Brass Monkey (Winter)

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. Brass Monkey Season has inspired some fine art works and even a poem or two, below you will find local bush poet Jack Drake's unique vision of winter in 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 ®.

Winter 2010 Jack Drake © 2010

Winter is here up in Stanthorpe. We can look forward to frost sleet and chills
with Brass Monkeys screaming for mercy, as cold winds that moan 'round through the hills.

You will see your own breath in the morning as it drifts on the cold mountain air
and wrap up in gloves, scarves and jumpers and beanies and long underwear.

There'll be ice on the creeks in the morning. There'll be frost and log fires at night,
hot soup and mulled wine, port and Muscat. The stuff that makes winter alright.

Yes, Brass Monkey Season is on us and I'll tell you what us locals know.
This year we're in for a cold one, and yes mate, we're gunna see snow.