Girraween Environmental Lodge

Girraween Environmental Lodge located near Ballandean in the granite belt offers architecturally designed, sustainable, self-contained multi-award winning deluxe spa chalets nestled in the native bushland.

The property features 14 kilometre walking trails, two plunge pools, bush spa ,10 chalets with wood heater, fire wood (limited), king bed, spa bath, undercover carpark, barbecue and more. You can sit back on your verandah or feed pet deer, watch kangaroos, 148 species of wild birdlife, and wild bush flowers. Enjoy the pools or waterholes or relax and stargaze in the outdoor spa at night.

Surrounded by Girraween National Park and a stone’s throw away from Sundown and Bald Rock National Parks, wineries, cheese, jam, candle, chocolate, soap makers Girraween Environmental Lodge is the destination that caters for all ages, romantic escapes, singles weekends, corporate or family getaways. With no distraction from the outside world, you can truly relax, unwind and unplug. Girraween is where you disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature and loved ones.

Tesla EV charger station, WI-FI at the Reception, DVD, games, books and library provided.

Girraween Environmental Lodge offers the uniqueness and tranquillity of the great Australian bush getaway, without compromising on style or comfort.

Barrel View Luxury Cabins

Barrel View Luxury Cabins offers a truly unique escape in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt, where guests can stay inside Australia’s first giant wine barrel accommodation.

Set amongst vineyards and framed by sweeping views towards Girraween and Sundown National Parks, each beautifully appointed barrel has been designed for couples seeking privacy, relaxation and a chance to reconnect with nature. Wake to misty mornings, spend lazy afternoons on the deck with a glass of local wine, and unwind beside the fire as the sun sets across the vines.

Just minutes from award-winning wineries, cellar doors and national parks, Barrel View combines uncomplicated luxury with the charm and character of the Granite Belt. Whether you’re celebrating something special, exploring the region or simply escaping the everyday, a stay at Barrel View promises an experience unlike any other.

Because some getaways should be as memorable as the destination itself.

Guffy Acres Off-Grid Farm

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

Originally owned by the Collins family (hence the name of the road we’re on), this lush property started out as a large scale apple orchard and operated for many decades with two generations of farming. It was left for over a decade before the Newman family relocated to the area, fell in love with the place and began restoring it to somewhat former glory. It now operates as a hobby farm focusing on livestock, currently goats, and the owners have plans to expand their flock and try out some other ventures!

Girraween National Park camping

Girraween, meaning ‘place of flowers’, is a park of massive granite outcrops, large angular tors, and precariously balanced boulders. Spectacular wildflower displays splash colour among the granite in spring.

Create lasting memories as you share stories of the day’s adventures over a barbecue, spot nocturnal wildlife like possums and insectivorous bats, and wake up to the sound of birdsong in our well-equipped camping areas.

Surrounded by trees and granite boulders, Kambuwal Camping Area offers more intimate, sheltered sites perfect for small caravans, camper trailers, and tents of various sizes.

Known for its open, spacious sites, Terrawambella Camping Area is ideal for larger caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes. The tent area here is reserved for large, organised groups.

Castle Rock Camping Area offers a variety of sites suitable for all campers, including dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities (PWD), ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

For experienced campers, there are several remote bush camps to choose from in Girraween National Park (restrictions apply). These sites are unmarked, so campers should have strong navigation skills and practice ‘leave no trace’ principles.

Camping permits are required, and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. Book your campsite and purchase your camping permit in advance. Bookings can be made online or by phone.

Diamondvale Estate

Looking for luxury cottage accommodation in Stanthorpe close to wineries, national parks and the main street? Diamondvale Estate offers 4.5-star deluxe accommodation on 30 acres of natural bushland beside Quart Pot Creek, just two kilometres from the heart of Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt Wine Country.

Guests stay in beautifully restored heritage-style cottages designed for couples, families and small groups seeking comfort, privacy and connection with nature. Do the cottages have fireplaces? Yes, along with private verandahs, spacious living areas, quality furnishings and peaceful garden or creek views. Days are spent exploring local cellar doors, relaxing beside the creek, spotting birdlife or soaking in the outdoor bath beneath the stars. Evenings invite slow dinners, local wine and quiet moments around the firepit or inside by the wood fire.

Diamondvale Estate is less than three hours from Brisbane and surrounded by more than 50 wineries, boutique food producers and seasonal experiences across the Granite Belt. Girraween National Park, walking trails, orchards and local markets are all within easy reach. Autumn brings vivid colours and crisp evenings, winter is perfect for fireside escapes, while spring and summer showcase gardens, cool mountain air and fresh local produce.

