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 |