Stanthorpe has been named as one of 10 bucket-list worthy places to visit in Queensland in 2023 on the Tourism and Events Queensland’s website, queensland.com.
The story sought to encourage people to venture past the bright lights of the Gold Coast and attractions like the Great Barrier Reef to the ‘lesser known but absolutely beautiful’ hidden gems of the State. Also getting singled out were outback Queensland venues Winton and Cunnamulla, islands aplenty with Pumpkin, Wilson, Lizard and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) Islands, Rainbow Beach, the Town of 1770 and the Noosa Everglades.
Businesses in Stanthorpe and the surrounding Southern Downs that received honourable mentions were Alure Stanthorpe with its luxury villas and glamping offerings, Granite Belt Bicycle Tours, the Barrelroom Wine Lounge at Ballandean Estate Wines, Essen (a restaurant featuring home-style cooking) and two businesses in one, Granite Belt Retreat and Granite Belt Brewery.
Granite Belt Retreat owners Geoff and Dee Davenport were thrilled with their inclusion.
“We’re delighted to be featured on the bucket list,” said Dee.
“We’ve been here for 14 years and we’re always evolving so the recognition is very welcome. The place started as Happy Valley Retreat with the little cabins and meals then we put in the brewery and that has become a real drawcard for our business.”
She said that in 2022 they had added a brewery experience room which featured a large mural on how beer was made, a video loop, ingredients that people could smell and feel. There were even disco lights for a bit of colourful fun.
Dee said the latest addition was a gin bar, which was popular at sunset for a cocktail or other drink including the Granite Belt Brewery’s own beers and ciders, which could be enjoyed out by the big oak tree on the deck.
The gin was sourced from other regions including Bundaberg, Glen Innes and Armidale, she said.
