Summer days on the Granite Belt mean long days devoid of humidity and cool but starry nights. Summer is a perfect time to have a break. If your destination happens to be the Granite Belt, located in so many people’s back yard, then even better.
South East Queensland’s Granite Belt is located a mere three hours or so from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so it is your perfect Queensland highlands holiday destination! The Granite Belt is situated between 680 metres to over 1,200 metres above sea level, and it is due to this altitude that the region is home to a diverse world with four distinct seasons and landscapes.
Blissfully Cool Summer Nights
Summer days on the Granite Belt mean escaping the humidity of the lower lying coastal regions and enjoying warm days but blissfully cool nights. During summer in the Granite Belt you can enjoy a numerous range of activities that are ideally suited for this unique Australian climate. Starry skies that seemingly stretch on forever combined with fresh alpine air, bushwalking, swimming, lazing by creeks, waterholes and dams watching the clouds float by. The region has some of Australia’s best wines, and summer is the ideal time to be cooled by our crisp local whites and enjoy an endless range of alfresco dining.
The Granite Belt has an extensive list of things to do during summer and following are just a few of our favourite summertime activities:
Swim Under Mountain Skies
Whilst our summer has lower humidity, we still experience the lovely heat of this season and there are countless places to cool off and take a dip. Whether it be dabbling in the Quart Pot Creek rock pools near Red Bridge or taking a plunge in the Girraween National Park swimming hole, the Stanthorpe weather is ideal for a cooling summer swim. If you want a little more adventure then head to Undercliffe or Boonoo Boonoo Falls.
Enjoy Alfresco Dining
Varias Restaurant is located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Here, you can enjoy seasonal produce along with locally produced wines while enjoying the views from the outdoor dining area.
If culinary relaxation is all part of your ideal summer break, then Jamworks at Glen Aplin is another opportunity to enjoy some locally produced delicacies! Jamworks is popular with visitors and locals alike. You can enjoy their outdoor dining area overlooked by their iconic windmill or cool off inside in air-conditioned comfort.
Hidden Creek Winery has lovely outdoor dining options, with many shady trees to laze under while overlooking their vineyard dam. Take advantage of the fact that Twisted Gum Wines is located right next door and enjoy a little wine tasting after lunch.
Meet a Winemaker or Brewer
A self-drive tour of the Granite Belt while enjoying the local breweries and wineries is an ideal way to spend a summer’s day. Summer is our quiet season. Take advantage of the fact that you are far away from the madding crowds. You might find yourself enjoying time with the winemaker or head brewer and getting some insider’s insights. There is an astonishing number of wineries available to visit on the Granite Belt. During the summer they look picture perfect with their lush and laden vines. Some of the more boutique wineries to visit, where you may well encounter the winemaker during a tasting session are Tobin Wines, Pyramids Road, Balancing Rock and Whiskey Gully Wines.
Enjoy country drives and a picnic lunch
The Stanthorpe weather in summer is idyllic and it is a wonderful time to pack your picnic hamper. Enjoy the fact that food always tastes better in the great outdoors. Enjoy some locally produced meats and sausages. Take advantage of the BBQ facilities near the Visitors Information Centre along the Quart Pot Creek. Girraween National Park also has BBQ facilities where you can enjoy watching the wildlife. Cool off with a swim after a delicious lunch!
Granite Belt summer accommodation options
When staying in the Granite Belt, summer is an ideal time to take advantage of the many accommodation options that embrace the great outdoors.
At Girraween Environmental Lodge you can enjoy endless bushwalking trails. Cool off during the late afternoon in their natural look swimming pool. Twisted Gum Wines has the lovely Eukey cottage which has a fabulous deck. Just perfect for enjoying the summer twilight hours and some alfresco dining.
At Ridgemill Estate at Severnlea, you will find studio accommodation options each with their own verandah. Ridgemill Estate is well suited to hours of wine tasting and sky gazing. There is also a communal BBQ area for your use.
If you would like to try some glamping in the Granite Belt, then Alure Stanthorpe’s glamping tent is perfect for this season. Roll up the side flaps and invite the night skies in. Soak in the hot tub or enjoy an evening BBQ on your own private deck. For a perfectly lazy indulgence, commandeer the day bed on the back deck and watch the world go by!
Should bush camping be more your thing, Foxbar Falls is the place for you. With a number of large dams and swimming holes, you can canoe, kayak, or swim to your heart’s content.
31 The Rocks in Stanthorpe have stand-alone cabins each with their own deck and BBQ. The Granite Belt is known for its magnificent sunsets. Enjoy panoramic views of the spectacular skies as dusk falls over the Granite Belt.
Summer is not the high season of the Granite Belt. As a visitor during this time, you will enjoy a quieter world. You will find an endless list of activities for you to choose from. Perfect for a long weekend, or you may choose to stay a little while!
Photo Credit: Wanderstories (Instagram) at Girraween National Park
Lara Flanagan is a writer and vegan food creator who lives in Tenterfield. Lara is delighted to call the incredible region encompassing the Northern New England and the Granite Belt her home. She is the creator of My notes from… She writes about her travels, her love of the local area, plant-based food and anything in between!”