5 perfect ways to unwind in the Granite Belt this summer
There’s a buzz of excitement in the air as wildflowers bloom, newborn calves take their first steps and the magical Granite Belt region comes alive.
Distance: 31 Kilometres
Time: .75 Hours
The Highland drive is the scenic route between Stanthorpe and Ballandean via Storm King Dam and the area of Eukey.
Turn left into Eukey Road, just past the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre and commence the gorgeous journey, which is perfect for nature lovers. And - as with most drives in the Granite Belt, there is always a winery or two to be found along the way!
After the road has journeyed beyond the gorgeous Storm King Dam, the landscapes change dramatically to the unique and impressive granite country - wine country. The road meanders through leafy landscapes, wine and produce farms and of spectacular interest is where the road becomes surrounded by towering granite boulders - they really are a sight to see. Route highlights include:
Storm King Dam – water ski, hire a canoe or fish for Murray Cod, yellow belly, silver and spangled perch and eel-tailed catfish. Camping and cabins are available onsite.
Girraween National Park lies only a few minutes off Highland Drive. Make the detour and tackle over 17km of walking trails.
Taste wines at a number of award-winning wineries along Eukey Road and in Ballandean, many of which offer meals and accommodation.
Once in Ballandean, follow Jacobsens Road south for two minutes to view the Ballandean Pyramid – a man-made stone pyramid towering 15 metres high.
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Highland Drive
Route highlights include stopping at Storm King Dam for a picnic, fishing or water sports if you have come prepared. The dam is kept well stocked with Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Yellow Belly and Spangled Perch. From there, it is a lovely meandering journey, past turnoffs to wineries and farms, and through the unique country that is the Granite Belt. From Eukey, you can enter the northern part of the renowned Girraween National Park - you will need to turn into Parrish Lane and then Pyramids Road if you wish to stop in at Girraween National Park. Otherwise, the route journeys past the northern part of the park.
Now is the part of the journey that really ventures into wine country. As you travel further south - closing in on Ballandean, the temperatures drop and the grapes really thrive. Cellar doors you can visit along the way include Serrena Que Estate Winery, Symphony Hill Wines, Twisted Gum Wines, Hidden Creek Winery, Just Red Wines, and Dear Vincent Wines. Gin lovers are catered for too, at The Ginyard.
The route ends in the village of Ballandean where the historic Ballandean Railway Station sits proudly, still receiving Steam Trains on weekends, some great cafes, the Ballandean Pub, and more wineries.
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