Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe Queensland
Is a town situated in south east Queensland, Australia. The town lies on the New England Highway near the New South Wales border 223 km from Brisbane via Warwick, 56 km north of Tenterfield and 811 m above sea level. The area surrounding the town is known as the Granite Belt. At the 2006 census, Stanthorpe had a population of 4,271. Stanthorpe is located 221km south west of Brisbane. The name Stanthorpe comes from stannum, meaning ”tin” and thorpe meaning ”village”. As tin was exhausted from the area, new sources of income were sought. Today the Shire is a popular destination for all visitors who can sample and enjoy the many festivals and events celebrated by the locals, such as: Markets in the Mountains, cnr Marsh and Lock sts, 2nd Sun each month. Mar: Apple and Grape Harvest Festival (even numbered years), Rodeo. May: Opera at Sunset. May/June/July: Brass Monkey Season (TM). Oct: Granite Belt Spring Wine Festival and the Australian Small Winemakers Show and a host of other events to be enjoyed.
History
Stanthorpe was founded by tin miners. People came from many countries to mine tin from 1872. Prior to 1872 this area boasted some large pastoral runs and a few prospectors in bark huts. At that time, the area was known as ‘Quart Pot Creek’. The Private Township of Stannum existed in the area along one side of the present main street. With the discovery of tin and the influx of miners and new businesses, a ‘more suitable’ name was sought by the town fathers. Thus, Stanthorpe became the name which encompassed all, as this area became for a time, the largest alluvial tin mining and mineral field in Queensland. Stanthorpe literally means ‘tintown’, as Stannum is Latin for ‘tin’ and thorpe is Middle English for ‘village’. When the tin prices fell many miners turned to farming. The sub tropical climate was very suitable for growing cool climate fruits and vegetables. Grapes were first planted here in the 1860s with encouragement from the local Catholic parish priest Father Jerome Davadi to produce altar wine. His Italian descent made grape growing and wine production a familiar past time and the notion caught on in the area. There were plenty of Italian settlers and wine was made for home enjoyment.
The railway reached Stanthorpe in May, 1881. The cool dry climate was valued as an aid to health from the early nineteenth century especially for those suffering from Tuberculosis or chest conditions. Following the First World War, Stanthorpe was a major resettlement area for soldiers recovering from mustard gas exposure. Many of these Soldier Settlers took up the land leased to them in the areas around Stanthorpe which now bear the names of WW1 battlefields. Stanthorpe today is a popular place to reside because of its welcoming acceptance of newcomers.
Geography and climate
The Brass monkey at Stanthorpe's central Post Office Square
Owing to its elevation, Stanthorpe features a subtropical highland climate. At an altitude of 811 metres, Stanthorpe holds the record for the lowest temperature recorded in Queensland at -10.6 °C on 23 June 1961. In winter, Stanthorpe is frequently the coldest town in the state. Sleet and light snowfalls have been recorded. It can be very hot in the summer, getting to above 30 °C.
Farming
The main industry today is agriculture. Crops grown include vegetables, apples, grapes and stone fruit. Wine is also produced in the area, and sheep and cattle grazing is also prevalent.
Media
Rebel FM 97.1 MHz was Stanthorpe’s first commercial FM radio station. Rebel FM has a new & classic rock music format. The Breeze broadcasts on 90.1 MHz with an easy adult contemporary & classics hits format. Both stations are part of the Rebel Media group. The Stanthorpe area is served by a local Community Radio Station Ten FM. The Station is currently transmitting on 98.7 MHz with a low power transmitter situated on Mount Marlay. The station has recently upgraded its Stanthorpe studios with a new mixing desk, new computers and professional grade monitor speakers. Ten FM has a local focus, derived in part from the stringent rules controlling Community Radio Stations. The station transmits a broad range of programs to attract the widest audience. In particular, the station broadcasts Italoz, a weekly program with an Italian theme to cater for the many listeners around the Stanthorpe area with an Italian background. The Border Post is the only paid local newspaper servicing the district. The Stanthorpe Border Post is relied upon for its coverage of local news and events.
Tourism
Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt and Granite Highlands area of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales are the centre of a booming winery and national parks tourist destination. There are more than 50 wineries in the Granite Belt area, with a wide range of restaurants, Accommodation places and tourist venues. The Granite Belt national parks are Girraween, Bald Rock, Sundown, Boonoo Boonoo. Wine and tourism are a very important part of the town’s economy. Backpacking is popular and there is large demand for fruit and vegetable pickers from November until May each year. Storm King Dam offers some good angling opportunities for Murray Cod, Yellowbelly and Silver Perch.
