Discover the best campgrounds near Stanthorpe, Queensland with horseback riding

Australia
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Queensland
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Stanthorpe

97% (852 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Stanthorpe

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

99%

(40)

The Ranch on Clarence

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents113 acres · Louisa Creek, NSW

The Ranch on Clarence River: Horse Lovers Camp & Riverside Adventure Discover a serene escape on our stunning 113-acre property, boasting 1.3 kilometers of pristine Clarence River freshwater frontage. Surrounded by the peaceful presence of over 30 majestic Andalusian and Warlander horses as well as other breeds roaming freely. You’ll find a true sanctuary for both relaxation and adventure. Horse Lovers Camp offers ample space for self-contained campers to pitch their tent or park their off-road caravan. Nestled along the edge of the mighty Clarence River. From soaring cliff faces overlooking the river and the vast expanse at the southern end of the property, with platypus, to peaceful rapids and large swimming pools in the middle and a sandy beach at the northern end, the property really does have it all. There is great walking and mountain bike trails all over the property for your enjoyment. You can embrace the tranquility of nature, whether you’re gazing at the horses, fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Explore the hills on your mountain bike, or unwind by the campfire under the stars. For the equine enthusiasts, you can meet our herd and book a personalized horse riding or equine experience. If horses aren’t your thing, take advantage of the riverfront—swim, fish, or paddle in the refreshing waters while your friends ride. Key Features: Clarence Camping: 1.3km of Clarence River frontage with ample space for off-road caravans or tents. Equine Experiences: If you are a thrill seeker, you have found the right place!! Ask us about our multi-day treks, or book our 1 or 2 hr River Ride (we may just swim the horses bareback in the river if the conditions are right on the 2 hr ride) Bring in the herd on our Troopie Horse Safari. This is an experience like no other with the herd galloping along side the Troopie! Yeeehaaaa!! Meet and greet our herd of over 30 horses! Outdoor Adventure: Kayak, swim, fish, or bike—there’s plenty to do! Campfires & Stargazing: End your day by the fire, gazing at the stars above. Please note, we currently welcome only self-contained campers who bring their own toilet, shower, and drinking water. UPDATE: We do have 1 flush toilet available for all our guests on the property nearby the Homestead. Pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved, and if your pet tends to chase livestock, they’ll need to be leashed. If the fire baths are your calling card, book Swan Lake. Our property is 2WD & 4WD accessible, with 4WD caravans and camper trailers welcome. We do have plenty of 2WD sites available as well. If you’re unsure about your vehicle, feel free to message us for a chat. The Ranch on Clarence is a sister business to The Ranch Byron Bay, where we offer memorable equine experiences.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(123)

Glenelg Station

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9000 acres · Cement Mills, QLD

Do you want a place to get away from it all? The 2 Mile Campsite at historical 'Glenelg Station' is it. Offering peace, tranquility, abundance of wildlife and complete privacy. Enjoy camping beside the beautiful McIntyre Brook which is suitable for both swimming and kayaking or just kick back relax unwind and let nature work its magic. We currently only offer one campsite so you have the place all to yourself. Guests will have access to a portable toilet throughout their stay. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided but please ensure you check any restrictions before lighting a fire. For complete solitude, there is no phone reception at campsite Pets are welcome to join you, please ensure they are kept under control and that they are cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(73)

Riverbend

10 sites · RVs, Tents2500 acres · Sandy Hill, NSW

Riverbend is an easy accessible cattle grazing farm with diverse terrain from lush shady river flats to mountainous bush country alive with wild life with plenty of well maintained slashed tracks suitable for push bikes and walking .Riverbend has several kilometres of river access to the Cataract river with plenty of easy to access camping spots only 500m of the Bruxener Highway

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(125)

"Mindoo"

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1100 acres · Tenterfield, NSW

