grilled with goddess dressing, venison bitesize pies with Riesling tomato relish, a Mediterranean tart with pinenuts, asparagus, goat cheese and peppers, Angus beef tataki, and duck breast with cognac sauce. Designed to delight the palate and transport the senses, this elegant experience is the perfect way to create unforgettable Friday night memories in the heart Granite Belt’s highest altitude five Star winery.

AGFG ReadersChoice Awarded chef (five years to 2025) with Romantic music, candlelight, roaring fires, soaring ceilings, smell the beautiful roses, soak up the heady oak and indulge in this exclusive, luxury, private experience.

Starlight and Vines

This is a chance to spend a couple of hours outdoors, enjoying the night sky and seeing the Granite Belt from a different perspective.

For two hours, local night sky specialist Bryan Middleton will guide you through the stars, sharing the stories, science and secrets behind what you’re seeing above you. You’ll explore the constellations, discover which planets and deep sky objects are visible, and take a closer look through the high powered telescope. And because no two nights in the sky are ever quite the same, every Starlight & Vines experience has its own little moment of magic.

You don’t need to know anything about astronomy. Bryan keeps things relaxed and easy to follow, so whether you’re already a bit of a star nerd or just curious about what’s up there, you’ll feel right at home. There’s time to sit back, have a drink, ask questions, have a chat and enjoy being outside without having anywhere else to be.

Once you start looking up, you might be surprised by just how much there is to see!

And because stargazing is better with something good to eat, choose from one of their cheese boards or grazing platters to enjoy during your experience.

Stanthorpe Gardenfest

The Number One Gardening Event on the Southern Downs & Granite Belt — Stanthorpe Gardenfest

Stanthorpe Gardenfest brings together passionate gardeners, plant lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts for a spectacular celebration of all things green. Many of your favourite long-standing stallholders will return, along with exciting new additions, making this event a must-attend for anyone who loves the garden life.

Hosted by The Stanthorpe Garden Club Inc, this annual event continues to grow, thanks to the wonderful support of dedicated gardeners and newcomers alike who are eager to dig in and discover something new.

Spring is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of nature — a vibrant, colourful season that invites everyone to get outside and enjoy the garden in full bloom. Join us for one of the most enjoyable weekends of the year at Stanthorpe Gardenfest!

Festival of Small Halls Spring Tour 2026 – Glen Aplin

The Glen Aplin Memorial Hall was erected in memory of those from the district who served in World War One and World War Two. Building materials were scarce but the Glen Aplin community volunteers worked with ingenuity and persistence to make bricks with sand from the nearby Severn River.

In 1953 the Hall was opened with a Gala Ball attracting people from far and wide to celebrate and try out the dance floor, the largest in the Granite Belt at that time. The Gala Ball included prizes for the most charmingly dressed lady, the most original fan, the most colourful tie and a balloon waltz!

Since then the Hall has continued to host many community celebrations, weddings, wakes, markets and dances along with sporting and social activities.

Glen Aplin is a close knit community located on the Granite Belt, south of Stanthorpe. The region is famous for its Mediterranean climate, fruit, vegetables, wine and various tourist facilities.

Festival of Small Halls returns to Glen Aplin with Nicole Murray and Old Man Luedecke.

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets locally at Gracious Giving, Stanthorpe

5-Senses Black-Tie

The gourmet 5-Senses Discovery is unique in Queensland. Starting with a Vineyard Walk and Talk, then in the winery, a Sommelier Wine Discussion, and finally, the chef explains the providence of the produce.

Allow four hours to delight your senses with 8-dish silver service experience presented on the second Saturday monthly; 6 pm. In the vineyard, with a glass of champagne, our viticulturist shows the vines in action. Then the tastes of 5-star Wines and chef-hatted dining, the smells of exclusive 54 scent “Nez du Vin”, sights of silent movies, sounds of a live String Quartet Ensemble, and a touch of class.

Celebrate in cooler weather, seated on Queensland’s 1st Parliamentary Table (c1859), by roaring fires. Lift the beautiful crystal lid to see Hickory smoke waft from the gravlax salmon, see burning sauce, with sparkles spraying delicately over the large black plate. Savour wild-caught venison and other delicacies. No wonder this experience is called 5-Senses. Seven dishes with names like ‘Diamonds in the Rough’, ‘Smoked Earth After Rain’, ‘Salted Jump in the Mouth’, ‘Bitter Sweet Geo-space’, ‘Fathom, Falter and Flinch’, ‘Rooted Guerdon’, ‘Gilded Granite’.

Includes entertainment, education, food, and matching wines.

Friday Night Soirées at Ridgemill Estate

Soirées at Ridgemill Estate are a relaxed way to spend a Friday evening in a beautiful vineyard setting, just a short drive from Stanthorpe. Entry is free, so settle in and soak up the atmosphere.