Education
Stanthorpe has a private co-ed catholic school, St. Joseph’s School, servicing Preparatory to Year 12, as well as 3 state funded institutions: Stanthorpe State Primary School, servicing Preparatory to Year 7; Stanthorpe State High School, servicing Year 8 to Year 12; and the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. The towns first Bachelor level tertiary institution, The College of Wine Tourism, was opened in 2007. The college operates in co-operation with the local Stanthorpe State High School, as well as other regional schools, providing secondary, undergraduate, and graduate certification related to wine and tourism industries.
Aloomba Lavender
Aloomba Lavender
5425 Mount Lindesay Highway
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
Aloomba Lavender on the Mount Lindesay Road (three to four kilometres north of Liston) is part of a 4,000 acre cattle property set in picturesque rolling hills. The 12,000 established lavender plants form a pretty pattern whether in flower or not (great opportunity for photographs). The well stocked gift shop and the tranquil bed and breakfast rooms are very popular. Bus groups and casual visitors are received in a friendly, family atmosphere for tea and coffee. Harvesting begins in mid November. Open every day except Christmas and bookings welcome. An informative talk can be given to larger groups on request if time permits. A three hour drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast with several routes from which to choose, makes Aloomba Lavender an excellent destination.
Open from 0830 to 1630 every day except Christmas Day. Children are welcome but must be kept under parental guidance. A blackboard is available to use as entertainment outdoors. Dogs are permitted however they must be kept on a lead. Access and toilet available for guests with a disability.
Bald Rock National Park
Bald Rock National Park
Mt Lindesay (Woodenbong) Road
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
Bald Rock National Park is located 45 minutes south of Stanthorpe on the Mount Lindesay Highway. Bald Rock is the main feature of the National Park. This dome is 750 metres long and 500 metres wide. It rises 200 metres above the surrounding bushland, and is the largest exposed granite type rock in Australia. There are canyons and stone arches on the three hour return walk to the summit, which offers panoramic views. Other walks (four kilometres to 14 kilometres return) take in the surrounding granite country. The track to the foot of Bald Rock is wheelchair accessible with assistance. Boonoo Boonoo National Park is a few minutes further south of Bald Rock National Park. In summer, this is the ideal place to be, as the main feature of this National Park is the Boonoo Boonoo River and its waterfalls. Picnic and bush camping facilities are available at both parks.
Banca Ridge Winery, Cellar Door and Bistro
Banca Ridge Winery, Cellar Door and Bistro
22 Caves Road
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
The Banca Ridge Winery and Cellar Door is part of Queensland’s first wine tourism training college. Located at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in the centre of Queensland’s premier wine district, the cellar door bistro is open to the public and provides a commercial education and training context for students of the college. The cellar door features the award winning Banca Ridge wines made by the students in the teaching winery. Visitors can browse in the interpretive gallery which tells the story of the Queensland wine industry. Banca Ridge is also an excellent venue for conferences, seminars and functions. Open from 1000 to 1600 seven days a week and Friday and Saturday nights from 1800. Children are welcome. There is access for guests with a disability.
Crystal Ridge Lavenders
Crystal Ridge Lavenders
10 Daniells Lane
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
Crystal Ridge Lavenders is only three kilometres from Stanthorpe, the heart of Queensland’s premier wine country. It is part of a 160 acre prime lamb raising property. The lavender farm, gift shop, commercial lavender crop, display gardens and farm animal display are set on six and half acres. There are many different varieties of lavender, rosemary and roses are also featured. The lavender crop is harvested over December and January. The gift shop is filled with beautifully perfumed lavender bodycare products, soaps, sachets, heatpacks, crafts, teddies, fairies, tea towels and china. Lavender chocolates, lollies, tea, honey and biscuits are also available. Take the time to relax on the patio, enjoy the view, talk to the animals (alpaca, donkeys, miniature horses, Shetland pony, goats, lambs, ducks and chooks), or chat with your hosts, Don and Trish Gaske, about all things lavender. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the surroundings. Bus groups welcome and an informative talk on lavender can be given.
Open 6 days 0900 to 1700 hours. Closed Wednesday and Christmas Day only. Children are welcome however they must be supervised by an adult. Farm animal distraction available for the children. Pets allowed but must be on a lead. Disabled access to the shop and garden is available however there are no disabled toilet facilities.