Located 19 km due east of the famous historical village of Tenterfield the working, cattle breeding, property "Mindoo" has recently opened its gates to campers. Framed by the rugged border range National Parks "Mindoo" is 1100 acres of rolling green hills dissected by the pure, cascading, waters of the Cataract River which provide a number of private riverside campsites. Campers are encouraged to meander along the continually changing River and explore its many secluded swimming holes and enjoy the abundant wildlife that cohabitates with the Angus/Wagyu cow herd. Direct access to the neighbouring National Parks and State Forests offers an array of day trips to hikers, mountain bikers, or horse riders where they can discover the natural treasures of Basket Swamp and Boonoo Boonoo Falls, Woolool Woolooni, among others. For those who require a little more comfort, and lets face it we all do at times, the Mindoo Cabin is available. Featuring three bedrooms, open plan living/dining/kitchen,and a shady deck overlooking the River the cabin sleeps eight and still allows visitors to partake in all the adventures that "Mindoo" offers with the benefit of a comfortable rest when the day is done. Unfortunately horse riding is no longer covered by our insurance policy. You are able to bring your horses, however evidence of your own insurance policy must be provided. Be as adventurous or as restfull as you please as both options are freely available. Mountain Biking, Hilking, or just riding your hammock and relaxing we are sure you will enjoy your time at "Mindoo". All of our river sites are designated and are space apart. There is approximately 4km gravel road to get to the property. Mobile reception is patchy (telstra) you may need to get to the top of a hill for reception. Very little or no reception for other networks. As most of our sites are on the river and have farm tracks to access, if it is wet we may have to move you to a different site. 4wds are recommended for all sites. We have recently levelled the camping area at Rockpool Junction and The Falls, the grass is slowly returning. (August 2024) Send us a message if you have any questions.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(527)

Nyalar Mirunganah Nature Refuge

31 sites · RVs, Tents470 acres · North Branch, QLD

**Our camping sites vary in size and proximity to others. If you want to come with a group with several vehicles etc, please send a message rather than book separate sites. We will help find a site which suits your needs. We now have several secluded bush camp sites as alternatives to our more 'civilised' sites. They have no facilities apart from the site so you must be entirely self-sufficient. But all are single sites well away from others. We invite you to come and share our property, soak up the tranquility of our quiet valley and enjoy feeling at home in nature. And your dog is welcome too (under control please because we value our wildlife, and no more than 2 dogs per couple or family group)! The land is nearly 200 Ha in the western foothills of the Dividing Range, with the usually-flowing North Branch Creek being a green haven supporting lots of wildlife. It also includes the secluded back valley of Hann Creek to which you can walk, cycle or ride, with many tracks of lengths up to 3 km. The land is mostly open forest land with some cleared areas from its dairy-farming history, and many gullies with thicker vegetation. The property is mostly now dedicated to nature conservation and the recovery of its more natural state. It is a Nature Refuge under Qld legislation with special emphasis on recognising that the land is Githabul country, honouring local Githabul people now, sharing it with them and others, plus preserving species of plants and animals with known relevance to their former lifestyles. The name Nyalar Mirungan-ah means 'Old Women's Tears' in Githabul, and recognises that they cry because the land was taken from them and because it has not been looked after well by European people. We are now trying to care for it well, and to allow the original ecosystems to return, by lighter grazing, soil recovery and using traditional Aboriginal burning knowledge. And we welcome dogs as long as they don't disturb our wildlife. Shandy, our own dog, is very welcoming to guests and might drop in to your camp for a visit.

* Before taxes and fees

12 top campgrounds near Stanthorpe with horseback riding

100%

(125)

"Mindoo"

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1100 acres · Tenterfield, NSW

Located 19 km due east of the famous historical village of Tenterfield the working, cattle breeding, property "Mindoo" has recently opened its gates to campers. Framed by the rugged border range National Parks "Mindoo" is 1100 acres of rolling green hills dissected by the pure, cascading, waters of the Cataract River which provide a number of private riverside campsites. Campers are encouraged to meander along the continually changing River and explore its many secluded swimming holes and enjoy the abundant wildlife that cohabitates with the Angus/Wagyu cow herd. Direct access to the neighbouring National Parks and State Forests offers an array of day trips to hikers, mountain bikers, or horse riders where they can discover the natural treasures of Basket Swamp and Boonoo Boonoo Falls, Woolool Woolooni, among others. For those who require a little more comfort, and lets face it we all do at times, the Mindoo Cabin is available. Featuring three bedrooms, open plan living/dining/kitchen,and a shady deck overlooking the River the cabin sleeps eight and still allows visitors to partake in all the adventures that "Mindoo" offers with the benefit of a comfortable rest when the day is done. Unfortunately horse riding is no longer covered by our insurance policy. You are able to bring your horses, however evidence of your own insurance policy must be provided. Be as adventurous or as restfull as you please as both options are freely available. Mountain Biking, Hilking, or just riding your hammock and relaxing we are sure you will enjoy your time at "Mindoo". All of our river sites are designated and are space apart. There is approximately 4km gravel road to get to the property. Mobile reception is patchy (telstra) you may need to get to the top of a hill for reception. Very little or no reception for other networks. As most of our sites are on the river and have farm tracks to access, if it is wet we may have to move you to a different site. 4wds are recommended for all sites. We have recently levelled the camping area at Rockpool Junction and The Falls, the grass is slowly returning. (August 2024) Send us a message if you have any questions.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(527)

