Brass Monkey Season® in Stanthorpe means beautiful clear crisp mornings, the bare tracery of winter trees trimmed with frost, and cosy evenings in front of an open fire.  Stanthorpe is the coolest (make that coldest) place in Queensland, and it’s the winter chill in the Granite Belt that has earned the season its nickname. June, July and August is the busy season in Stanthorpe as visitors come to enjoy the crisp frosty mornings and a glass of warming red wine in front of a crackling log fire. There is always the prospect - or hope - of snow and the first reports bring media and visitors flocking to the Granite Belt.

The Brass Monkey Story Where does the saying ‘cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’ originate? There are several accounts.  One version suggests a brass monkey was the name given to a metal rack used to store cannon balls on sailing ships. Water would collect in these racks, and in winter it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so they spilled out of the racks. So that's one way to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!

Winter Getaways The Granite Belt offers the perfect winter getaway. Rug up for fresh cool days taking in the dramatic landscape of contrasts: from bushland bordered by granite monoliths to lavender farms and vineyards. Then there’s our boutique wineries and cellar doors, plenty of places to dine and our events and festivals. Enjoy country hospitality in the peace and quiet of your surrounds. Winter is an extremely popular time to visit the Granite Belt so book your accommodation early.

Brass Monkey Events The natural beauty of the Granite Belt inspires the thriving local arts community, and the Brass Monkey Season® represents the peak of the region’s cultural calendar. Events to check out include Opera & Jazz in the Vineyard and Christmas in July (and June and August) dinners. Click here for a full list of events during Brass Monkey Season®.

Visit Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt during Brass Monkey!