Queensland's Granite Belt Road trip revealed

Take a road trip through Queensland’s Granite Belt to discover some of the country’s most dramatic scenery and best cool-climate wines.

Rising up to 1,200 metres above sea level, Queensland’s Granite Belt region is home to some of Australia’s most dramatic scenery and offers surprises at every turn of the New England Highway between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield .

This stunning landscape is the result of 200-million-year-old Triassic granite formations, where massive boulders balance seemingly precariously on top of each other. Surrounded by dense forests, it all makes for a breathtaking (and literally breath-taking) sight for walkers and photographers. Even after several trips to the area, I’ve found many reasons to return, this time heading mainly to the southern end around Ballandean . Here, some absolute highlights.

granite belt wines — Cycle in the vines. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Girraween National Park

With its 11,800 hilly hectares of unique rock formations and hiking trails, Girraween is one of the most rewarding walking locations I’ve ever experienced. And it’s not just the drama of wondering, ‘Will these boulders topple over one day, and will I see it happen?’ (No, they’ve passed every Workplace Health and Safety check imaginable.)

Maybe it’s the crisp fresh mountain air; or is it the sense that you’re feeling a part of Earth’s history, where giants roamed and played skittles with these big rocks? Girraween and neighbouring Sundown National Park are all of that, and there’s a good chance you’ll come away feeling reinvigorated by the great heights of healthy exercise you’ve achieved while channelling John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High.

An alternative for a rewarding walk to see spectacular balancing boulders is at Bald Rock National Park adjoining Girraween, accessible from the NSW side of the border near Tenterfield (entry fee applies). Here you’ll find the largest exposed granite rock in the southern hemisphere: it’s where the giants presumably got their rocks off.

Granite Belt cool-climate wines

Granite Belt wines have come to the attention of wine lovers and critics in recent years, and with good reason. There are over 50 wineries , many with cellar door sales and tastings: just what the doctor ordered after my daytime exertions. The unique terroir with its longer growing season and deep granite soils, combined with the innovative approach of the region’s winemakers and vignerons, produces wines of elegance and complexity. Cool-climate wines as individual as a fingerprint.

Close to Girraween at Wyberba there’s a small cluster of wineries ideal for that post-walk tipple. Balancing Rock Wines, awarded Best Small Cellar Door on the Granite Belt by Gourmet Traveller WINE 2019, has a cute label displaying the balancing rock in its vineyard. David and Lori Broadbent offer a range of reds and whites including a highly awarded reserve sagrantino, which is definitely one for the cellar at home if you don’t drink it all first.

balancing rock wines granite belt — At aptly named Balancing Rock Wines.

Pyramids Road Wines focuses on low-volume handmade wines, the passion of Sue and Warren Smith who are expats from the Sunny Coast doing a terrific job with a big range of grape varieties, with reds like mourvèdre and petit verdot prominent. Sue laughs that, “Our friends said we had rocks in our head taking on the hard work that goes into winemaking – but now the only rocks are on our labels."

Girraween Estate is the love child of Lisa and Steve Messiter, who purchased the property in 2009; since then they have won top awards for their shiraz cabernet and chardonnay. They are especially proud of their fruit-driven, crisp and refreshing sparkling wines.

girraween wineries granite belt — Girraween Estate’s Steve Messiter. (Image: Shane Andersen)

There’s something brewing (and distilling)

It’s not just about the wines of the Granite Belt. You’re very welcome to rock up to a brewery or distillery if that’s more your fancy: there are several choices including the boutique Brass Monkey Brew House , the closest to Ballandean; Granite Belt Brewery (with pub-style food, and comfortable cabin accommodation so you don’t need to drive).

granite belt brewery — Granite Belt Brewery. (Image: Geoff Davenport)

Even before a drink, you’ll think you’ve arrived in Scotland. The solar-powered castlelike building reflects the heritage of the Millar family in the British Isles and their service to royalty dating back to the 13th century. The product range includes multi-award-winning whiskies and gins (served on the rocks, naturally) plus a whole range of delicious liqueurs based on the region’s abundant fruit.

Donnelly’s Castle – the Bushranger’s hide-out

Not far from Castle Glen you’ll find a spot called Donnelly’s Castle . You can squeeze through crevices in giant granite rock boulders, walk on top of them and enter into cave-like openings. The famed bushranger Captain Thunderbolt once used this rocky outcrop north of Stanthorpe as his hideout and it’s a hidden gem.

Add these to your itinerary, too:

Pack your Esky full of the region’s fresh organic food and artisanal, hand-crafted products. Here are some suggestions:

Sutton’s Juice Factory – For natural juices and handmade apple pies.

suttons farm apple pie granite belt qld — Suttons Farm famed apple pie. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ashbern Farms – Pick your own strawberries and enjoy yummy ice-cream.

Stanthorpe Cheese – For a great selection to accompany your wine purchases.

Mt Stirling Olives – Try the fruity, cold-pressed extra virgin oils.

Jamworks Gourmet Foods – For jams and relishes made from local produce.

Anna’s Candles – For soy-based scents.

Washpool Farm Soaperie – For natural products and soap-making workshops.

Getting there

The Granite Belt region is about three hours’ drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Check out our Brisbane to Stanthorpe road trip itinerary for more ideas.

Staying there

Accommodation options within the Granite Belt area include B&Bs, cottages and lodges. If you want to get an early start for a walk at Girraween, then Girraween Environmental Lodge , Wisteria Cottage and Girraween Country Inn are close to the park entrance.

girraween environmental lodge granite belt — Stay at Girraween Environmental Lodge.

For more information visit granitebeltwinecountry.com.au and southernqueenslandcountry.com.au

Discover the other destinations and experiences that made it into our Top 100 Ways to Holiday Here This Year special edition of Australian Traveller.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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Queensland’s Granite Belt road trip