By Savannah from the Affinity team
Wondering what to do in Stanthorpe? From Girraween National Park and Granite Belt wineries to strawberry farms, cellar doors and exceptional local dining, this guide covers the best attractions, experiences and places to eat in one of South East Queensland’s most underrated regional destinations.
Looking for the best places to explore in South East Queensland? Add Stanthorpe to your list… immediately.
I’d been speaking to a nurse who was on contract in the Southern Downs, and she mentioned a town she’d fallen a little in love with: Stanthorpe. Fast forward a few weeks, and there I was, on a long-overdue stay-cation, winding through vineyard-lined country roads and wondering how a place in Queensland could feel so much like regional Victoria or Tasmania.
If you’re overdue for a holiday, are travelling in the region for work, or are simply searching for some of Australia’s most underrated regional escapes, behold… your ultimate guide to staying Stanthorpe.
Must-see destinations in Stanthorpe
1. The Big Apple
If you’re entering Stanthorpe from Queensland like myself, The Big Apple is the first thing you’ll see as you enter from Applethorpe. This iconic monument towers proudly just off the roadside and pays tribute to the Granite Belt’s rich apple-growing history.
While it may initially seem like a quick novelty stop, it’s oh so charming and worth the time, particularly during apple season where nearby farm gates offer fresh produce, cider and baked treats directly from the orchards.
2. Ashbern Farms
Pick-your-own strawberries? Count me in.
Ashbern Farms was well worth the trip, and not just because I left with nearly a kilo of strawberries. Just a few minutes out of the town centre, this family-run farm allows you to grab a container and pick strawberries by the kilo ‘til your heart is content.
The strawberries themselves were easily some of the best I’ve had, however what truly stole the show was the strawberry ice cream – creamy, rich and made with fresh fruit only metres away from where you’re standing. It feels incredibly satisfying. And enabling.
The ice cream from Ashbern Farms truly ruined supermarket ice cream forever for me… If you visit only one farm while you’re in Stanthorpe, make it this one.
3. Girraween National Park
There’s a lot of granite in this region of the Southern Downs (hence the name ‘Granite Belt Region’), and Girraween National Park is the most impressive display of it. Massive boulders, enormous balancing rock formations and great stretches of water-moulded landscapes that feel otherworldly.
The Pyramid walk is the park’s most popular trail. It’s steep, exposed and a little unforgiving at times, but the view from the summit makes the climb entirely worthwhile. Given that granite can be incredibly slippery after rain, just ensure you bring good shoes with decent grip, especially on the steeper sections! If you’re not up for this hike, try the Granite Arch, which is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon.
4. The Jamworks
Along the crest of a bend in the road between Stanthorpe and Girraween National Park sits The Jamworks, a cafe and pantry that makes for a convenient rest stop between Girraween National Park.
We ended up spending a good hour here sampling the cafe menu and pantry shelves. If you’re in need of inspiration, the coconut and mango crumble at the cafe was incredible, and in the pantry, the Rosella Jam and Banana Butter were standout favourites. That being said, there’s genuinely something for everyone within their enormous selection of chutneys, relishes, jams and regional pantry treats.
5. Ballandean Pyramid
Itching for more pyramids after Girraween? Ballandean Pyramid is another quick yet fascinating stop for your itinerary, and a definite talking point for anyone who has spent time in the Granite Belt.
Unlike the region’s natural granite formations, this landmark is entirely man-made. Built from thousands of tonnes of locally sourced granite on a vineyard property near Ballandean, the pyramid took years to complete and has become one of the region’s more unusual attractions. While you can only admire it from outside the property boundaries – around 100 metres away from the roadside – it’s certainly a worthwhile detour.
6. Local wineries and cellar doors
There are far too many wineries across the Granite Belt to properly conquer in a single weekend – a great problem to have. Across the region, cellar doors range from long-standing family-run estates through to smaller boutique vineyards, many of which are quietly producing some of Queensland’s best cool-climate wines.
A personal favourite from my time in Stanthorpe was Balancing Heart Vineyard. With animals wandering between the vines and some of the warmest service I’ve ever received, this place felt more like a rural menagerie paired with excellent wine.
Other standout wineries and cellar doors worth adding to your list include:
7. Castle Glen
This winery and distillery deserves a special mention, and I’m sure you can see why… Castle Glen is one of Stanthorpe’s most delightfully eccentric destinations. A winery, distillery, and tourist attraction in itself, this spot has grown a cult-like reputation over the decades. Established in 1990, they produce all-natural, chemical and preservative-free wines using traditional methods.
With stone façades, turret-style buildings and sprawling underground tasting rooms, Castle Glen (unsurprisingly) feels like stepping back in time to a medieval fortress. My late grandmother used to pull out a bottle from Castle Glen on special occasions for ‘just a nip’, so there was an added bit of sentimental magic there.
