Day Tripping with Dad on the Granite Belt
Give dad a heads-up because it’s time to treat him to a day tripping around the sights and awesome tastes of the Granite Belt. Reach here within 2hrs of Toowoomba and 2.5hrs of Brisbane.
Here’s some ideas for a day out with dad…
Gorge on the Best Burgers in a 60’s Diner!
This is such a fun spot for a Father’s Day lunch or snack… and from one dad to another, here dad of three, Brendan serves up what is known locally as THE BEST Burgers!
Brendan says “My chilli is my most prized creation. Without giving away too many secrets………this dish involves up to 17 hours of smoked beef. You can taste the Chilli on the Chilli Dog, Chilli Cheesy Chips and even the La Bamba Burger, and it never disappoints.”
On Father’s Day this spot is open 10am to 2pm for meals, located 5 minutes south of Stanthorpe. View the menu.
More about Blue Topaz Caravan Park & Diner
Visit a Craft Brewery in the Countryside
If dad likes a good brew, then there’s some mates he’s going to want to catch up with, hidden away in wine country! This isn’t the big city – here you can expect to find the brewer himself pouring your beer and having a yarn. Read more about the craft breweries around Stanthorpe.
A Drive to See Australia’s Pyramid
Credit: @emjay_1991
Australia’s answer to Egypt’s pyramids is hidden away in Southern Queensland’s wine country! Sure at 17.5m tall it’s a fair deal smaller than the Egyptian ones, but heck, it’s also a fair bit easier and cheaper to get to!! Find this cool spot and capture a fun family snap.
WARNING: Some dad’s won’t be able to resist the urge of posing for a pic ‘holding up the pyramid’ in an ‘Incredible Hulk’ cross ‘Mr Universe” moment.
Location: Jacobsens Lane, Ballandean (turn opposite the Ballandean Tavern and drive a short distance)
More about the Ballandean Pyramid & driving to this location.
The Balancing Boulders of Girraween
image credit @saltysummits
The balancing boulders of Girraween National Park are WOW!
Plan a 2 hour hike to the summit of ‘The Pyramid’ (pictured above), or do the shorter 30 minute, more easy going Granite Arch walk (pictured below). We’ve got all the details you need to know about doing this location here in our ‘How to Balancing Rock’ blog. There’s also Castle Rock and a host of other epic hikes in this National Park – ideal for marking new memories and territory with dad.
WARNING: The urge for a dad hero photo at this location is not only likely, it’s an unstoppable force in the face of giant boulders which all bid those who come near to ‘hold them up’.
Location: Girraween National Park, Pyramids Road, Wyberba
Meet Some New Mates: Warren
phophoto credit @trangkostas Still Wild Love Photography
Driving in to Girraween National Park you’ll drive right past Warren Smith’s little piece of wine paradise, so stop in to taste his wines at Pyramids Road Wines on your way in or out of the National Park. Together with his wife Sue they have operated this winery for 21 years, doing everything themselves from grape to glass.
You certainly won’t forget the beard or the winemaker behind the beard. Warren is a great bloke to meet and always willing to share tales from the vineyard and his years of learnings as a winemaker.
Pyramids Road Wines Open: 10am – 4.30pm 7 Days at 25 Wyberba Lane, off Pyramids Road
Meet Some New Mates: Steven
credit @trangkostas Still Wild Love Photography
Nearby stop in at Girraween Estate and meet winemaker Steven Messiter (pictured above). He is hands on with everything from tending the vines, crafting the wines, bottling them and he’s in the cellar door pouring your glass too. Ask him about his wines, or his astrophotography passion and conversation you’ll have a new mate in no time.
Steven also has the right sort of neighbours, you can pop in next door to meet Greg at Balancing Rock Wines!
Girraween Estate Open: 10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday at 41 Hickling Lane, Wyberba
Eat on the Train Station Platform
For breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, don’t spoil the gorgeous day and head indoors!! Dine right on the railway station platform, with views towards the Girraween National Park mountains at the lovely Wallangarra Railway Cafe.
This historic railway station is a really interesting spot – it’s in Queensland, but you can stand with one foot in NSW and the other in Queensland right on the station platform! Note the differing architecture of the platform façades, as one side of the platform reflects the NSW design for railways of that era (skillion roof) and the other Queensland’s typical style (bullnose roof).
They are open 7 days, 7am to 5pm and their menu is such a dad pleaser, with awesome burgers, local craft beer, great coffee and big breakfasts. Their servings are generous and there are lots of options.
Location: Rockwell St, Wallangarra
