Mar 30, 2013

Stanthorpe Weather


Stanthorpe Weather–Four Seasons in Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe weather is unique among Queensland towns because, with the state's coolest temperatures, every season offers something quite unlike anywhere else! Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt are beautiful whatever the season, whatever the weather. There are lots of things to do and here are some great seasonal activities to try on your next visit. Temperatures can vary significantly in any season, so best advice is to dress in layers. Despite Stanthorpe being Queensland’s coolest town, temperatures can still occasionally reach the low 30 degrees Celsius range during the day in summer, and often down to below zero at night in winter. Luckily we have nice and cosy villas and our luxurious five-star tent to accommodate you.  

Spring Weather in Stanthorpe

 

Temperatures average from a maximumof 22.3 degrees and 7.8 degrees minimum.

Spring is wildflower season at Girraween National Park on Pyramids Road. The best time to see the wildflowers in bloom is late September into October each year. The contrast of delicate colour against the stark granite can be viewed from the many walking tracks through the park. The flowers attract many local wild animals as well – be on the lookout for wombats, wallabies, lizards, birds and insects.  A swim in the water hole will refresh you ready for your next adventure.


The region’s produce season is starting with many farm gate shops starting to sell their wares. Much of the region was founded by people with European heritage, and each year this is celebrated in true ‘Primavera’ (Italian for ‘spring’) style with various cultural and culinary events in almost every vineyard and attraction in the area. Let us know your interests and we can help you choose from the myriad of events on offer, including (but in no way limited to) Jazz and Wine events held by Robert Channon Wines (Bradley Lane, Stanthorpe) throughout the season and “Shakespeare Under The Stars” at Bungawarra Wines, Bents Road Ballandean in early November.


Summer Weather in Stanthorpe

Photo: Sonia Ghiggioli

Summer temperatures reach an average of 28.8 degrees Celsius maximum and 14.6 degrees minimum.

Summer is a busy time in Stanthorpe. The warmer weather means fruit picking is in full swing, with fruits such as berries, apples, pears, stone fruit (cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots) and rockmelon are available. Vegetable lovers are in for a treat with a wide range of these available also. Pick your own fruit farms and farm gate sellers abound along Granite Belt Drive, accessible from the New England Highway. One shop not to miss on this road is Sam’s (The Summit Fruit Shop). They buy direct from the farmers and even accept major credit cards. Strawberry Fields on the edge of town at Stanthorpe is a must-do for pick your own strawberries and a great café. The Bramble Patch, Townsend Rd Glen Aplin, is another must if you enjoy our breakfast basket – they supply the jam and berry compote. It’s a nice place to stop off for ice-cream and waffles on a sunny day. They also sell 60 different products including sauces, jellies, marmalade, coulis, chutneys and other preserves. You are sure to find something to take your fancy!  Golden Grove Estate hosts a Sicilian Vintage Lunch in February each year to celebrate the beginning of the vintage. Traditional Sicilian fare, the blessing of the first grapes harvested, followed by a grape stomp! What a great afternoon!

Commercial lavender farm Crystal Ridge Lavenders harvests lavender during December and January and sells lavender products like soaps and lotions, but also lavender chocolates and biscuits. Find them on Daniells Lane Stanthorpe.

Fishing at Storm King Dam, accessible via Nielsens Road Eukey, is best in the summer. You will need a permit to catch Murray Cod, Yellow Belly (Golden Perch), Silver Perch, Spangled Perch and Eel-tailed Catfish. Size and catch limits apply also.

Autumn Weather in Stanthorpe



Photo: Granite Belt Wine Tourism/Cory Rossiter Photography

 

Stanthorpe weather is starting to cool down with maximum temperatures averaging 21.9 degrees Celsius and minimum 8.8 degrees.

Autumn is the season for golden vistas among the vines. The 40 cellar doors and 55 vineyards are starting to harvest their grapes for new vintage wines as the leaves turn golden. Ballandean Estate Wines (Sundown Road, Ballandean) in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe holds a charity event “Opera in the Vineyard” on the first Saturday of May each year. This event attracts around 2000 people and is open for booking from January. Lunch and dinner are available as well as the opportunity to experience one of South East Queensland’s premier cultural events. “Art in the Mill” at Ballandean Case and Timber Mill, Curr Rd Ballandean is another great event on the first weekend in May each year. It showcases local art and is a great opportunity to socialise (with a glass of mulled wine) by an open fire – handy as the weather starts to cool down.

Not into wine? Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery, on Halloran Drive Thulimbah, have a juice factory, cidery, distillery, home style café and open the orchard for ‘pick your own apples’ from February to June. We like their juice so much we include it in your breakfast basket for you to enjoy. Or you could soak up the view at Mount Marlay (pronounced “marlee”) with a stunning lookout over the township of Stanthorpe. The lookout is located on Lock Street. Why not visit the regions only dairy farm and appreciate the cheese platters and local wines on offer or sample a great coffee and cheesecake, at Granite Belt Dairy Cnr Amiens Rd and Daniells Lane Thulimbah. 

Winter Weather in Stanthorpe

Photo: Karen Roberts
Make sure to pack your woollies – overnight temperatures can drop to an average of just 1.8 degrees Celsius, but rise to a brisk 17.2 degrees during the day. There is an average of 14.3 nights of zero degrees or less in July so warm clothes are a must! Our villas and tent are built to keep out the cold, and each has their own open fire to keep you toasty warm.

Winter is “brass monkey season” – for a reason.  Are you ready for this?  It snows in Queensland – only in Stanthorpe! Snowfall is not unheard of in the area, with overnight frosts common, so why not take the opportunity to rug up and find a great open fire, there are plenty around! The Bramble Patch offer a range of award winning products like blackberry and apple pie, why not enjoy it next to their fire. Christmas in July events are available in many local restaurants, with the cooler weather being perfect for the traditional hot dinner.  Vegetables in season now are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, leeks and mushrooms.

Stanthorpe weather is quite unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in Queensland and it's the ideal weekend escape for Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba and other South East Queenslanders!

2 comments:

  1. OK, when do the fruit trees blossom. Googled, everywhere, doesn't show the months...?

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    Replies
    1. The fruit trees flower at different times depending on the tree. Generally, it's in spring. Some are flowering now.

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