Each soirée has its own line up, with local musicians playing throughout the season and guest foodies joining them on selected dates. Ridgemill Estate wines are available alongside beer, cider, cruisers and soft drinks. You can also order one of their grazing boards or cheese platters to share.

And if you’re coming from Stanthorpe, why not leave the car at home? Their comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle makes getting to and from a soirée easy, so everyone can sit back, relax and enjoy the evening. Just add the shuttle to your booking when you reserve your table.

Gather your friends, choose your date, book your table and get ready for a relaxed Friday night at Ridgemill Estate.

Opera in Stanthorpe at the Winery

A new force in entertainment, TenorUS (“Why have TEN when all you need is Us ?”) brings together three of Australia’s best and most beloved opera singers. Internationally famed “Ten Tenors” star and founder, Roger Davy partners with special guests, with a sophisticated smorgasbord of Opera, Broadway and Contemporary songs.

Joining TenorUS for this fabulous night will be special guest Soprano Diva Gabrielle Jack a coloratura soprano who will perform popular duets from some of your favorite musicals including West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, and MammaMia.

Combine this with magnificent food and wine served on the night, some great audience participation, interaction, and singalongs, this will be a night to remember.

TenorUs, features two of Australia’s beloved tenors, Roger Davy and guest Broadway stars. A third Opera star will join this duo to make it Two Tenors and a Soprano.

As the driving force behind the much-celebrated singing sensation The Ten Tenors and a singer with Opera Australia, tenor Roger Davy is a well-known face across the World for his corporate and private performances.

Heritage Estate Wines presents Opera, Broadway, and contemporary crossover with a four course silver service gourmet dinner and show.

Grazing the Granite Belt – Spring

One ticket gives you a weekend of food and wine and a hop-on-hop-off bus through Granite Belt Wine Country! Ticket holders meander their way across the 12 venues, ‘lazy grazing’ their way from one to the next.

The ‘lazy grazing’ experience is built around the unique concept that ticket holders access 9 award-winning Granite Belt wineries via hop-on, hop-off buses running on a loop on Saturday. Nine locations: cellar doors, spanning Stanthorpe to Ballandean release special artisan menus for the weekend, featuring Granite Belt local produce as the heroes and each available with a perfectly matched wine.

Each winery venue along with the route craft special menus for ‘grazers’ and the hardest choice is which menu and winery to stop in at next! Access to the whole grazing experience, including unlimited hop-on, hop off-bus transfers Saturday, four meal tickets and four drink tickets to redeem at wineries along with the way and a Sunday morning brunch from three amazing venues.

Exhibition: Crisps Youth Art Prize ’26 ‘Insects’

One of the most popular exhibitions, the Crisps Youth Art Prize is an annual exhibition that showcases art from Granite Belt youth.

This year’s theme is ‘Insects’.

Insects display remarkable beauty through incredible diversity, vibrant colours, and intricate, specialized adaptations. From the iridescent scales of butterfly wings and the brilliant colours of beetles to the precise camouflage of leaf insects. They are essential, functional, and “tiny treasures” that offer fascinating artistic patterns, from their movements to their physical structures.

Insects are crucial to life on Earth, acting as primary pollinators for flowers and crops (80% of wild plants), decomposing waste to maintain soil fertility, and serving as a fundamental food source for wildlife. They drive ecosystem health through pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.

Almost any type of light-themed art is exhibited; this includes paintings, photographs & mixed media.

Exhibition: Sandra Pearce, Jill Birtwistle, Eileen Mair “Tangled in Words, Weeds and Water”

An exhibition about hope, and a shared commitment to printmaking, letterpress and artist bookmaking.

Opening Night: Friday 9 October 6pm

Tangled in Words, Weeds and Water brings together three artists connected by their shared commitment to printmaking, letterpress and artist book practices.

By playing with the relationship between words, weeds and water, the artists invite us to consider how our actions – intentional or accidental – shape the health of our local ecosystems, and how in the future, there is hope that more thoughtful interventions might allow new narratives to emerge.

Earth, Wine, and Fire Progressive Dinner and Tour

The Earth, Wine and Fire Progressive Dinner is unique in Queensland.

Every Saturday, under a romantic sunset, take a trip to the apple orchard with wine and hors d’oeuves, then entrees in the Vineyard, Mains by fire in the Cellardoor surrounded by candles and twinkles in the high vaulted ceilings, and wrap up with a walk through the winery to end in the heady Barrelroom with decadent Dessert in the heart Granite Belt’s highest altitude 5-Star winery. Enjoy the afterglow of dinner with an after-dinner digestif. Stroll under the Milky Way stars back to your vehicle and take in the clear airs.

