Stanthorpe Things to Do

The road signs between Stanthorpe and Wooloongarra are really worth watching out for. The only problem is to photograph them in safety. I managed to get one this time as David stopped up the highway and I walked back...but the trucks and cars rushing by at speed are a bit scary.

So I will try to get at least another one next time. The highway is 'two way' and the signs are on both sides. I have not seen the like elsewhere.

On the back road between The Summit and Applethorpe (these are two of the many little villages in the Granite Belt area) is The Granite Belt Maze. It is pretty well signed from the highway in both directions.

It is a great maze suitable for adults and children of all ages. My toddler nephew loves it as does my teenage cousin. Not only do you have to solve riddles within the maze they have puzzles, giant chess set, a great little nine hole mini golf set up and some great gardens for relaxing once you tire of the maze (but the kids want to keep going).

Interestingly, the Granite Belt was chosen for soldier settlement schemes for the returning heroes of World War I.
This route is a memorial drive established to link these World War I returned soldier settlements.
Here, lots of small farms sprung up after the War years.
All along this route, the roads and Farms are named after battles in which they had fought in World War 1.

The route takes you along Amiens Road through Amiens, Messines, Bapaume, Passchendaele, Bullecourt, Pozieres and Fleurbaix, which are named after World War I battlefields.
It is not a long drive, only 34kms, but has plenty of interest along the way.

Along the way, there are historic Returned Soldier Settlement railway sidings, these are signposted.
In Summer & Autumn, it is Apple season, and at Sutton's Juice Factory you can try apple juice tasting and apple picking.
Other places are..... Vincenzos at the Big Apple, cheese tasting at Granite Belt Dairy, Castle, Glen (winery & liquers), Donnelly’s Castle [explore the granite boulders], Passchendaele State Forest Lookout, Robert Channon Wines and Albert Verschuuren Pottery.

1 more image

We have driven part of, and the full length of the Oracles Way at different times. I think it is a nice scenic route to Tenterfield, nicer than travelling by the main highway.

As you drive by the Golf course, take a quick look for the Kangaroo's on the course, we have seen them there quite often. We stopped and had a look at Crystal Ridge Lavendars, pretty when in flower, or a little further along, is Aloomba Lavendar farm, I haven't been to this one.

We passed over the Queensland/New South Wales border, and also the Great Dividing Range. If you are interested in hiking, then stop at Bald Rock & Boonoo Boonoo National parks whose entrances are located on this road.
Further along, we stopped at Thunderbolt’s Hideout – historic site made famous by the bushranger Thunderbolt, and also here are the World War II Tank Traps.
Nearer to Tenterfield is open farmland, some old farms, and quite nice scenery, would be beautiful in Autumn, when the leaves are coloured, or Spring, when they are in flower.

Oracles Way is a 64km scenic drive, and if you do not wish to stay at Tenterfield, you can do a round trip back to Stanthorpe via the New England Highway.

Driving in Stanthorpe, we happened to see a notice to Mount Marley lookout. A high hill, this is a lookout over the town of Stanthorpe and surrounds. We had good views from here. Picnic facilities are located at the top. If you are here in Winter, expect plenty of smoke in the air, from all the chimneys, everybody has wood fires!

3 more images

Half an hour drive from stanthorpe is Girraween national park with plenty of walks available. Make sure you bring your own water as no drinking water available on site.
Spectacular granite arches, formations and views awake for those who are willing to walk.

If you are staying in Stanthorpe and enjoy a morning (or anytime walk) our cute little Quart Pot creek has well paved walking areas and the Shire council has put a lot of effort into making it an attractive walk.

It is within a block or two of most of the main street and there are kids play areas spaced all along it.

There is an actual signed walk (of about 5km) starting at the visitors information centre.

Best of all it is all free.