Summer Getaway Guide to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY GUIDE TO THE SOUTHERN DOWNS AND GRANITE BELT Summer Edition

Allora | Ballandean | Goomburra Killarney | Leyburn | Maryvale Stanthorpe | Wallangarra Warwick | Yangan Located in Southern Queensland Country

Southern Downs & Granite Belt

FIND YOUR WEEKEND The perfect weekend getaway is waiting here for you – whether you’re after a relaxed couples retreat with great food and wine, an adventure break, or to get the family into nature – it’s all here on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

ROMANCE

ADVENTURE

Food and wine

Sport and adrenalin

The Southern Downs and Granite Belt is a mecca for lovers of fresh seasonal, regional produce and award-winning hand-crafted wines. Fill a basket or an esky at the farmer’s markets or at a local providore, savour cheese tastings, dine in one of our country cafes, meet the winemaker at a cellar door or attend a unique foodie event.

Whether you’re a wanderer or a warrior, get out under our big skies and take in some fresh country air exploring our beautiful outdoors. Get totally off-grid with fishing, mountain bike riding, four-wheel driving, hiking or relaxing with a round of golf. Cycle country roads or cool off in a creek; or thrill to the excitement of horse and motorsport events.

You might like: Weekly farmers markets throughout the region; wine & beer tasting at local wineries and breweries; degustation dinners at awardwinning restaurants; cheese sampling at Queensland’s top dairy farms, sampling local produce on Australia Day and more…

You might like: The new MTB trail at Mount Marley; 4WD’ing at Gordon Country; Granite Belt Bike Trail; The Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft in October; The Leyburn Sprints in August and more…

Heritage and the arts Heritage and the arts are a big part of life in the region. Discover the stories of our past, admire our stately buildings, share in our creative pursuits at galleries and join us at heritage and cultural festivals.

The Southern Downs was one of the first free settlements in Queensland, so it’s not surprising that the present pays homage to the past in our towns. You’ll see it in the majestic sandstone buildings and the traditional timber Queenslander architecture that still dominate our streetscapes and remind us of our thriving agricultural history.

Refer to “Heritage and History Trails Booklet” at your nearest Visitor Information Centre.

FAMILY

NATURE

Camping, riding, fishing and water attractions

National parks, rivers and lakes

Go for a paddle, carve it up on your water skis or try your luck in our waterways for Murray cod, yellow belly, and silver and spangled perch. Take the family fossiking or set off along a country road for a bike ride.

The regions many national parks are host to some beautiful campgrounds, or try any number of registered campsites. If trail riding is more your thing then saddle up and explore the region on horseback.

You might like: Fishing and kayaking at Leslie Dam; milking a cow on a working farm at Gleneden Family Farm; camping at Girraween or Goomburra; Fossiking at Swipers Gully; horse riding at Bestbrook Mountain Resort or Cherrabah Mountain Resort and more….

From serious granite-scaling hikes to leisurely family bushwalks, you’ll find something to suit every fitness and ability level in our region. Set off on a self-guided waterfall, forest or river trail or head to one of our national parks.

You might like: Watching the sunset at Girraween National Park; hiking to Queen Mary Falls; experiencing Gondwana Rainforest at Main Range Goomburra Section; going off the grid at Sundown National Park and more…

WEEKEND ITINERARIES ROMANCE – FOOD AND WINE Day 1: Depart Brisbane for Warwick via the Cunningham Highway. Stretch your legs, stopping half way at Cunningham’s Gap for a walk in the World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park. Continue to Warwick for lunch – try Gardens Galore for a great meal and to buy some some romantic fresh flowers for your loved one. Continue onto Stanthorpe stopping at Suttons Farm or Stanthorpe Cheese on the way. Settle into your accommodation overnight at Stanthorpe.

Day 2: Rise early and head 30 minutes south to Girraween National park to explore the walking tracks, granite boulders and spectacular views. The Granite Arch trail is suitable for all ages, or choose the popular pyramid climb for a challenge. Head back to Stanthorpe to sample wineries and local food providores long the way. Wine lovers should embark on an escorted vineyard tour or even try a bicycle tour of the vines, and for dinner head to the Granite Belt Brewery to sample local brews and delicious seasonal produce.

