8 Things to Do in Stanthorpe’s CBD
Stanthorpe is the heart of the Granite Belt and Queensland’s coolest town… literally it gets really cold there! While walking in Stanthorpe’s CBD, here’s a few ideas to put on your ‘to see list’.
Photo by Leeroy Todd Photography
1. Stroll to see the Street Art Murals
Grab a coffee and go for a wander… within a four block walking distance there are lots of large street art murals to see in Stanthorpe’s CBD. The murals tell lovely stories of Stanthorpe’s history and culture, including tributes to local firefighters, recognition of Stanthorpe’s Italian heritage and even a quirky ‘Gone with the Wind’ toilet block mural. Spot murals in Weeroona Park, then up Lock Street, onto Maryland street and continue down the main street to the lane beside Amcal Pharmacy. …MORE ABOUT HOW TO SPOT STANTHORPE’S MURALS
2. Do the Friday Farmer’s Market
If you’re in the Stanthorpe CBD on a Friday you’re in luck, because it’s time for farmers market shopping! Every Friday from 7.30am – 1pm the Granite Belt Farmers Market brings local growers together with their freshest produce and locally produced products (located within a short stroll of the main street, in the Railway Precinct on Davadi Street, Stanthorpe).
…MORE ABOUT THIS AND MORE MARKETS AROUND STANTHORPE
2. Walk Along Quart Pot Creek
Quart Pot creek runs right through the town of Stanthorpe and the concrete walking path beside the creek makes for a lovely stroll. Walk to the creek from the CBD or park at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre by the creekside. If you’d like to explore a little, follow Quart Pot Creek from Heritage Park on Rose street in the direction away from the town centre and after a short walk you’ll find the historic Red Bridge sitting impressively astride the creek.
3. Find the Brass Monkey
On the corner of Maryland and Railway Streets, at the front of Brinx Deli, find Stanthorpe’s little resident Brass Monkey. He comes with a story to tell, which you can read on the plaque that sits by the money and tells why this little guy is the ‘poster-boy’ for winter in Stanthorpe (winter in Stanthorpe is called Brass Monkey Season). It does get “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass money in Stanthorpe”… but the historical story behind the saying is not as crude as it first sounds!
Photo by Leeroy Todd Photography
4. Check out Stanthorpe’s Art Gallery
Stanthorpe’s Art Gallery has been described as ‘punching above its weight’, a reputation earnt by an impressive schedule of exhibitions and treasured acquisitions. The gallery changes its exhibitions like we change our underpants, so return here again and again and to see edgy new exhibitions every time. Look out for the annual …SEE EXHIBITIONS and …SEE EVENTS & OPENINGS
Open weekends 10am – 1pm, Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm and closed Mondays.
Location: Weeroona Park, 56 Lock Street, Stanthorpe
5. Find the Coffee Spots the Locals Love
A short walk along the main street of Stanthorpe and you’ll quickly spot that you’re spoilt for choice spots to grab a coffee or a meal. There’s The Little Larder, Zest Pastries… so many and you can’t go wrong wherever you choose, but to get you started, here’s a few spots that the locals love…
Brinx Deli is a bit of an Stanthorpe cafe icon, frequented by locals greeted by owner Kristy’s welcoming smile and the food served is as delicious as the in-store deli eludes. Pop in for a gelato, a coffee or deli shopping, or if dining in make sure to pre-book at this popular little spot.
Literally across the road from Brinx Deli and the beautiful Stanthorpe Post Office building is Commercial Coffee Stop – a trendy must-do coffee stop that inhabits the old original Commercial Hotel building. It’s an impressive sight on the corner of Maryland and Railway Street and inside, the Botero coffee brews really hit the spot, served with a light menu.
For epic pastries, delicious almond croissants and pies made with local lamb, the locals know ZEST Pastries is the Stanthorpe CBD destination. Stephen Lambert was trained by a Swiss pastry chef and his labours in the kitchen are for our delicious gain!
6. See The Big Thermometer
Stanthorpe is the coolest town in Queensland and the big thermometer that sits in the park beside the creekside is a short stroll from the CBD stands as a minute-by-minute proof of this claim. Visit the thermometer and while you’re there, stop in and say hello to the helpful volunteers at the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, as both sit side-by-side in Rotary Park.
Location: Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe (a short walk across the bridge from the CBD)
7. Visit The Railway Precinct: Art + Cafe + Gardens
Artworks is like a warm country embrace from a bunch of locals. Located in the railway station on Davidi Street, the Artworks cafe and gallery opens 9am – 2pm on weekends, offering a wonderfully affordable menu in a home-cooked style (think scones, lasagne and quiche). Inside the railway building also find exhibitions from local artists in the small gallery. The whole heritage railway precinct is a pleasant stop, surrounded by community gardens.
8. Boutique Shopping in Stanthorpe’s CBD
Boutique shopping is such a treat in country towns like Stanthorpe, where less big franchise stores leave room for small businesses to bring a distinctly local shopping flavour. Maryland street is Stanthorpe’s main shopping strip and boutique clothes and gift stores are dotted along the length of the street, between coffee shops for that coffee fix between shopping!
Look out for Little Pomme, Pink Poppies, The Eclectic Pallet, Maddie’s Gift Gallery, Gracious Giving and just off the main street is Tilly & Wilbur whose popular children/babies clothing is available online with Stanthorpe depot pick-up.
Above: Little Pomme