Nyalar Mirunganah Nature Refuge

31 sites · RVs, Tents470 acres · North Branch, QLD

**Our camping sites vary in size and proximity to others. If you want to come with a group with several vehicles etc, please send a message rather than book separate sites. We will help find a site which suits your needs. We now have several secluded bush camp sites as alternatives to our more 'civilised' sites. They have no facilities apart from the site so you must be entirely self-sufficient. But all are single sites well away from others. We invite you to come and share our property, soak up the tranquility of our quiet valley and enjoy feeling at home in nature. And your dog is welcome too (under control please because we value our wildlife, and no more than 2 dogs per couple or family group)! The land is nearly 200 Ha in the western foothills of the Dividing Range, with the usually-flowing North Branch Creek being a green haven supporting lots of wildlife. It also includes the secluded back valley of Hann Creek to which you can walk, cycle or ride, with many tracks of lengths up to 3 km. The land is mostly open forest land with some cleared areas from its dairy-farming history, and many gullies with thicker vegetation. The property is mostly now dedicated to nature conservation and the recovery of its more natural state. It is a Nature Refuge under Qld legislation with special emphasis on recognising that the land is Githabul country, honouring local Githabul people now, sharing it with them and others, plus preserving species of plants and animals with known relevance to their former lifestyles. The name Nyalar Mirungan-ah means 'Old Women's Tears' in Githabul, and recognises that they cry because the land was taken from them and because it has not been looked after well by European people. We are now trying to care for it well, and to allow the original ecosystems to return, by lighter grazing, soil recovery and using traditional Aboriginal burning knowledge. And we welcome dogs as long as they don't disturb our wildlife. Shandy, our own dog, is very welcoming to guests and might drop in to your camp for a visit.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(40)

The Ranch on Clarence

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents113 acres · Louisa Creek, NSW

The Ranch on Clarence River: Horse Lovers Camp & Riverside Adventure Discover a serene escape on our stunning 113-acre property, boasting 1.3 kilometers of pristine Clarence River freshwater frontage. Surrounded by the peaceful presence of over 30 majestic Andalusian and Warlander horses as well as other breeds roaming freely. You’ll find a true sanctuary for both relaxation and adventure. Horse Lovers Camp offers ample space for self-contained campers to pitch their tent or park their off-road caravan. Nestled along the edge of the mighty Clarence River. From soaring cliff faces overlooking the river and the vast expanse at the southern end of the property, with platypus, to peaceful rapids and large swimming pools in the middle and a sandy beach at the northern end, the property really does have it all. There is great walking and mountain bike trails all over the property for your enjoyment. You can embrace the tranquility of nature, whether you’re gazing at the horses, fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Explore the hills on your mountain bike, or unwind by the campfire under the stars. For the equine enthusiasts, you can meet our herd and book a personalized horse riding or equine experience. If horses aren’t your thing, take advantage of the riverfront—swim, fish, or paddle in the refreshing waters while your friends ride. Key Features: Clarence Camping: 1.3km of Clarence River frontage with ample space for off-road caravans or tents. Equine Experiences: If you are a thrill seeker, you have found the right place!! Ask us about our multi-day treks, or book our 1 or 2 hr River Ride (we may just swim the horses bareback in the river if the conditions are right on the 2 hr ride) Bring in the herd on our Troopie Horse Safari. This is an experience like no other with the herd galloping along side the Troopie! Yeeehaaaa!! Meet and greet our herd of over 30 horses! Outdoor Adventure: Kayak, swim, fish, or bike—there’s plenty to do! Campfires & Stargazing: End your day by the fire, gazing at the stars above. Please note, we currently welcome only self-contained campers who bring their own toilet, shower, and drinking water. UPDATE: We do have 1 flush toilet available for all our guests on the property nearby the Homestead. Pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved, and if your pet tends to chase livestock, they’ll need to be leashed. If the fire baths are your calling card, book Swan Lake. Our property is 2WD & 4WD accessible, with 4WD caravans and camper trailers welcome. We do have plenty of 2WD sites available as well. If you’re unsure about your vehicle, feel free to message us for a chat. The Ranch on Clarence is a sister business to The Ranch Byron Bay, where we offer memorable equine experiences.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(73)