Harrington Glen Estate
Harrington Glen Estate
88 Townsend Road
Glen Aplin
Queensland
Australia
At Harrington Glen Estate, enjoy the stunning views over the vineyard and the Glen Aplin region. Eight acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Verdelho, White Muscat and Viognier grapes are carefully nurtured to produce award winning wines such as a five star Cabernet and a four and a half star Shiraz ratings awarded by Winestate, and gold, silver and bronze medals. The 2007 Cabernet was awarded a trophy for the Best Queensland Red at the Australian Small Winemakers’ Show, a gold medal, and a further gold and the Queensland Wine Awards. Set in 68 acres of cleared land and rocky bushland, the cellar door, gallery and winery are built on a massive rock outcrop that is surrounded by native plants, which have been specially selected to attract birds and conserve water. On many days, kangaroos and wallabies are seen grazing or bounding across the property. A 75 foot Melbourne train has been recycled and set up on a hill on the property for accommodation. The property entrance road is bordered on each side by poplar trees that change colour with the seasons.
Open 1000 to 1600 Sunday to Friday. Open 1000 to 1700 Saturday and public holidays. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Children are welcome. Pets are welcome, on a leash. Wheelchair access and toilet facilities for guests with a disability are available.
Pure Heaven Natural Bodycare Factory
Pure Heaven Natural Bodycare Factory
21 Old Caves Road
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
An indulgence not to missed, Pure Heaven’s Natural Skincare Factory and Cafe are surrounded by a picturesque lavender farm. Enjoy sampling the freshly made organic body cremes, nourishing body butters, delicious soap cake slices and much more! The extensive range of handmade natural products will delight the senses and you’ll be sure to discover something delightful for all tastes. Sit back and relax while enjoying espresso coffee or a herbal tea from the cafe, with a delicious selection of sweets and savories on the menu. Open from 0900 until 1630 daily, including public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Children are welcome. There is a ramp to the gift shop.
Quart Pot Creek
Stanthorpe Town Centre
Stanthorpe
Quart Pot Creek
Queensland
Australia
Quart Pot Creek runs through the town of Stanthorpe. It has been landscaped by the local Council, and now boasts concrete walking paths linking one end of town to the Red Bridge. Take time to walk alongside Quart Pot Creek and admire the surrounds of Stanthorpe. Feed the ducks, swim, or just relax under the shade of a tree. There is also a great park on Quart Pot Creek, Kidspace, which is near the visitor information centre and is a good spot to have a quiet break and offers a Brass Monkey themed playground for families. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Children are welcome. Pets are allowed. Disabled access is available.
Stanthorpe Heritage Museum
12 High Street
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
Stanthorpe Heritage Museum
Come and see the district’s heritage on display at the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum, located on High Street at the north end of Stanthorpe. The Museum comprises of several historical buildings full of unique collectables from the mining, grazing, transport, fruit, medical industries as well as school education and general lifestyles through the years. This collection has won many awards and the local Historical Society prides itself on the collection, restoration and display of the items at the Museum. Not to be missed are the ‘Make do exhibits’, the sheer ingenuity of the bush. Stanthorpe and surrounds has evolved in many industries and this collection of items is surprisingly large given the population. The suggested time to allow for visiting the Museum is three to four hours and for those true historical enthusiasts time is limitless. Come and meet the friendly and informative staff and volunteers for a step back in time. Open 1000 to 1600 Wednesday to Friday. Open 1300 to 1600 Saturday. Open 0900 to 1300 Sunday. Open most public holidays. Children are welcome under the supervision of an adult.
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Locke Street
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery displays quality exhibitions of both national and local importance, as well as fostering a strong program of regional artist exhibitions and displays that are relevant to the history and character of the Granite Belt region. The gallery’s 40 day exhibition program also include those specially curated from the Shire’s wide-ranging permanent collection of traditional and contemporary paintings, works on paper, ceramics, sculpture and fibre artworks. This strong collection of noted artist’s works, are sourced from acquisitions made during the biennial Stanthorpe Arts Festival. The next festival held in February 2010, will mark its 36th year, with acquisitions and prize money amounting to AUD20,000. Quality national touring exhibitions encompass displays varying from contemporary jewellery, ceramics, and noted Australian artists’ displays, to talented youth artists’ works. The art gallery also encourages the presentation of established artist exhibitions from outside the region or state. Open 1000 to 1600 Monday to Friday. Open 1000 to 1300 weekends. Open some public holidays, please phone for confirmation. Children are most welcome, to be supervised by adults. Disabled access is available.
