Christmas On The Granite Belt

Day 1

Brisbane - Stanthorpe
Your tour begins with a transfer to meet our coach, before making our way via the Great Dividing Range, traversing Cunninghams Gap to Warwick and on to the Granite Belt region of the Southern Downs. Travel through the districts of Dalveen, Pozieres and Amiens, stopping for lunch Suttons Juices and Shed Café. Continue on for a wine tasting at Varias, a state-of-the-art education and training facility for the QLD Wine Industry and then Ridgemill Estate for a special Christmas wine tasting with a twist. This afternoon, settle into our accommodation for the next three nights, before our first dinner together.

Day 2

Merry Christmas
Celebrate this festive season with a truly memorable Christmas experience! After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in preparation for a festive lunch. For those of you who would like to attend a Church service, your Coach Captain and Hostess will assist with your transport. Alternatively, you may choose to have a relaxed start to your day. Late morning, take a scenic drive from Stanthorpe, winding past the tranquil beauty of Storm King Dam, before arriving at the charming Girraween Smokehouse Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious, festive Christmas lunch, where the seasonal flavours are enhanced by the stunning natural surrounds. This afternoon, visit Girraween National Park, taking time to soak in the beauty of the National Park, home to towering granite boulders, lush landscapes, and scenic trails. Return to our motel in the afternoon, where there will be time to relax before a lighter dinner.

Day 3

Stanthorpe Day
After breakfast we'll spend the day exploring the area. With your comfortable walking shoes on, visit Donnelly's Castle, a large granite rock formation and take in the view from the lookout; the area served as a hideout for the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt back in the 1860s. Later visit Castle Glen Australia, an environmentally conscious vineyard with organic practices and 100% all natural wines along with a range of liqueurs, spirits, beers, ciders and soft drinks. There is sure to be something for everyone to try at the cellar door set in a castle! Visit The Big Apple for lunch in the restaurant before enjoying some retail therapy in the deli and gift shop. This afternoon, learn about the unique link between the Australian soldiers of World War I who fought in France and the Stanthorpe area before stopping for afternoon tea at Jamworks Gourmet Foods where you will be able to purchase some of their jams, relishes, butters and coulis before returning to our motel to freshen up before dinner.

Day 4

Stanthorpe - Bestbrook - Brisbane
Following breakfast, it's time to depart Stanthorpe and begin your journey home. Visit Queen Mary Falls located near Killarney in the Main Range National Park and take a leisurely stroll through a fragrant eucalypt-topped ridgeline to the lush, rainforest gorge at the top of the falls. From the lookout, watch Spring Creek plunge 40m to the valley floor. Marvel at the rainbows created by the waterfall's sheer mist, and watch as the creek continues its twisting journey along the valley, to join the Condamine River's upper reaches. Continue on to Bestbrook Mountain Resort for lunch and take in the spectacular view from the verandah. Later, we'll make our way back into Brisbane, where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner