4 Day Stanthorpe Christmas Spirit Tour
Discover the incredible regional flavours of Stanthorpe and surrounding regions. From premier wine and beer to gourmet produce, local farms and a touch of the Christmas Spirit – come explore Stanthorpe on our 4-day adventure.
Thursday 25 November - Sunday 28 November 2021
Day 1
Brisbane to Stanthorpe
Thu 25 Nov 21 (LD)
Welcome to our tour to Stanthorpe. Stopping at Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre, we are greeted by our local guide who will lead us on an intriguing tour of the homestead. Uninhabited for more than half its life, it remains frozen in time and is one of the few remaining examples of a 19th century house in Queensland. We continue to Warwick, a town known for its roses and rodeos. Here we visit the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre, dedicated to the spirit of rodeo and cowboy. It’s a place to follow the history and relive the glory of the rodeo’s greatest champions. We then head to Stanthorpe, set in the middle of a mixed farming area where industries range from wineries and orchards to sheep and cattle grazing. Unpack and relax as this will be our home for the next three nights. Dinner tonight will be at Anna’s Italian Restaurant.
Day 2
Stanthorpe
Fri 26 Nov 21 (BLD)
We explore the Truffle Discovery Centre, home to the rare and highly valuable Fresh Black Périgord Truffle. Unearth all that is truffle with a tour and gourmet food tastings. Renowned for bringing the ‘Christmas Spirit’ alive all year round, we are welcomed to the Granite Belt Christmas Farm by our wonderful hosts. We are given a short talk explaining how the farm works and the uniqueness of this magical industry. Mrs Claus may even have some of her festive sweet treats on hand for us to sample. In the Mistletoe Store, browse the spectacular range of Christmas decorations and gifts. For lunch we travel to Granite Belt Brewery. Set on 30 acres of natural bushland, the country estate boasts a rustic atmosphere with delicious food and handcrafted beers.
Day 3
Local Region
Sat 27 Nov 21 (BLD)
We have time to enjoy Stanthorpe this morning dropping by the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery. Heading out of town we arrive at Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery, Ballandean Estate. The Puglisi family have made wine on this estate for over 80 years. Sit back and relax as we enjoy a wine tasting and lunch amongst the rustic wine barrels with views over the rolling hills. Next, we uncover the natural, handmade products of the Washpool Farm Soaperie. Choose from sweet, playful, luxurious or downright practical – there is something in the range to suit all needs and desires. Our final visit is to Jamworks at Glen Aplin. Here we can try a wide range of jams and chutneys all made using only the freshest and best quality ingredients.
Day 4
Stanthorpe to Home
Sun 28 Nov 21 (BL)
This morning we have a chance to visit a genuine working apple orchard, growing both dessert and cider apples. Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery is family owned and operated and produces gourmet apple juices, cider, apple syrup, apple cider vinegar and apple brandy. A delicious morning tea, including their famous apple pie made from apples grown in the orchard adds to our experience. Next, we head to Stanthorpe Cheese where a selection of cheeses, at their peak of perfection are awaiting us. We retrace our steps through Warwick and stop at Abbey Boutique Hotel, formally Our Lady Assumption Convent, built for the Sisters of Mercy. We enjoy a delightful lunch before an educational tour telling us about the beautiful old building which is steeped in local history. We return home late afternoon from a wonderful tour to Stanthorpe.