8. Varias Restaurant
On the second night of our stay in Stanthorpe, we were lucky enough to have dinner at Varias. Within minutes of sitting down, I understood exactly why it’s so highly regarded. The the food, the wine, the service from the team – all unbelievable.
Seasonal produce from the Granite Belt region is showcased throughout the menu, each dish thoughtful, beautifully balanced and deeply connected to the region itself. Would highly recommend leaving room for dessert!
9. The Ugg Boot Lady
If you’re in Stanthorpe for one of the cooler months, be sure to make a stop here. Just off the Granite Belt touring route in Glen Alpin, The Ugg Boot Lady has a seemingly endless selection of boots, slippers, hats and assorted sheepskin products are available inside her store. From the outside, it looks fairly unassuming, however, inside it’s wall-to-wall with wool-lined slippers, boots, rugs and other winter necessities.
After a few cold mornings in Stanthorpe, I completely understood the appeal.
10. Granite Belt Christmas Tree Farm
The Christmas Tree Farm was an unexpected addition to the itinerary that we squeezed in right before leaving town. If you’re a fan of the festive season, you’ll adore this place, which is open year-round and packed with far more than just rows of pine trees. We visited on a particularly misty morning, which added to the allure.
Beyond the Christmas trees themselves, you’ll find miniature Christmas train displays, thousands of colourful baubles, hilariously festive signs and some seriously impressive decorated trees showcasing every colour combination imaginable. There’s also a small animal area with goats, chickens and turkeys, plus a Christmas-themed café serving ice cream and other treats.
11. Stanthorpe Cheese
Stanthorpe Cheese is a grazing board’s best friend. Open 7 days, the cafe and store has a complete selection of not just cheeses, but fine wines, produce, condiments and more, all of which are mouth-watering. Creamy brie, blue, and countless cheddars – they had all of my weaknesses. Personally I’d recommend the Stanthorpe Matured, Granite Gold and Chilli, however you can sample a lot of their cheeses and condiments inside to decide for yourself.
If you’re building a picnic spread or are planning to do some winery hopping, definitely stop here first.
12. Josie’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Nestled in the centre of town, Josie’s cuisine is centred around Italian-Australian nostalgia and ‘a love of good times’ (which was certainly had). Relatively new on the scene in Stanthorpe, they opened in mid-2025, however I’d recommend booking ahead if you can, as they were quite booked out the week of.
Their menu features bespoke cocktails and Granite Belt wines, alongside fresh cold plates, funky pasta, fine meats, and delicious snacks with a twist – all brilliant and packed with character. If they’re still on the menu, you have to try the Ricotta Doughnuts.
What makes Stanthorpe so special?
This charming pocket of the Granite Belt is proof that some of Queensland’s best experiences exist well beyond the coastline. Great food, great wine, spectacular scenery and genuinely passionate local businesses – Stanthorpe has all the ingredients for a memorable getaway.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or are planning to visit on or between contracts, Stanthorpe is sure to deliver. And if there’s one thing I took away from the trip, it’s that regional towns like this are worth supporting whenever possible.
Want to see more of Australia?
Nursing and midwifery contracts can open the door to some of the most underrated regions across regional, rural and remote Australia.
For competitive packages, a smooth onboarding process, and a dedicated team of contract specialists who are with you every step of the way, join Affinity today to start ticking off your Australian travel bucket list.
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Frequently asked questions about staying in Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe is located in Queensland’s Southern Downs region. It is located near the border of Queensland and New South Wales, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours south-west of Brisbane CBD.
Stanthorpe is a great place to visit all year round. As one of Queensland’s few true four-season destinations, each time of year offers something different – blossoming orchards and mild days that can be enjoyed in spring, through to snow and frost-capped vineyards and boulders in winter.
If you are on holiday, two to four days is ideal for exploring the highlights of Stanthorpe and surrounding towns like Applethorpe, Ballandean and Glen Aplin. If you’re staying longer or are on contract in the Southern Downs with Affinity Nursing, days off are perfect for road trips to Girraween National Park, Warwick, Tenterfield, or the wider Granite Belt region.
Stanthorpe sits at the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt wine region, with popular winery areas including Ballandean, Severnlea, Applethorpe and Glen Aplin all located within a short drive of town. The region is known for its cool-climate wines, boutique cellar doors and alternative varietals, with organic, small-batch and estate-grown selections available depending on the producer.
It is quite easy to explore the heart of Stanthorpe without a car, with cafés, supermarkets, restaurants and local shops all located throughout the town centre. However, hiring a car is highly recommended if you’re staying longer than a day or two, particularly if you plan to visit wineries, cellar doors, orchards, farm gates or nearby national parks.
Yes. Stanthorpe is one of Queensland’s best regional destinations for outdoor adventures and nature-based activities like hiking and cycling. Girraween National Park, Sundown National Park and the Granite Belt’s many walking trails are all located nearby, while Quart Pot Creek winds directly through the centre of town with walking paths, picnic areas, rotundas and green spaces dotted along it.
