Things to Do
The Southern Downs offers many attractions and events that will delight everyone.
Warwick and Surrounds
Dubbed the rose and rodeo capital of Australia, Warwick is a town with something for everyone.
Take a walk in the wide streets of this pioneering settlement and view some of the State's finest original sandstone buildings. The well-preserved churches, cottages, railway stations and schools take you back to the days when people travelled in horse-drawn carts.
The red Arofuto rose grows in abundance, and a stroll through Leslie Park in Spring is a stunning experience for the senses.
The area also boasts an impressive range of sporting and cultural facilities to suit all tastes. Natural recreation attractions include Leslie Dam (where sailing, skiing and fishing are popular), Queen Mary Falls and Cunningham's Gap National Parks and numerous fossicking areas.
Warwick is also famous for its annual Rodeo - held on the last full weekend in October and preceded by the month-long Rose and Rodeo Festival and its decorated trees during the Jumpers and Jazz festival in July each year.
Warwick is known for its historic sandstone and timber buildings. Take a leisurely walk or drive through the streets of Warwick. A handout is available from the Tourist office.
Glengallan Homestead offers a rare glimpse of the lifestyle of our wealthy colonialists and the later decline of the large pastoral runs. This unique heritage tourism attraction is open to visitors on weekends between 10am and 4pm.
Abbey of the Roses is an 1891 ex convent built for the Sisters of Mercy. Now a heritage listed venue with boutique accommodation, self-guided tours can be pre-booked most weekdays between 10am and 3pm.
The Granite Belt
The Granite Belt is a premium food and wine destination surrounded by stunning national parks and prehistoric granite formations. The region sits high on the Great Dividing Range more than 900 m above sea level on the Queensland and New South Wales border. The terroir creates a region of four seasons and a climate a world away from Queensland counterparts – yet only 2.5 hours drive from Brisbane.
The seasons guide life on the Granite Belt and the produce it reaps. Crisp mountain air combined with warm breezy days and chilly winter mornings - on occasion it even snows - makes the Granite Belt unique.
Stretching just 60 km from north to south and roughly half as wide, the Granite Belt is small but diverse. Dotted along the New England Highway are quaint villages and hamlets, with Stanthorpe (the name deriving from its tin mining roots) its main central town.
Through the region, country lanes wind through vineyards, orchards and the namesake granite boulders that dot the landscape like crazy marbles. If it’s a tranquil escape from reality, a gourmand’s indulgence or a healthy rejuvenation you’re in need of, the Granite Belt has something to offer you.
Stanthorpe is famous for its Apple and Grape festival as well as its wineries and orchards.
For an experience of elevated taste, culture and nature find out more at www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au.