Riverbend

10 sites · RVs, Tents2500 acres · Sandy Hill, NSW

Riverbend is an easy accessible cattle grazing farm with diverse terrain from lush shady river flats to mountainous bush country alive with wild life with plenty of well maintained slashed tracks suitable for push bikes and walking .Riverbend has several kilometres of river access to the Cataract river with plenty of easy to access camping spots only 500m of the Bruxener Highway

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 4 times

BAJIMBA Eco Camping and Farm Stay

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Sandy Flat, NSW

Bajimba Eco Camp is part of our stunning family property nestled in the surrounds of Mt Bajimba in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, 40 minutes south east of Tenterfield. Historically known as a resting point for bullock teams hauling timber from the surrounding forests on their way to a saw mill in the lower valley, Bajimba is now home to Merv & Carey. We are just over 1,100 metres above sea level, with 57 acres of eucalypt & grass tree forests, grass pastures, and a small (but mighty) organic farm. Accommodation options include "West View “situated at our highest elevation with incredible views from the deck, and "Bullock Camp" which can accommodate tents, caravans or motor homes. Amenities for both sites include an ablution block with hot shower and composting toilet, with steam sauna and wood-fired hot tub available by appointment. Please note that all toiletries are provided to ensure that our critical farm ecosystem is maintained. Bajimba backs on to Washpool National Park, providing thousands of acres for 4wd exploring, with fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching only a stones throw away.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(123)

Glenelg Station

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9000 acres · Cement Mills, QLD

Do you want a place to get away from it all? The 2 Mile Campsite at historical 'Glenelg Station' is it. Offering peace, tranquility, abundance of wildlife and complete privacy. Enjoy camping beside the beautiful McIntyre Brook which is suitable for both swimming and kayaking or just kick back relax unwind and let nature work its magic. We currently only offer one campsite so you have the place all to yourself. Guests will have access to a portable toilet throughout their stay. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided but please ensure you check any restrictions before lighting a fire. For complete solitude, there is no phone reception at campsite Pets are welcome to join you, please ensure they are kept under control and that they are cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(33)

Yarran

3 sites · RVs, Tents2500 acres · Warroo, QLD

Located 70kms from the Granite Belt. 50kms from the Coolmunda dam and 60kms from Texas. Quiet, hills with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Gullies with ankle-deep spring-fed creeks. Lots of native wildlife including kangaroos, birds, and reptiles. Stables are available for horses. Lots of lovely scenic paddocks to ride in. There are great areas to hike, explore, and birdwatch. There is no light pollution so you see the amazing display of stars at night. Campfires permitted, please make sure you put them out when not attended. Water container top-up, shower, and toilet shed available. You're welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on leash. It's okay to bring horses, too! Camping grounds vary throughout property near dams and creeks and sites with a view. Our latest campsite is Haven Hollow, accessable by 2wd and near a shallow pleasant creek and surrounded by a grassy paddock with idylic views of hills, dams , paddocks and, grazing cattle and sheep. Great for a large family group!

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(10)

Rocky River Play Station

2 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · Rocky River, NSW

Find us on a large property on the banks of the Timbarra River, located 20 km / 30 min south of Drake Village (an old mining community). We share the property with lots of wildlife, and with our resident cows. There is currently only one camping site accessible by car (the River Block), but if you're up for a trek we can point you to the back hills where you'll find a whole other world. Your hosts live further back on the property so you can find us if you need help. Please note there is no mobile reception, so it is a great way to get away from it all. There are no bins here... please remove all your rubbish on departure. Campfires are welcome (when no fire ban). You can bring your own firewood, or gather what fallen timber you can find. There is currently no toilet, shower or drinking water so please bring your supplies. Pets possible on request. We love having furry friends visiting, but we also love our local wildlife and our lawnmower cows, and we like to keep their camper experience stress-free too.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(99)

