Girraween National Park
Australian established and emerging artists. It’s the town’s epicentre for all visual arts and attracts locals and visitors alike due to its diversity and originality of artworks. There is a permanent collection of almost 900 pieces displaying everything from works on paper to ceramics to sculpture. The gallery is open six days a week; 10am – 4pm Tuesdays to Fridays (closed Mondays) and 10am – 1pm Saturdays and Sundays. To trace the history of the Granite Belt, first visit the well-presented Stanthorpe and District Historical Museum. Then follow the Heritage Trail, which reveals significant historical landmarks and brings to life the stories of old. You’ll discover Wallangarra Railway Station, the panoramic views of the Soldiers’ Memorial built to mark the end of the Boer War; the beauty of Red Bridge; impressive historic buildings including El
Arish (Place of Rest) built as a summer house for Major Chauvel, the Federation Post Office, and the Masel Residence – one of Queensland’s first examples of modern international architecture. Just south of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is a favourite for bushwalkers and campers. It offers spectacular granite rock formations and stunning wildflower displays during spring. Girraween, meaning ‘place of flowers’, is ideal for families with a choice of easy short walks (15 minutes) through to longer walks (3 – 4 hours) through pristine bushland. There is an information centre on site offering a wide range of booklets and brochures about the geography, animal and plant life and history of the national park.
Nearby Sundown National Park has peaks rising over 1,000 metres and is largely wilderness. Although most of the park is four-wheel-drive territory, the campsites at the western corner are accessible by twowheel-drive vehicles. It’s a brilliant walking and birdwatching destination. Keep your eye out for over 150 species including the turquoise parrot (a park specialty), azure kingfishers, diamond firetails and red-capped robins. You could also spot laced monitor lizards, eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies. You’ll spot many water birds at Storm King Dam, ten kilometres south-east of Stanthorpe. Take a picnic to this picturesque rural setting and throw in a line or paddle your canoe.
craft beer
OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM
craft beer on tap • tasting paddles • brewery viewing lounge • meals available • cabin accommodation
Ph: 07 4681 1370 • 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe • granitebeltbrewery.com.au
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2019/20 Southern Queensland Country Visitors’ Guide