Day 3: Depart Stanthorpe for Killarney, stocking up on picnic supplies. Embark on the Falls Drive, taking in Browns Falls and Daggs Falls before stopping at Queen Mary Falls. Hand feed crimson rosellas at Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park and head off on the 2km return Queen Mary Falls Circuit, a 40 minute walk that takes you from the lookouts at the top to the base of the waterfall and back. Continue on the Falls Drive stopping at Carrs Lookout for a picnic lunch, before heading home to Brisbane via Boonah.

Top Tip Take a look at the Southern Downs and Granite Belt Food Maps for the best local produce and places to sample our regions food. southerndownsfoodmap.com.au

ADVENTURE & SPORT Day 1: Depart Brisbane for the Horsepower Capital of Australia – Warwick. Home to a top class race course and renowned for it’s annual Rodeo and Campdraft, Warwick is also home to Morgan Park Raceway, Mecca for motor sport enthusiasts. Check out what events are on at both venues, to tie into your visit. Before you get there though, head to Gap Creek Moto, 10 km west of Cunninghams Gap. A 650 acre property offering camping, motorbike trails and bushwalking to start your adventurous weekend.

Day 2: Head to Main Range National Park, and the 14 River Crossings in Killarney’s Cambanoora Gorge. The perfect place for respectful 4WD’ers, hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers. Take it slow and enjoy what nature has in this beautiful part of the world.

If fast 4WD’ing is more your style, try Gordon Country Goomburra, or The Springs 4x4 adventure Park Warwick.

Day 3: If you have brought your Mountain Bikes for some MTB action, head to Mt Marlay at Stanthorpe, where the region’s newest MTB trails have opened. This trail has rides suitable for all ages and experience levels, with the mix of granite rock and different soil types giving these trails a unique riding experience.

There are also popular trails at Passchendaele State Forest and Broadwater State Forest.

If road biking is more your thing, follow the Granite Belt Bike Trail, 34 km of picturesque creeks and meandering back roads, even taking you via cellar doors.

To see what events are on in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, head to southerndownsandgranite belt.com.au/events for the latest event updates.

FAMILY Day 1: Depart Brisbane for Warwick via the Cunningham Highway. Get the kids out of the car at the top of Cunningham’s Gap where you can take in a walk through the World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park, enjoying a picnic in the park.

After lunch drive to Maryvale and visit Gleneden Family Farm for an authentic farm experience including milking cows, feeding pigs and more. Pitch a tent on the farm and enjoy the best of country life.

Day 2: Head 30 minutes into historic Warwick. Explore the historical buildings on the main street and visit the fully restored Downs Explorer Steam Railway station in Lyons St. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Condamine River and if time permits, visit Leslie Dam west of Warwick and try your hand a catching a fresh water fish (you will need a fishing permit). You can book a cabin at Lake Leslie Tourist Park for your overnight stay.

Day 3: Hit the road early, driving 45 mins south to Stanthorpe. Enjoy family activities including Granite Belt Maze, Granite Belt Christmas Farm or pick your own Strawberries at Ashbern Farm (October to May). Get active at Girraween National Park, and try the Granite Arch Walk – a fairly short walk for all ages. Overnight in Stanthorpe.

Day 4: Depart Stanthorpe for Killarney.

Embark on the Falls Drive, taking in Browns Falls, Daggs Falls before stopping at Queen Mary Falls where you can choose between a 20 minute or 40 minute walk. Hand feed the Crimson Rosellas at Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park. Continue on the Falls Drive to head home to Brisbane via Boonah.

NATURE Day 1: Depart Brisbane for Warwick via the Cunningham Highway. Stretch your legs, stopping half way at Cunningham’s Gap for a walk in the World Heritage Listed Main Range National Park. Head towards Killarney along the winding Spring Creek Rd to discover four waterfalls, pretty picnic areas, beautiful rainforests and soaring views of the Cambanoora Gorge. Stop the night at the remote and off-grid Adjinbilly Rainforest Retreat, where you will connect with thousands of years old natural rainforest with a tumbling cascade creek at your doorstep.