Loft Haven Meadows @ Girraween

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

The Loft Haven Meadows is located as part of approximately 75 acres of which approximately 7 acres are cleared the rest is natural Australian bushland and forested countryside and is very similar to the National Park. Looking for a bit of space away from everyone or just to take a breath? This is an ideal sanctuary of tranquillity and privacy. It’s the go-to location to provide you with a getaway to relax and also enjoy all the amenities the area provides. A place to put your feet up and relax and feel comfortable and at the same time providing space for you to stroll in the cool of an evening or sit around gazing at the stars without the concerns of driving to another location.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 on the last Saturday in October each year held in Stanthorpe, Queensland,

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!

Dogpro Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championship

Dogpro Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championship – Proudly sponsored by the Southern Downs Regional Council.

Experience the excitement of Australia’s premier working sheepdog event at the 2026 Dogpro Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championship, held at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds in Queensland’s beautiful Granite Belt.

Over nine days, Australia’s top working sheepdog handlers and their highly trained dogs will compete for the nation’s most prestigious title, demonstrating outstanding skill, precision and teamwork in one of Australia’s most respected rural sporting traditions.

The championship also features the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge, where the best representatives from each Australian state compete for interstate honours, and the Wayleggo Cup Trans-Tasman Test Series, where Australia takes on New Zealand in an exciting international competition.

Visitors can enjoy world-class sheepdog trials, meet competitors from across Australia and New Zealand, browse sponsor and trade displays, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of the rural community. Whether you’re passionate about agriculture, working dogs or simply looking for a unique country experience, the event offers something for everyone.

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!

Starlight and Vines

Escape to Ridgemill Estate in Stanthorpe for an intimate, small group evening of stargazing beneath the Granite Belt’s renowned dark skies.

Enjoy a warm welcome, meet your fellow stargazers and soak up the atmosphere before your celestial journey begins. With a maximum of just 15 guests, this experience gives everyone the opportunity to connect with local astronomy guide Bryan Middleton and enjoy a more personal evening beneath the stars.

As darkness falls, Bryan will introduce you to the wonders of the night sky, sharing fascinating insights into what’s visible at that time of year. Using a laser pointer, he’ll guide you through the constellations before inviting you to explore the universe through powerful telescopes. Every viewing is unique, with opportunities to observe star clusters, nebulae and if the stars align, perhaps even a planet or distant galaxy.

Sip a glass of Ridgemill Estate wine and toast marshmallows around the cosy fire. A selection of handcrafted cheese platters are available to purchase when booking.

The experience concludes at approximately 8.00 pm, leaving you with lasting memories, stories to share and a deeper appreciation of the universe above.

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.

Stargazing Night at Ridgemill Estate

Head to Ridgemill Estate for an evening beneath the Granite Belt’s beautiful dark skies.

Local and visiting astronomers will bring the universe to life through powerful telescopes, revealing celestial wonders in remarkable detail. Discover the fascinating stories and science behind the night sky in one of Queensland’s best stargazing destinations.

What to Expect on the Night

For many guests, the highlight begins simply by standing beneath the Granite Belt sky as darkness falls.

From there, the evening unfolds with live music, delicious food and beautiful wine.

Throughout the evening, you can enjoy:

Guided telescope viewing with local and visiting astronomers
Laser-guided sky tour
Educational presentations and videos in the Cosmos Cave
Live music throughout the evening
Delicious food by Fractured Wood BBQ
Ridgemill Estate wines, plus beer, cider and soft drinks available for purchase

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the night sky and be part of something bigger.

Please note: Children must be supervised at all times, and pets are not permitted.

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: Stanthorpe State High School presents Creative Journeys

Stanthorpe State High School takes over SRAG for 1 week!
A Showcase of Art Years 7 – 12, spanning the entire Gallery.

The Stanthorpe State High School students will be making the art, curating the exhibition, and event managing the entire show!

Help support the next generation of artists and leaders.

About the Exhibition

The exhibition explores the art of printmaking, connects with rich and diverse cultures, depicts Australian landscapes, helps see ourselves through self-portraiture, and helps us see the ways we perceive internal identity through art.

Stanthorpe Show

The 2027 Stanthorpe Show is the annual agricultural show for the Stanthorpe and wider Granite Belt community.

It brings together over 6000 patrons for a weekend of food, entertainment, competitions and exhibits covering over 40 agricultural and cottage industries in this community.

Dogpro Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championship

The Dogpro Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championship is the pinnacle of sheepdog trialling, with nine days of competition, showcasing Australia’s best sheepdogs and their handlers.

Whether from the land or the city, the skills of these amazing sheepdogs will have spectators spellbound. Similar to the ABC television series Muster Dogs, the spectacle of this event is impressive.

The event kicks off with the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge, which is the sheepdog world equivalent of state of origin football. Six teams with three representatives will compete.

The Supreme Championships will see handlers from all states competing to gain a place in the top 20 for the following weekend.

