Exploring Girraween and Stanthorpe

Located about 3 hours from Brisbane you can find the magical world of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. This region is full of wineries and hiking trails. My husband and I visit this region quite often and love spending weekend getaways soaking in everything that is on offer.

As you start to leave the city behind you on your drive to Stanthorpe, you will notice the scenery change to rolling green hills with vast outlooks. We highly recommend changing your Highway drive for a more scenic route called The Falls Drive. Starting at Boonah and finishing at Killarney this drive is full of waterfalls and lookouts for mountain vistas. Most notably the Queen Mary Falls which has a little hike on sealed pavement right to the bottom of the falls. When you first start this drive it will feel like you have entered a whole new world, the landscape is absolutely breathtaking. Take your time to soak in all this drive has to offer and allow extra time for stops along the way.

As you make your way into Stanthorpe you will pass The Summit, a beautiful wineries that offers cheese and wine on their lawn, a perfect spot to perch yourself for sunset or in winter around one their fires in the evening glow.

A short drive down the road and you will know you are close to Stanthorpe by the sighting the Giant apple at Thulimbah. Make a stop here at Suttons Juice Factory for the best and I will stand by by comment The best Apple Pie. Join the cue when you arrive and shop the many apple flavoured items they sell as you make your way to the counter. You will be greeted by an assortment of apple pies and you musnt’t leave without trying their warm Apple Pie and Ice-cream. This sweet desert is worth the drive alone. They have a little outdoor eating area where you can enjoy your pie will taking in the views of the apple orchards. Across the road from Suttons Juice factory you will find the Giant Apple and their little store with goods made locally, think pasta, jams, honey and cheese. Stock up before you head to your Accommodation.

Warm apple Pie and Icecream from Suttons Juice

For Accommodation Stanthorpe has a lot of Cabins to Choose from. Personally we always book R and R on the Ravine. This site has 4 Cabins to choose from and the views from front porches are unmatched. There is also a little dam to play in during the summer months and a 1.2km hike up behind the property you will find a private outlook to enjoy a sunset picnic. Settle in for a BBQ dinner on the porch as the sun sets over town. Be sure to head out late at night and see the stars, the stargazing here is phenomenal. 

Sunset from the top of the property

I hope you packed your Hiking Shoes as Stanthorpe has the plenty of Hiking routes to choose from at Girraween national Park. A short 20min drive out of town (keep an eye our for the little dinosaur as you pass through Ballandean) you will find a hikers playground.

Girraween has 14 great trails to choose from ranging from flat walks to boulder jumping trails. Park in the main car park and spend the day exploring. The Pyramid which you will see on your drive in is a must do hike, this trail takes you up the side the smooth granite rock to a rock plateau with stunning standing stones that you can take your picture with. If you are a bit more adventurous you can hike to The Sphinx and Turtle Rock. A bit more uphill for this one but it winds trough the surrounding bushland with lots of shade and stunning scenery.

If adventurous hikes aren’t your thing then from the main car park you will find a variety of small walks thatweave between the granite boulders and under rock arch ways. You will hear lots of birds and may come across some wildlife on the way but that is all part of enjoying the park.

View of The sphinx from Turtle rock

After you’ve spent the day exploring Girraween you will want rest those weary legs and there are a few options to enjoy a late lunch or sunset pizza at.

Balancing Heart Vineyard located on your way into Girraween does Woodfired pizza and has a selection pf wines to choose from. We chose to have pizza and enjoy the sunset overlooking their vineyard as the sun set after our big day of exploring Girraween.

Jam works Gourmet Foods is a little café located between Stanthorpe and Girraween. This buzzing café does heart shaped scones and toasted sandwiches. You can also pick up a selection of their homemade jams and sweet treats.

There are numerous wineries in the region, all a short drive away, to choose from and in town various takeaway outlets so rest assured you will not go hungry or thirsty here!

Standing Boulders at the top The Pyramid

Before you leave make sure to take a stroll around Stanthorpe, the café lined streets are bursting with Hospitality. At the Stanthorpe Visitor Centre you will find Quart Pot Creek, a beautifully maintained park that is perfect for picnics and bird watching.

We love this little slice of heaven so close to home, it is the perfect getaway to unplug and unwind. We are counting down to our next weekend away here!

R and R on the Ravine Accommodation