Granite & Eucalyptus Bush Camping

1 site · RV, Tent21 acres · Eukey, QLD

Granite & Eucalypt Camp sits on "Mckenzie Glen" and offers a private camping experience for families and their dogs. The camp allows for self contained tent campers and caravans, camp trailers or RVs. We only allow 1 group at a time, so there will never be any other guests on the property whilst you are there. So once it is booked, the place is entirely yours. For example, if 3 families would like trip away with the kids, it will be exclusive to your group. There is a plentiful supply of firewood around the block that can be collected, if there isn't a load already near the fire. A load of wood is normally replenished once a month and left next to the firepit. There is very limited mobile phone reception along Eukey Road and it is almost non-existent at the camp. Which is great if you want a digital detox! However, there is a way you can still be connected and these details can be provided upon request. There is no toilet... yet. We do sometimes dig a drop toilet but this is not available all the time and it moves frequently. There is a small post hole digger with a bottomless bucket toilet (more affectionately called "Chainsaw") set that you can dig a hole for a toilet and a cage that gives some privacy (see the photos). But please make sure you fill it in with your finished and all the toilet paper is buried at least a foot under the ground. It gets it name from the rodeo bull "Chainsaw" because if you dig the hole too wide and can last 8 seconds on the seat, you're a legend! SO good tip for campers if you want to use it. A favourite thing to do at the camp is to have sundowners on what we call the "Zen Rock". It is a large rock formation about 100m the east of the camp. You can't miss it. There is an incredible amount of bird life around and a family of magpies live in trees just near the camp kitchen (they are friendly). You will often be woken by the Kookaburras and see the gorgeous Rosella's cruising around picking at grass seed. McKenzie Glen provides a swag deck that is large enough for 2 double swags side by side. There is a fully fitted camp kitchen which includes a gas stove. Our point of difference is that for a family who can’t afford all the kitchen camping equipment etc - you will have 'most' of the luxury's of home. You will need an esky for your food and drinks. There is no power, however the kitchen has a small fixed 12 volt system that will run the small pump for the kitchen and the lights. You'll see the switches. There may also be some cattle on the property, they are agisted by my lovely neighbours. They are usually weaners or cows and calves. McKenzie Glen - Granite & Eucalypt Camp is a stones throw of the Girraween National Park, a number of Granite Belt wineries and it is not too far down the road is Storm King Dam where (now that its full) is great for fishing and kayaking and boating. The area used to be mined for Tin. Keep any eye out for lumps of granite rocks on the ground and if your lucky enough you might find some with flicks of tin. If you hold the rock up to the light you can see the fecks shine in the light. If you are a coffee lover like me, there is St. Jude's Cafe down the road on the New England Highway at Ballandean. I highly recommend popping over to Ballandean Estate Wines on Sundowner Road, they've been making wine since 1932. The smell of the food coming from their Barrel Room Restaurant will draw you in even if you're not hungry (you can book a table on line so you don't miss out). And if you like a good country pub meal and a cold beer, then the Ballandean Tavern is the go. Both St. Judes and the Ballandean Tavern are only 8.8km from the camp. To the North of the camp, this bushland is a declared bushfire zone. To stay aware of radio broadcasts, the local ABC channels are 104.9 (ABC radio) 103.3 (Triple J).

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(46)

Jennings Country Camp

1 site · RV, Tent41 acres · Jennings, NSW

Camping site is located in 41 acres of natural bush land, the perfect get away for nature lovers, hikers, horse riders and bird watchers. There is a dam and a forested area studded with granite boulders. The property is in an an elevated spot, it has lovely views and great places to camp. There are lovely accessible walking trails through the property with several areas of slightly sloping ground. We are a ten minute drive from Girraween National park, a popular haunt for hikers and bird and nature lovers in general. Ballandean winery is also close and there is a shop and a cafe as well as a restaurant there. The town of Jennings is a small, quirky town close to the border, with a population of about 150. Jennings is in two time zones, both QLD and NSW! There is a characterful café and information about the area in the perfectly preserved old railway station. Another treasure is the Jennings hotel. Lyn is a friendly welcoming proprietor who can tell you all about the area's history and the pub's. There are many popular wineries in the region, three of which have wonderful restaurant meals. 13 minutes by car going south, is the much-loved federation town of Tenterfield - with appealing cafes, clothes shops, country outfitters, the famous Tenterfield Saddlery and a cinema which seats about 50, a railway museum, a stylish yet friendly Commercial Hotel for eating out and a historic café where federation was called into being by Henry Parkes. There are occasional Saturday morning markets too. No motorbikes or hunting please. This land is for wildlife and supports wallabies, kangaroos and a variety of birds. On walks around the property you can spot various delicate purple, white, yellow and rust coloured flowers.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(12)

