SOUTHERN DOWNS

The Granite Belt

The Granite Belt and Stanthorpe, surrounded by vineyards and orchards is a wine fundi's dream. Here you can pull up at a roadside stall and load the car with just-picked apples, stone fruit, grapes and berries. Then in winter, when the air is sharp with frost, curl up in front of the roaring fire with a glass of local red from one of the many state-of-the-art wineries.

Stanthorpe  is located south west of Brisbane and is nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt. Known as Queensland's premier wine region, it boasts more than 45 wineries, vineyards and cellar doors.

Stanthorpe is surrounded by unspoilt National Parks. Just south of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park - with its spectacular granite rock formations, and wildflower displays during Spring -  remains a popular choice for bushwalkers. Adjacent to Girraween, is Bald Rock , Sundown and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks. Bald Rock National Park has the largest granite rock formation in the southern hemisphere, providing excellent views over the surrounding terrain.