AGFG ReadersChoice Awarded chef (3yrs to 2024) prepares a gourmet meal of scallops, prawns, lamb, Angus beef, cheeses and delightful desserts, in three different locations. Drink/take away four bottles of wine as a memento.

Be escorted by the Vignerons and owners of the winery. Romantic music, candlelight, roaring fires, soaring ceilings, smell the beautiful roses, soak up the heady oak and new wine smell of the Barrelroom. Indulge in this exclusive, luxury, private experience.

Exhibition: Rob Allen – for the birds

Celebrating the region’s birdlife

An all-new exhibition by one of our favourite artists. Rob’s exhibited works often sell out so get in quick to see these.

For the Birds is a series of lifelike paintings that celebrates our region’s beautiful, engaging yet vulnerable birdlife.

Australia has its share of the most watchable. Their plumage and displays can be spectacular; they have unique voices that we love to hear, vocalisations that amaze and intrigue, behaviours that engage us.

Celebrating their uniqueness paves the way for us to enjoy sharing the world with them.

Camerata Weekender – Orava Quartet

The string quartet in focus.

Australia’s renowned Orava Quartet open the Weekender with a vibrant program in the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery. This spectacular concert brings together the elegance of Mozart, the colour of Debussy, and the earthy vitality of Nordic folk music. Renowned for their interpretive insight and musical maturity, the Orava Quartet invite you into a rich musical conversation – four distinctive voices in perfect dialogue. This will be a refined, atmospheric start to an unforgettable weekend.

Market in the Mountains

100% Local artisan handcrafted market held on the second Sunday of each month, plus Queensland Long Weekends.

Held completely undercover at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds Pavilion and supporting local artists, crafters, farmers, makers and growers since 1993.

Stallholders vary throughout the year as fruit and vegetables are seasonal.

Camerata Weekender – Bach in the Church

An intimate morning recital.

Ballandean’s The Church – Local Wine Project plays host to this morning’s private performance featuring a Camerata trio led by Artistic Director Brendan Joyce. They will perform Bach’s vibrant Goldberg Variations, in a string arrangement perfectly suited to the church’s intimate bush setting. Commonly regarded as one of the towering works of Western Music, in this concert you will hear it reimagined as a conversation between violin, viola and cello, allowing Bach’s intricate counterpoint to sing with warmth and clarity. Each variation offers a new character – playful, reflective, or quietly profound. The result is chamber music that feels both intellectually dazzling and deeply human.

Following the recital, you are free to choose your own afternoon adventure. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a country lunch, try some local wines, or take a scenic drive. Whatever it is, you are sure to have a lovely time in this breathtaking region.

See it again for the first time: Restorations and renovations in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Across the Southern Downs & Granite Belt, familiar buildings are being given a new purpose. A century-old church now pours local wine. A former railway cottage welcomes weekend guests. Old farm sheds have become places to stay, while grand homesteads, railway stations and country pubs are finding their feet again.

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

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

Short walks with big payoffs in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Whether you’re chasing a golden-hour stroll with friends, planning a weekend wander, or simply looking to start your morning on the right foot, these walks prove you don’t need to go the extra mile to enjoy a big payoff.

Destination dating: Your Southern Downs town match

No need to speed date your way through short-term vacations that don’t quite tick the box, we’ve got you covered with our match making skills, pairing personalities with their ideal destinations.

Taste the Southern Downs: Fresh produce and farmers markets

From farm gates to café plates, this region is a foodie’s fantasy, dishing up everything from organic eggs to honey, pork and beef. Keep reading for where to fill your basket (and your belly) next time you taste your way through the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

Your guide to birdwatching in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Whether you’re a casual observer or an experienced twitcher, be amazed by the diverse native species residing in this birdwatching haven.

Meet The Makers of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

There’s something truly special about meeting the people behind the produce – the ones who plant, pick, mix, brew and create with passion.

Best wineries to visit near Brisbane

With its crisp country air, fertile soils, and passionate boutique winemakers, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt region is Queensland’s answer to the Nappa Valley.

How to spend a family day out in the Southern Downs

Here’s our guide to squeezing the most out of a full day of family fun in the Southern Downs, from breakfast to bedtime.

Antique trails and quirky finds: Where to fossick for treasures in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt

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.

Rediscover ‘That Holiday Feeling’ on a camping trip to the Southern Downs

There’s nothing quite like a camping holiday in nature to help you slow down, recharge, and reconnect with the important things in life – and in Queensland’s Southern Downs & Granite Belt, nature is at its very best.

A first-timer’s guide to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

Planning your first trip to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt promises a journey into one of Queensland’s most charming regions.

Pet-friendly holidays in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

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.