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
Testimonials
Hi Kerry Great trip as usual in the Alps. Hans was able to secure 2nd spot on the bus line and we were away very quickly leaving lines of buses behind us. The motel was excellent and the food service the quality A1. The chap in charge of the Bar and foor service, lan, was most attentive and with the help of Hans did a wonderful job of keeping everyone happy. The escorted Tour of Albury by Allan was one of the best I have encountered. The Hibernian Hotel was ‘spot on’, the hotel was spacious and the food perfect. The Red Stag Deer Farm was without doubt one of the highlights of the trip. The complex looks over the valley with sweeping views. The owners gave a very informative and entertaining talk and we really could have stayed longer. I believe it would be an ideal venue for a bit of variety to say have morning tea at Bright and then go to the Red Stag for Iunch and a talk by them. They did well out of the bus with people buying lots of their products. Most of the people on the bus have done the same Bright trip previously in one form or another and the inclusion of this I feel would draw other ‘past’ travellers to do the same trip again. I know I can speak for everyone, it was a top trip.
Regards David
Thank you so much to Indigo for delivering my backpack, containing my computer, to me at home in Willoughby. I thoroughly enjoyed my two day trip to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Our driver, Peter was delightful, patient, knowledgeable and a most competent driver. The drivers that picked us up and delivered us to Hornsby in smaller vehicles were also kind and patient. I was quite distressed at having left such a valuable piece of equipment behind and am so grateful to Indigo for going out of her way to deliver it to me. You have wonderful staff and I am looking forward to my next excursion with you soon in 2026. Happiness, good health and all good wishes to you all . Sincerely, Gabrielle Dec – 2026
