South East Queensland Country - Brass Monkey Season -
Brass Monkey Season
The return of the Brass Monkey Season™ evokes beautiful clear crisp mornings, walks with breath condensing to fog and cosy fire-lit indoor evenings.
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt offers the perfect winter getaway. Rug up for fresh cool days taking in the dramatic landscape of contrasts: from lush rainforest bordered by granite monoliths to lavender farms and vineyards. Then there’s our 45 boutique wineries and cellar doors, plenty of places to dine and our events and festivals. Enjoy country hospitality from the friendly locals in the peace and quiet of your surrounds. Your romantic time away is only a short, stunning drive from Brisbane.
The natural beauty of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt inspires the thriving local arts community, and the Brass Monkey Season™ represents the peak of the region’s cultural calendar. Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz in July festival will be a unique display of local wit, charm and colour, with custom knitted jumpers for the deciduous trees of the main street. Other events to check out include Opera & Jazz in the Vineyard, RED WHITE & BLUES™, Equestrian "Triequathon" and the Historic Leyburn Sprints. Click here for a full list of events during Brass Monkey Season™.
The Brass Monkey Story
It’s the winter chill in the Southern Downs that has earned the season its nickname, so where does the old saying ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’ originate? Like most tales, there are several competing accounts. One legend has it that on the war ships of old, cannon balls were kept in brass racks known as monkeys. Water would often collect in these racks, and in winter, it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so they spilled out of the racks. And that’s how the brass monkey lost its balls.
Winter Experiences
Whether you’re after a quiet mid-week break or a romantic cottage-bound weekend, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt welcomes you to relax and enjoy the best of our region. Savour the journey to your destination then, map in hand, forge your own long way home. Take in the landscape from different roads and angles.
A fantastic range of accommodation, tours, restaurants and cafes have grown up amongst the wineries and primary producers. Rest assured there’s bound to be a local boutique operation catering for your perfect break.
Whether you’re staying for 1 night or 1 week, for great winter getaway ideas, check out the itineraries below. Once you’ve booked your accommodation in one of our motels, cosy B&Bs, self-contained cottages, or whatever takes your fancy, there is plenty to keep you busy…
Art & Culture
The natural beauty of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt inspires the thriving local arts community, and the Brass Monkey Season™ represents the peak of the region’s cultural calendar. More on Art & Culture>
Country Hospitality & Cuisine
The Southern Downs & Granite Belt is well known for its country hospitality, so come and experience our friendly, attentive service while you relax and unwind and leave the cares of the world behind you. More on Country Hospitality & Cuisine>
Fresh Produce
The Granite Belt is the source of much of South East Queensland’s rich, quality produce. More on Fresh Produce>
The Great Outdoors
Enjoy the clear, crisp days of winter by heading out into the Great Outdoors and the Southern Downs and Granite Belt offers an endless resource for open-air enthusiasts. More on The Great Outdoors>
Award-winning Wines
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt's unique combination of landscape, soil and weather creates the perfect conditions for quality grapes. More on Award-winning Wines>
Events & Markets
There are plenty of events and markets on during the Brass Monkey Season™ to keep you busy. More on Events & Markets>
Old World Charm
If you are fascinated by South East Queensland’s rich pioneering and pastoral heritage, the Southern Downs’ offers a treasure trove of history and heritage. More on Old World Charm>
