Winter in the Granite Belt brings a quiet kind of magic, with misty mornings that evolve into crisp, clear blue-sky days. It’s the perfect setting for a mid-year getaway because it’s not too cold to spend time outside. 

From orchard visits and camping to toasty cellar doors and scenic bushwalks, the Granite Belt offers a fabulous blend of outdoor fun and cosy comforts. Discover some of the local attractions and highlights, then book your stay!

• Fruit picking & farm visits
• Warming up with local treats
• Puzzles, play & indoor fun
• Nature time, without the rush
• Markets, makers & winter events

Fruit picking & farm visits

Winter is the perfect time to experience the Granite Belt’s hands-on country charm. To get into the Christmas in July spirit, families can visit the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, where the kids can feed friendly deer, goats, and sheep or wander through rows of magical Christmas trees. 

For a taste of how the locals live, drop by a working orchard or farm to sample homemade jams, pick in-season produce, or head back to your Stanthorpe accommodation and enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire.

These wholesome experiences offer an amazing way for families to connect with nature, learn about farming life and make memories together.

Warming up with local treats

After a morning of exploring, warm up with some of the Granite Belt’s tastiest comforts. 

Stop by a cosy restaurant with a roaring fire, such as the Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery in Stanthorpe. Indulge in homemade pies, fresh coffee, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate at Zest Pastries or Foxy’s Bakery, or treat the kids (and yourself) to handcrafted delights at a local chocolate shop like Heavenly Chocolate (open from Friday to Monday) or Little Pomme. 

If you’re after something refreshing, sample juices and crisp ciders made from juice sourced straight from the orchard at Suttons Juice Factory. 

Puzzles, play & indoor fun

When the chilly weather sets in, the Granite Belt still delivers plenty of fun indoors. Families can challenge their minds at the Granite Belt Maze, where riddles, mini golf and puzzles offer hours of laughter and friendly competition.

On colder days, explore local museums like the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum. This attraction features hands-on exhibits that bring the region’s history and culture to life for youngsters and adults alike. 

Nature time, without the rush

Winter in the Granite Belt provides the perfect time for families to slow down and enjoy nature’s simple pleasures. Take an idyllic stroll through the many national parks or quiet country trails. Girraween National Park (about 30km south) is the closest to Stanthorpe and is famous for its granite rock formations. Kids can have fun spotting native birds or simply enjoying the crunch of leaves and gravel under their feet.

Stop by the Severn River to skip stones, or relax under towering native trees. These unhurried moments, without schedules or screens, are often the most memorable and treasured. In the Granite Belt, nature provides the perfect playground, reminding you that adventure doesn’t always need an itinerary. Sometimes, the stillness and open spaces are the experience itself.

Markets, makers & winter events

The Granite Belt comes alive during winter. Explore vibrant markets and community events that truly celebrate the season. You can browse local winter markets filled with handmade crafts, seasonal produce, and warm, country-style food.

In 2025, visitors will be heading to Snowflakes in Stanthorpe at the start of July. This is a fantastic festival that brings winter to life, offering snow play and ice skating for the kids. Winter markets, a food ‘fiesta’ and evening lantern festival round out a weekend of fun.