Granite Belt South West Full Day Self Drive Tour
After pre-booking your Stanthorpe accommodation, on arrival we suggest you check in. Depending on where you are staying, you may wish to first pop into the Visitor Information Centre at 28 Leslie Parade on the creek in Stanthorpe, where the helpful volunteers will assist with your plans.
Drive towards the northern end of the town bypass (as if you are heading to Brisbane) and turn east into Amosfield Road to the Lavender Farms. The first is Crystal Ridge in Daniells Lane, which also operates a small animal farm for your family to enjoy. Further down the road is Aloomba Lavender Farm near Liston… the setting is nothing short of spectacular. Both offer a large array of gifts and lavender products.
On your way back towards Stanthorpe visit the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT) where students train in the art of viticulture and hospitality tourism, complete with their own vineyard and winery. The QCWT is west off the town bypass on Old Caves Road where both the cellar door and Bistro are open daily.
On your way south on the New England Highway at Severnlea turn right onto Reid Road and then right again onto Donges Road where you will find Ridgemill Estate. Their cellar door offers wine tasting and gifts. They also have cabins on site.
Just up the road is Lucas Estate where the cellar door, café and art gallery are enhanced every second Sunday with a line-up of quality musicians. Sample their handcrafted wines and the café’s regional and organic produce.
Next, head to Claudia’s Country Restaurant and Thunderbolt Farm on Thorndale Road. Turn left outside Lucas Estate then left again. Claudia’s is known for its international dishes and German speciality menu, as well as the views from the German themed restaurant.
Turning left out of Claudia’s, (Friday to Monday) head 300m down Thorndale Road and turn right at Collins Road to arrive at Mt Stirling Olives. The farm cultivates over 3000 olive trees where you can sample and purchase a wide range of olives, oils, gourmet produce and home wares. There is also a Fudge Cottage with over 25 flavours made on site.
Follow Thorndale Road down to the New England Highway (passed the Glen Aplin School) then turn right into Mt Stirling Road. At weekends this will take you to Mountview Wines, and every day onto Granite Belt Highlands Winery where a wide range of liqueurs are made using fruit from the orchard and locally grown berries. They also have ports, creams and gift packs.
In your travels, look out for the large boulders, a feature of the Granite Belt which began its formation between 200 and 400 million years ago. When the continent collided with an oceanic plate, it caused molten magma to ooze through the earth’s crust. Slowly cooling, it solidified into granite boulders and outcrops that continue to fascinate visitors to the area.
Then settle into your accommodation house where some operators provide platters, or choose to have dinner in one of our many restaurants. Be sure to pre-book restaurants during the peak winter season, on public holidays and festival weekends.
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