Storm King Dam
Storm King Dam
Eukey Road
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
Storm King Dam rests in a picturesque rural setting with many water birds (including pelicans) and is an ideal spot for picnics, water sport and fishing. Fish species include golden perch, murray cod, silver perch, jew and river black fish. Facilities include: toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, drinking water, jetty, boat ramp, swimming area and playground. Please note that camping is not permitted however there is a recreational/youth camp available for large group bookings. No boating restrictions apply, however a permit is required for powerboats (at no cost). Storm King Dam is situated 10 kilometres southeast of Stanthorpe on the road to Eukey. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Children are welcome.
Sundown National Park
Sundown National Park
via Glenlyon Dam Road
Stanthorpe
Queensland
Australia
High, remote and rough, Sundown National Park (south west of Stanthorpe) entices both self-sufficient campers and experienced bushwalkers to explore its rugged ridges and gorges. Camp at one of five camping areas (three accessible by four-wheel-drive only) or hike in to a secluded bush camp. From Broadwater campground, enjoy the short graded walk to Permanent Waterhole. More experienced walkers can explore the Severn River or the upper reaches of Ooline Creek. Look for river red gums, king orchids, ducks and herons, or try your luck throwing a lure in one of many waterholes (line fishing allowed). From the park’s north-eastern boundary, experienced walkers can enjoy a two-day circuit taking in Mount Lofty and Red Rock Gorge, while four wheel drives can continue to Burrows Waterhole camping area. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Children are welcome.
Castle Rock
At an average elevation of 900 metres above sea level, Girraween National Park is situated on the northern extremity of the New England Tablelands. Girraween National Park’s granite habitat is unique in Queensland. The Castle Rock track features breathtaking panoramic views. The walk varies from gentle to moderate gradients until a steep climb over exposed granite rocks to the summit. Black cypress, stringybarks and orange gums grow in woodlands on rocky ridges. Yellow box and brown gums provide shade and good birdwatching. For those with more time there is an option to extend this walk to include The Sphinx and Turtle Rock Track, an additional 7.4 kilometres (four hours return). This extension leads from Castle Rock along a ridge top and is easy walking. The Sphinx is a granite pinnacle bearing a large balancing tor, whereas Turtle Rock is a large granite monolith resembling a turtle’s back.
Market in the Mountains
Come to the Market in the Mountains – where they Make It, Bake It, Sew It or Grow It. Over 45 stallholders sell a range of unique handcrafted items made from wood, leather, paper, wool, cotton and other items. Clothing, knitted items, hand bags and a great selection of jewellery handcrafted pieces. There’s a wonderful range of jams, pickles, honey, cheese, cakes, biscuits and much more. Also enjoy a variety of arts and craft, plants, fruit and vegetables. Held every second and fourth Sunday of the month – no matter what the weather, come and enjoy the indoor markets conveniently located at the Civic Centre in the heart of Stanthorpe. Take your time and enjoy the Crafters Cafe, which serves food and drinks. Coaches are welcome. Open 8.00 a.m. till noon. Open from 0800 until 1200 on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Children are welcome. There is access for guests with a disability.
Mount Norman Track
No visit to Girraween National Park is complete without trekking across the rocky slabs to Mount Norman, the highest point in the park. Heading towards Castle Rock from Pyramids Road, continue through woodland, forest and heath before crossing a creek near the base of the mountain. The climb is steady though steep in parts. Enjoy superb views on the way including the Eye of the Needle on Mount Norman’s northern face. The final approach to the summit is steep and only skilled and equipped rock-climbers should attempt the absolute summit.
The Pyramid
Cross creeks, weave through eucalypt forests, past rocky outcrops and wetlands to the exposed rock face of Girraween National Park, where the track starts to climb up a series of stone steps to the base of The Pyramid. This is a good place to rest and enjoy the view of the surrounding bush before starting the steep climb up the bare rock face. As the climb up the massive boulder is quite steep and demanding, only people with a reasonable level of fitness should tackle this popular walk. Painted markers on the rock show you the way. Your reward is a magnificent view over Second Pyramid, Castle Rock, the park campgrounds, former orchards and adjoining Bald Rock National Park.
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