Stanthorpe - Queenslands Wine Capital

Stanthorpe is a picturesque town known for itsin the town centre, with a shearers hut, preserved
amazing national parks, historical buildings and wineries,school and goal, along with interesting artefacts from
located on the New England Highway close to thethe mid 1800's.
New South Wales border. It has become moreThe four major national parks surrounding the city
popular over the last few years as a touristprovide an unspoilt wilderness beckoning you to drive
destination with so many rural activities andfurther on and explore at your own pace. Easily
sightseeing options available.accessible by car, each park offers a contrasting
There are a large number of bed and breakfasts ifexperience.
you are stopping over for a night or two, and selfGirraween National Park is perfect for bushwalkers of
contained cottages are available for a longer stay.all levels, with picturesque walking trails ranging from
Black Creek Mountain Cabins are a unique25 minutes to six hour hikes. With massive granite
accommodation option, located five minutes south ofrock formations, wildflowers in Spring and eucalypt
Stanthorpe.forests, it is a nature lovers dream. Girraween is easy
The locals of Stanthorpe experience the fourto find if you take the turnoff from the New England
seasons of the year, which is not common toHighway at Wyberba.
Queensland. Winter is a fantastic time to visit, andBald Rock National Park is famous for its name, Bald
with low temperatures, a popular retreat is in frontRock, which is Australia's largest exposed granite
of a roaring fireplace with local wine and great food.rock. With magnificent views, rock formations and
Make sure you pack your scarf and mittens as therebushwalks this park is accessible from the Mt Lindsey
is even the occasional snowfall.Highway, 39 km from Stanthorpe. Camping areas are
With such high altitudes the frosts are perfect foravailable.
excellent grape harvests, and perfect wines. ThereBoonoo Boonoo National Park is well known for its
are over 50 wineries in the Stanthorpe district on theriver system and impressive waterfall. Take a picnic
Granite Belt as well as stone fruit and apple orchards.lunch and relax for an afternoon by the rock pool
There is so much to see and do in Stanthorpe, withthat is above the cascading falls, and surrounded by
vineyards such as Bald Mountain Vineyards, Aventineopen forest and lush vegetation.
Wines and Kooroomba Vineyard and lavender farm allSundown National Park is located on the Queensland
deserving a visit. North of Stanthorpe is also theNew South Wales border. You can leave your car at
famous Old Caves winery. Winery tours are popular,the entrance of the park and then travel by foot to
and each year in August the famous Jazz in theexperience the remote wilderness. There are steep
Vineyard is attended by almost 1000 people eachgorges, rainforest and waterways and there are
year. Opera in the Vineyard, held in May, alsoplaces to picnic, camp, swim and just relax and enjoy
promises to be an amazing cultural experience.the amazing birdlife and beauty of the park. You can
In February, the Apple and Grape festival is heldalso explore the impressive Red Rock Falls, Mt Lofty,
every second year, along with the Food and WineRed Rock Gorge and Carpenter Gully.
Festival. With Mediterranean food on the main menuMore than just a stopover, Stanthorpe is a unique
and a favourite with the locals, it has all ingredientsand relaxing destination and perfect for your car hire
for a memorable cuisine experience.holiday.
You cant miss the Historical Society Museum, located