The Southern Downs and Granite Belt region has always been one of my favourite places to visit and work in and recently, Stanthorpe been named top tourist town for Australia.
And there's no denying why.
I've always loved visiting Stanthorpe, exploring the surrounding national parks, and adding more and more wineries to my must-visit list. But this is our itinerary of a cheeky one-night stay in The Southern Down & Granite Belt Region.
Donnelly's Castle
Driving from the Lockyer Valley, it took us about two and a half hours to get into Stanthorpe. From Brisbane, I think it's probably about three to three and a half, depending on where you're from.
This was a Sunday night trip, so on our way down, we stopped in Warwick to pick up a few little groceries to get us through dinner and breakfast before heading on our way to be at Donnelly's Castle for 2 p.m.
I am also a Wedding & Couples photographer, and the reason for this trip was to go shoot an engagement session at Donnelly's Castle with a local Stanthorpe couple. If you want to see that gallery, here's the link to that.
I had no idea about Donnelly's Castle, which is a little bit upsetting because I am one who proudly loves the region and loves exploring the region, and for me not to know about this little hidden gem was blasphemy.
But if you are travelling through, especially from Brisbane, Donnelly's Castle is a must-stop on your way into town. It's only about 15 minutes northwest of Stanthorpe and is a great addition to your trip.
The Church Local Wine Project
After Donnelly's Castle, we made it our mission to head to our accommodation, but we were stopped in our tracks when we saw that The Church at Ballandean was open.
We always seem to be travelling through at the wrong time to stop in at this little spot. Either it's too late, too early, or we've already got something else booked in the area. So we weren't taking any chances this time around and decided we absolutely had to stop in for a few tastings of the local wines.
Which were absolutely beautiful, My fave was the Dear Vincent, 2024 Nebbiolo
Watching the sun dip from their outside seating was just gorgeous. The warm sun and the country backdrop were really just perfect.
Ballandean itself is probably about 10–15 minutes outside of Stanthorpe. My gosh, everything seems to be about 10 or 15 minutes outside of Stanthorpe, doesn't it?
Our Stay at Clever Kid Wines
For our one-night stop-in, we had booked a cabin at the previously named Just Red Wines, which is now under the name Clever Kid Wines.
Yes, there's goats. Yes, they're awesome.
This is an amazing little winery. We were there after their cellar door closed, and unfortunately Mondays are their day off, which is more than fair.
When we arrived, we were lucky enough to catch the last of the sun hitting the vineyards, and top priority was pulling out the cheese and bikkies and a bottle of wine ourselves. Only to the surprise of all of that already being provided in our cabin, which was honestly just so wonderful. To have a bottle from that winery while looking at exactly where those grapes were grown.
We stayed in the Syrah cabin, which from photos, I believe both cabins are identical. But it's so nice knowing that there are only two on the property and having this, like, exclusive little getaway that honestly was pretty affordable just for the night.
Both cabins have two bedrooms, a kitchen with full facilities, and a full bathroom with a washing machine in there as well.
The only downside to the cabin, and something I was so looking forward to, was that there was no lighter for the fire. Even though there was a fireplace in the cabin and wood was provided, we were unable to get that going.
But there were heaters in the cabin, so we didn't freeze, as this was September, and it was definitely still chilly at night.
Waking up to views of the vineyard, the sun creeping over, was the perfect start to the day
I will say this: you're not going to get a cracking sunset view right from your cabin, but the guys at Clever Kid Wines have already figured that one out.
Just behind the cabin, there is a bit of a bushwalk, and to be expected of the Granite Belt, it's nothing less than spectacular.
Especially when we discovered the main views where we should have honestly watched the sunset from, already set out with tables for the guests to enjoy.
I can't wait for the next time we're back here, because yes, we are already planning to go back next year with the whole family, and sitting up here watching the sunset with a great bottle of wine sounds pretty perfect.
We went on the bushwalk right before having to leave our accommodation. I can't believe we almost skipped out on it.
A Monday Morning in Stanthorpe
After checkout, we made our way into Stanthorpe, and as it was just myself and my mum on this trip, we made every effort to take as long as we wanted looking in and around every little store on the main street.
Antiques and op shops are always top of our list, and Stanthorpe doesn't disappoint.
We stopped into The Salvation Army for a little op shopping, along with some boutiquey finds including Vintage Roads, Country Lane Lifestyle, Pink Poppies Living Creatively and Work n Western.
And of course, Stanthorpe Flowers, with fresh flowers that literally smelled so good they dragged us in off the street.
Lunch at Groove 'n Grill
When in Stanthorpe, you are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to good food. But seeing we were in town, we decided to give the retro diner named Groove 'n Grill a try.
Honestly, the vibes alone pulled us in off the street.
Treating ourselves to spiders and cheese toasties was absolutely the best.
Value for money at this place is outstanding, vibes amazing, and the staff were fantastic.
The Scenic Route Home – Leslie Dam
After lunch, we did decide we probably had to head home, but we made sure to make the most of the journey as well.
Southern Downs is absolutely beautiful.
To be honest, I've never really been west of Warwick. I always drive straight through. I don't stop and have a look at anything.
But on this trip, we detoured off to see Leslie Dam, which honestly was fuller than I thought, but probably to a local's eye was disappointingly low with the current water restrictions and droughts in place.
Nonetheless, it's a gorgeous site with lots of wildlife, and it was a great stop-in before the main event for this detour, which was a farm stall about 15 minutes outside of Warwick.
One Last Stop – Becka's Bakes & Cakes
This little stall, Becka's Bakes & Cakes, has its popularity online and often does sell out of all its sweet treats.
But for us, it was the first time visiting, and I think being a Monday, we were spoilt for choice.
We grabbed a whole tray of mixed slices that we took home and shared with the family, homemade kombucha and dog treats to boot.
I love supporting these cool little stalls, maybe because one day I would love to run my own, although I don't quite know what I would be selling.
But this stall is great, offering both cash and PayID. So if you don't have any cash with you, you can still grab some goodies on your way through.
All the Places We Visited
Planning your own little getaway? Here are all the places from our trip, along with direct links to help you find them.
Exploring the Granite Belt
* Southern Downs & Granite Belt Tourism – For planning your visit and discovering more of the region.
* Donnelly's Castle – A gorgeous little natural wonder northwest of Stanthorpe.
* The Church Local Wine Project – Local wine tasting in Ballandean.
* Clever Kid Wines – Our vineyard accommodation and winery.
Shopping in Stanthorpe
All great little stops to add to your wander through town.
* The Salvation Army Stanthorpe – For a little op shopping and second-hand treasure hunting.
* Vintage Roads – One for your shopping itinerary.
* Country Lane Lifestyle – A lifestyle and boutique shopping stop.
* Pink Poppies Living Creatively – A creative little shop to explore.
* Work n Western – For western-inspired shopping.
* Stanthorpe Flowers – The gorgeous fresh flowers that pulled us in off the street.
Where We Ate
* Groove 'n Grill Diner – Retro diner vibes, spiders and cheese toasties.
The Journey Home
* Leslie Dam – A scenic detour outside Warwick.
* Becka's Bakes & Cakes – A roadside farm stall with homemade sweet treats, kombucha and more.