Highborne Farm

8 sites · RVs220 acres · Talgai, QLD

Our 220-acre working performance horse farm is located on the Darling Downs, between Toowoomba and Warwick, close to the New England Highway. Our facilities are ideally suited for holidayers or traveling equestrians. Stargazers will love the night skies. Local sites of interest for visitors include the Glengallen Homestead, Mary Poppins House, Darling Downs Zoo, Leslie Dam, and Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup, as well as the Warwick, Allora, and Clifton Shows. Our sites are easily accessible by any vehicle and are flat, measuring 8m in width and 15m in length. Each campsite is located near power and water points for your convenience. Toilet and shower facilities are provided . All facilities are in close proximity. We welcome animals on our farm but kindly ask that they be kept within the designated campsites. Access to Highborne Farm is via a bitumen road if coming from Allora.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(143)

Risdon Stud

14 sites · RVs, Tents6500 acres · Silverwood, QLD

6500 acre working cattle property in the Southern Downs of Queensland. Beautiful campsites, abundant wildlife, crystal clear diamond night skies, with four distinct seasons. Only 2 hours from Brisbane, and 20 minutes from Warwick.Connolly Dam is about 5 km away and is great for swimming and you can kayak and swim and fish (permit required). Suitable for all types of vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs... etc. Dog friendly. Horse agistment available. Campers will need their own toilet and remove all rubbish. Contained campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place, plenty of wood to gather your own (more than enough!)We will happily offer a discount on a confirmed booking for anyone under age 5, but they do need to be booked for insurance purposes. Please ask.We can offer multiple secluded sites. We will not put other campers near your site. Our bush sites are your own until you leave. You can hear the birds, kangaroo thumps, sometime koala growl, and distant cattle but no other people.

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Stanthorpe with horseback riding guide

Overview

Stanthorpe is the largest town on Queensland’s Granite Belt, a region renowned for the huge granite outcrops found in Girraween National Park. A 3-hour drive from Brisbane, near the border between Queensland and New South Wales, the town is also renowned for its cold-climate wineries. All said, it is a great base for exploring several nearby national parks, including Girraween, Sundown, and Bald Rock (across the border in NSW). Out of town, the landscape is dotted with vineyards and orchards, with opportunities to buy fresh produce directly from growers.

Where to go

Girraween National Park

About 26 km (16 miles) south of Stanthorpe, Girraween National Park is known for its huge 200-million-year-old Triassic granite boulders. Hikers and climbers can tackle Castle Rock, the Pyramid, and Mount Norman, while walkers have 17 km (10.5 miles) of tracks to explore.

Sundown National Park

A feature of Sundown National Park is the Severn River, which cuts through the park forming steep gorges and sharp ridges. In Red Rock Gorge, waterfalls cascade 50 metres (154 feet) over the red cliffs. Popular with birdwatchers, Sundown is also a great place for camping thanks to the riverside Broadwater camping area, home to a ranger station.

Mt Marlay

For panoramic views of the region, take the Mt Marlay Lookout and Summit Walk, a steep winding path on the edge of town. There are picnic tables and binoculars at the top.

Quart Pot Creek

Walking paths on both sides of Quart Pot Creek lead to picnic spots, playgrounds, and rock pools where you can swim. The Red Bridge was built in the 1880s as a railway bridge.

When to go

The Granite Belt has a distinct four seasons, and is renowned as the coldest place in Queensland, with winter sometimes even bringing snowfall. Spring is a great time to visit Girraween National Park, when the wildflowers are in bloom. Major festivals include the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival (March, every two years) and Brass Monkey Season every winter (June to August).

Know before you go

Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves. Reserve them online in advance, and make camping books as early as possible.
Stanthorpe has excellent facilities for stocking up before you go camping. You’ll find a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, banks, and car hire companies.
Many of the Granite Belt’s camping areas are within a short drive of wineries and cellar doors.
In spring, take the Amiens Road loop drive north of Stanthorpe for the best views of orchards in blossom. From early September, stone fruit trees are flowering, followed by apple trees in late September and early October.