Over three rounds, the Australian Team will take on the New Zealand Team in the prestigious Wayleggo Cup, celebrating 40 years of friendly rivalry.

Winemaker for a Weekend

A hands-on masterclass interspersed with a great food and wine experience at Varias.

A unique opportunity to harvest, crush, press and ferment a wine in a teaching winery under the guidance of a professional winemaker.

AUD425 per person includes all training, meals and beverages (per weekend)

Small class size – min. 10 and up to approx. 25 participants
Non-participant partners welcome to join for dinner @ $85 pp including meal and wines

Invitation to a return masterclass weekend program of bottling your wine, a cooking class and wine masterclass (towards the end of the year)

During the weekend, you will receive 10% discount off the Cellar Door price list

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.

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.

Exhibition: $50,000 Stanthorpe Art Prize ’26

Since 1972, the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize has been a beacon for artistic talent, attracting entries from across Australia. The exceptional quality of the selected works underscores its esteemed position within the Australian arts community.

The $50,000 total prize pool makes the Stanthorpe Art Prize 2026 one of the richest in Australia.

This year there are 2 main prizes of $20,000 each!

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.

Southern Cross Soloists – Songs My Mother Taught Me

The best of QPAC comes to Stanthorpe – Southern Cross Soloists return!

Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) are the shining stars of Australian chamber music. Firmly established as one of Australia’s pre-eminent classical music ensembles, SXS delivers programs filled with dazzling virtuosity. Composed of leading virtuosic soloists from Queensland and Australia, SXS provides dynamic, unique, and world-class musical experiences for audiences of all ages.

Championing chamber music globally and nationally, SXS, each year, continues to reach new heights. The collaborative nature of the ensemble and its creative direction, ensures a commitment and desire to form long-lasting, diverse cultural partnerships with Queensland’s and, the world’s, most notable musicians, and composers. 

Songs My Mother Taught Me

Featuring Tim Munro, flute
Emily Granger, harp

First musical experiences take place at home. These half-remembered melodies carry comfort and joy. Grammy-winning flautist Tim Munro and Queensland Symphony Orchestra harpist Emily Granger love to work together. Their duo program captures the beauty and nostalgia of these tunes, tracing the border between classical and older popular tunes. Music by Bach, Dvorak and Kats-Chernin meets the aching tunes of Simon and Garfunkel and the Beatles.

Soirées at Ridgemill Estate

Ridgemill Estate is warming up for winter and moving its signature Soirées to Saturday afternoons.

Bring your friends, find a spot on their Village Green and settle in for a relaxed afternoon in the heart of wine country.

Local legends ‘No Relation’ will be playing live, setting the soundtrack for an easy afternoon.

Enjoy a selection of Ridgemill Estate wines plus beer, cider, cruisers and soft drinks. Food is available, including grazing boards, cheese platters and food vans at selected events.

Entry is free. Pets on leads are welcome.

Bookings are advised. Please phone.

ridgemill estate Murder Mystery and Wine Night

Behind the elegant façade of fine wine and candlelight, a crime has been committed.

The Chief Detective has been called to investigate a most troubling turn of events.

Your full cooperation is required!

Throughout the evening, you’ll uncover clues, secrets and revelations that challenge what you think you know. Some truths will be revealed openly. Others will be hidden in plain sight.

No special knowledge is required—only curiosity, observation and a willingness to engage with those around you.

The Vintage of Vengeance — will you take a seat at the table?

(Suited to 18+ years only)

Twilight Winery Experience

Experience the magic of the winery at twilight with the first-ever Twilight Winery Experience.

Join in with the winemaker for an exclusive behind the scenes tour through the vineyard, winery, and barrel room, and discover the journey from grape to bottle.

The evening continues into the function room, where you’ll enjoy a delicious medley of mains perfectly paired with our wines, while discovering the reasons behind each pairing and what makes them work so well together.

A relaxed and memorable evening for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique winery experience.

Guided tour of the Stanthorpe Art Prize ’26 Exhibition

A free guided tour of the Stanthorpe Art Prize ’26 exhibition is available with accomplished local artist Nameer Davis. Nameer will take visitors on a journey through the finalists from an artist’s perspective, exploring what sits behind the canvas and the clay.

The exhibition showcases 82 of the highest quality national artists who were selected as finalists for this year’s Stanthorpe Art Prize.

The selection was made by judges, Archibald Prize winners Julie Fragar and Wendy Sharpe.

About The Prize

Since 1972, the biennial Stanthorpe Art Prize has been a beacon for artistic talent, attracting entries from across Australia. The exceptional quality of the selected works underscores its esteemed position within the Australian arts community.

The Stanthorpe Art Prize 2026 is one of the richest art prizes in Australia.

The $50,000 total prize pool makes the Stanthorpe Art Prize 2026 one of the richest in Australia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.