Day 2: Spend the day visiting the waterfalls including the undeveloped track at Browns Falls, Daggs Falls and then walk the 45 minute circuit of Queen Mary Falls. Hand feed king parrots and Crimson Rosellas and make sure you stop at the Moss Gardens – a cool temperate rainforest with trees covered in moss and lichen.

Walk only 25m along the 100 year old rabbit proof fence to view Hoop Pine, Kurrajong and Silky Oak Trees. Head to Stanthorpe just an hour South for an overnight stay in bush Cabins at the Granite Belt Brewery and catch sight of the bush creatures at night.

Day 3: Spend the morning at Girraween National Park, exploring the 17km of walking tracks. Climb the First Pyramid to see Balancing Rock and for great views over the park. Watch for Blue Wrens, Yellow-tufted Honey Eaters, bearded dragons and perhaps a wombat. Superb Lyrebirds come here but are rarely seen. Head back to a Stanthorpe via one of many wineries, such as Hidden Creek Winery where you can buy a picnic hamper to enjoy by the lake and vineyard, before you head home.

Ask a local Our two accredited Visitor Information Centres can help you travel around our region. Keep an eye out for the blue and yellow sign for friendly advice on where to stay, what to do or just chat with a local about the area.

Warwick Visitor Information Centre

Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre

Town Hall, 72 Palmerin St, Warwick

28 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe

07 4661 3122

07 4681 2057

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm

Saturday, 9am – 4pm & Sunday, 9am – 2pm

Parking: Ample parking available directly in front of Centre for all vehicle types.

Parking: Ample parking available on Palmerin St. or in the Council carpark accessible off Fitzroy St. Caravan and bus parking available on Palmerin St. in front of Leslie Park.

FROM TOOWOOMBA

North

Allora

Leyburn

2 G NI N CUN

I CUNN

Maryvale

4

14

7 8

42

Leslie Dam

MAIN RANGE GE NATIONAL PARK

1

Warwick

9

1

15 1

Killarney

NEW EN

42

highway 15

3

15

6

Welcome to food trail heaven!

HAM

G L A N D HIGHWAY

From Goondiwindi

11

5

way 42 high AM N GH

From Bris Fro Brisbane

1

14

A3

LISTINGS

15

QUEENSLAND

Cottonvale 5

Amiens

10

12 13

Dalveen 11

Thulimbah

14

15 16

ROAD

5

22

Applethorpe

17 18 19 20

8

Stanthorpe

S TEXA

Condamine Apiaries

7

Little Gallery Café

8

Bluebird Kitchen & Smokehouse

9

Clarke’s Bees & Honey

10

Heritage Estate Wines Restaurant

Stanthorpe Cheese

24

Suttons Juice Factory & Cidery

15

Truffle Discovery Centre

GIRRAWEEN GIRRAWE RRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK P

16

Paola’s the Winemakers Kitchen

From Northern NSW

@SthDownsGBelt

Picot’s Farm

6

14

Wallangarra

Southern Downs and Granite Belt

Freestone Valley Honey

5

Chilli in Stanthorpe

6

15

southerndownsandgranitebelt

Freestone Valley Farms

4

13

Glen Aplin

SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK SU

Southern Downs and Granite Belt

Echo Valley Farm

3

Sam’s Farm Fresh Fruit & Veg

Ballandean

Glenlyon Lake

2

11

23

25

Storm King Dam

Gleneden Family Farm & Bullock Team

12

8

21

1

17

Granite Belt Brewery

18

Varias Restaurant

19

Granite Belt Farmers Market

20

Ashbern Farms

21

Traprock Orchard

22

Lancuba’s Fruit Mart

23

Jamworks Café & Larder

24

Hidden Creek Winery & Café

25

Barrelroom Restaurant

Southern Downs & Granite Belt southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au