Last updated 16 March 2025
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To the Granite Belt from Brisbane
Recently I made another trip to the Granite Belt Region. A few weeks ago I was with a group of travel writers from the @astw_inc heading to the annual long lunch in granitebeltwinecountry .
From Brisbane the Granite Belt Region is located southwest – a smidge under three hour’s drive. This time I wasn’t driving! Along with a handful of travel writers mostly from Brisbane, (and visitors from Darwin, Sydney and Canberra) I was a passenger on board the bus driven by Eugene from Granite Highlands Maxi Tours. This meant I could enjoy the scenery and look out across the valley as we drove up and through Cunningham’s Gap.
This is not the first ASTW long lunch. We have done this for a few years but somehow the good people associated with @granitebeltwinecountry aka @kristahauritz and her team manage to pack the 48 hours with new experiences in Stanthorpe, Severnlea, and Ballandean as well as revisiting a few favourites for updates on what they have been doing since our last visit to the Granite Belt.
For tourists a “must visit” destination needs innovative products, gastronomy and experiences that stand out from the crowd. This won’t happen without locals who are not only passionate about where they live, but want to talk about what they do. And that’s what this travel writer loves about visiting the Granite Belt meeting energetic locals busting to share their stories.
Where to stay on the Granite Belt
There are plenty of accommodation options in the region ranging from budget basic to higher end luxe. I was lucky enough to stay overnight at Quaffers on Storm King in one of their seven luxury self-contained cabins on a 30 acre property surrounded by native bushland. All cabins have water views overlooking the Storm King Dam. The owners have given much thought about the layout, locating each of the seven cabins far enough away from each other for privacy.
There are five one-bedroom cabins (sleeps two adults), one two-bedroom cabin (sleeps four) and one studio cabin (sleeps two) that is fully accessible: the cabin is wheelchair accessible and has a wheelchair friendly ensuite, featuring a shower with shower chair, and toilet with grab rails.
Each cabin has its own sealed parking area. The two bedroom cabin has space for two cars.
Quaffers cabin specs
My cabin has a large private deck with outdoor furniture perfect for flopping on in the afternoon with a good book and glass of wine. Inside the cabin: a fully contained kitchen, with a Nescafe Dulce Gusto Coffee Machine (I don’t drink coffee but mentioning it for those who do), air conditioning and fireplace, ready for those cold Granite Belt nights where the night temperatures drop below zero. The bathroom has separate shower with choice of rain shower or on the wall attachment. AND a deep freestanding bath. The bed has an electric blanket to take the chill off cool sheets during winter. It was too warm for my stay on the last Friday night in February to consider lighting the fire or using the electric blanket. I slept with the ceiling fan on low.
Before we departed for dinner at Balancing Heart Vineyard (and a Masterclass with chief winemaker Mike Hayes) I took a longing glance at the deep bathtub and made a promise, no matter the time I retuned to the cabin, I was having a bath tonight.
And I did.
Later, around 10pm out on the front deck I looked up at the inky sky awash with stars. I love regional Australia and their night sky. Quaffers delivered. My attempts at capturing the star-filled sky on my phone were woeful, I have etched that special moment to memory instead, before slipping into my comfy king bed for a deeeeep sleep.
Walk in nature near Storm King Dam
In the morning I woke at sunrise to the sound of bird calls. I intended on heading to the dam for a closer look and snap some sunrise images. But a peek from my deck had to suffice. It was a fresh morning, so I went back to bed.
Later I took a stroll around the property, ending up at the dam’s edge observing a cormorant airing his/her wings. This would be a nice place to sit in the late afternoon and watch the day disappear. There is direct access to the dam if you want to take a kayak or canoe out, or if you felt like a swim. There is access to the dam one kilometre from Quaffers for those owners of a boat or jet ski looking to take a spin across the dam.
Eating breakfast on the deck, (breakfast is provided) taking in the view of the water and enjoying the tranquility, I regretted having to leave. The day before had been busy. We’d arrived at Quaffers at 5pm and had to leave within 20 minutes. Such is the life of a travel writer with a packed itinerary.
Quaffers is conveniently located 12 kms south of Stanthorpe. Far enough to provide a peaceful setting, but close enough to easily explore @granitebeltwinecountry After a busy day knowing you will return to the peaceful haven in nature, Quaffers on Storm King is the icing on the Granite Belt cake.
Note because Quaffers are in a rural area with native animals there is a strict no-pet policy (assistance dogs excepted in Disability Access Cabin only).
601 Eukey Road
Storm King Queensland
Phone: 07 4683 7043
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