The Granite Belt Queensland
Days:
6 Days
Activity:
3. Active Moderate
$2,895.00
Tour description
Discover the beauty and tranquillity of Queensland’s cool-country highlands on this wonderfully relaxed journey through the Granite Belt. With crisp air, rolling farmland and charming townships, the region is a refreshing contrast to the tropics Queensland is known for. We begin in Stanthorpe, a peaceful town at the heart of the Granite Belt and home to award-winning boutique wineries, fresh seasonal produce and friendly country hospitality. From apple orchards and berry farms to artisan cheeses, chocolates and handmade preserves, each day brings a chance to sample the flavours that make this region so beloved. Scenic highlights such as Donnelly’s Castle Lookout, Girraween National Park and the Granite Belt Christmas Farm showcase the area’s natural beauty and quirky charm.
Further north, Warwick offers a rich blend of grand colonial architecture, heritage streetscapes and warm community spirit. Known as the “Rose and Rodeo Capital,” the town is filled with beautifully preserved sandstone buildings, historic homesteads and fascinating stories of early settlers who shaped the Southern Downs. Visits to Glengallan Homestead, Pringle Cottage and charming local producers bring the region’s history and character to life, while time in Brisbane allows you to explore the city’s cultural precincts and iconic Southbank. With thoughtful inclusions, delicious meals, and comfortable accommodation throughout, this tour captures the essence of country Queensland — welcoming, scenic and full of memorable moments.
Itinerary
We fly from Sydney to Brisbane and begin with a city sights tour, taking in key landmarks before arriving at the vibrant South Bank Cultural Precinct. Here we enjoy time to explore and find our own lunch among the many cafés and eateries. In the afternoon we continue our journey into the Southern Queensland Highlands, arriving in Stanthorpe to settle into our hotel. This evening we gather for dinner together, marking the start of our country escape.
Overnight: High Street Motor Inn, Stanthorpe
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast we head to Donnellys Castle Lookout for sweeping views, then sample local produce at Stanthorpe Cheese. A quick photo stop at the famous Big Apple follows before we enjoy lunch and a tour at a local cidery and juice factory. The afternoon takes us to the Truffle Discovery Centre to learn about this culinary treasure, with the remainder of the day free to relax. We return to the hotel for another relaxed dinner.
Overnight: High Street Motor Inn, Stanthorpe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we travel to Warwick to explore its grand history. Our first stop is Glengallan Homestead & Heritage Centre, where we tour this beautifully restored 19th-century home and enjoy morning tea. After some free time in town to browse and find our own lunch, we visit Pringle Cottage and the Warwick Museum to step further back into the region’s past. We return to Stanthorpe in the evening for dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: High Street Motor Inn, Stanthorpe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner
We start the day exploring Girraween National Park, stopping at the Visitors Centre before enjoying a gentle walk among striking granite landscapes and wildflowers, with morning tea along the way. Afterwards, we indulge in handcrafted delights at Heavenly Chocolates, followed by lunch at a local gourmet producer. In the afternoon we visit Ridgemill Estate for a wine tasting, before heading back to the hotel for a relaxed evening meal.
Overnight: High Street Motor Inn, Stanthorpe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we take in panoramic views from Mount Marlay Lookout before heading to Aloomba Lavender Farm for a fragrant tour and morning tea. Our next stop is the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, where we enjoy lunch and hear the story behind this festive haven. In the afternoon, we explore the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum, uncovering the region’s pioneer past. Tonight, we return to our hotel for a final dinner together, sharing stories of our time away.
Overnight: High Street Motor Inn, Stanthorpe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is free to enjoy Stanthorpe at our own pace — perhaps strolling through local shops or enjoying a relaxed coffee. We then come together for lunch before making our way back to Brisbane for our flight to Sydney. With full hearts and beautiful memories of wine country, rolling hills and shared experiences, we return home from our Southern Queensland getaway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity Levels
-
1. Easy
-
2. Moderate
-
3. Active Moderate
-
4. Adventurous
Testimonials
I have had many trips with you and have enjoyed them very much.
Sincerely, Janet.
Dear Kerry and staff Thank you for organising the Temora airshow and Wagga tour for our club. We all enjoyed the four days away. The tour length was just right for us ‘oldies’. The Mercure Wagga was very comfortable and centrally located, and there was plenty of free time to explore the galleries, gardens Riverina Museum, and shops on offer in Wagga. The Tamora airshow was an opportunity to view old planes and to see an aviation display for novices to aviation displays. We learnt so much about the RAAF presence in Wagga and Temora during WWII. A highlight of the Junee Rail Museum was the dedicated locals who told us all about trains and privatisation of New South Wales rails. A special bouquet of thanks to Paul , our wonderful coach driver and Marie, our friendly tour guide. Nothing was a problem for them. Both Marie and Paul worked as a great team and put us all at ease. We greatly appreciated all their work, effort, fun and friendship to make our trip memorable. Thanks Guys! It was great to be travelling with Oncourse again. Our club is looking forward to seeing what tourism plans you have in store for 2024. Again, many thanks for your help. Best wishes to all the On Course team.
