Early interest in new flight service

Within hours of the first charter service into Stanthorpe aerodrome yesterday, the phone has been ringing from those wanting to avoid road travel.

Brisbane and Sunshine Coast residents wanting to take to the skies are seen as the obvious target market for a short break holiday.  But there's been early interest in the corporate sector - within the space of an hour two calls were received by medical profession.  They see the 35 minute flight time from Archerfield as being a much more cost-effective way of sharing expertise with the Granite Belt, than having someone sit behind the wheel for hours at a time.

Granite Belt locals too are keen to make use of the service to fly out for a short break of a different kind so early indications are that Sunshine Aviation's initiative to provide a charter service to the Queensland wine capital may prove profitable for all.

The first TV film and media crew visited this week on the first flight. The story will now air on Channel 7s Queensland Weekender programme on Saturday 5 June.  Chocks away!

Fly In Wine Tours

It's hard to keep a secret in a country town, but we managed to do just that prior to the arrival of flight one this morning into Stanthorpe.  Sunshine Aviation today launched its charter air service into the Granite Belt.  The secrecy surrounding the first passengers was lifted when a film crew and travel writer stepped onto the red carpet.  They were greeted with a chilled glass of sparkling wine - Granite Belt wine of course!

The company anticipates its new charter service from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will appeal to holiday makers wanting to take a short break in the Queensland wine capital.  Local business people expect the service will benefit more than just the tourist sector with prospective tree change investors being amongst those who will likely use the service.

The first flight from Brisbane's Archerfield airport touched down at Stanthorpe Aerodrome just before 10am today Wednesday 14 April 2010.  The media party will spend two days in the region, living through what would be a typical two day fly-in fly-out short break.  The visit marks the first of a series of media famils. intended to spread the word about the new service.

Grand Old Dame of Ballandean Turns 100

It has been a shop and a suite of flats, but for the past 13 years of her life, she's been a much loved guesthouse for visitors to the Queensland wine capital.  Nestled in the rolling vineyards of the Granite Belt, the buiLding now known as Ballandean Lodge celebrates her 100th this month.

Originally located at 61 Wood Street in Warwick, the traditional Queensland tongued and grooved building was a feature for shoppers to Warwick during the 1900s. For grocery shopping, it was either the last shop, or the first shop in the town, depending on which way you were travelling. 

Then the building made a journey of her own and today she's all about pleasure.  The house was moved 80kms south to its present site in 1997 and lovingly restored to provide three en-suited rooms for visitors.  It changed hands again in 2006 when Seattle residents Steve & Rebecca Trow found it online as ideal for an international tree change.  The couple has developed a successful tourism venture - the perfect Stanthorpe accommodation, which co-habits alongside Steve's mistress - his onsite sound recording studio.

Happy 100th birthday Ballandean Lodge!

Booze Bus Rocks into Town

Wine and dining in the Queensland wine capital has never been so easy.

A complimentary bus service is the latest item on the menu for diners at The Rocks Restaurant just outside Stanthorpe. It's the obvious way to get around any wine region - particularly after a day of wine tasting. The restaurant, which adjoins Honeysuckle Cottages, has also just imported new chefs Paul White and Deb Thurlow.

From 1st April, visitors to the Granite Belt can have free door to door service between their Stanthorpe accommodation and The Rocks Restaurant which is gearing itself up for the tourist influx during the peak Brass Monkey season.


Originally from the UK Paul has extensive international experience, most recently in New Zealand before moving to Ballina in Northern NSW. His partner Deb trained in Sydney and will focus on front of house at The Rocks, ensuring a warm and friendly atmosphere in the restaurant nestled amongst the granite rocks. Paul is keen to incorporate local wine and food produce into the menu.

The Rocks Restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, bookings essential for bus transfers. And if that's too much trouble you can always stay onsite in the Honeysuckle Cottages.

Peter's Palate Pleasers

Peter Howard has Queensland’s original food and wine matching palate and is an audience favourite. So he will be again at the Granite Belt Flavours event in Little Stanley Street, South Bank from 10am to 3pm.

In a series of five free sessions at South Bank this Sunday, Peter will present classic red and white wine varieties, plus some exciting alternative varieties from the Granite Belt with food suggestions. This forms part of an event that will see almost 30 food and wine producers from Stanthorpe make the trek to Brisbane.

Six lucky members of the public will have the chance to join Peter’s tasting panel in each session:

Sessions 1 & 3 CLASSIC WHITES (10.30am and 12.30pm):

• Sirromet 2007 Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
• Casley Mount Hutton 2007 Chardonnay
• Robert Channon Wines 2008 Verdelho

Sessions 2 & 4 CLASSIC REDS (11.30am & 1.30pm):

• Harrington Glen 2007 Merlot
• Granite Ridge 2004 Shiraz
• Summit Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Session 5 STRANGE BIRDS/ Alternative Varieties (2.30pm):

• Ballandean Estate 2008 Viognier
• Symphony Hill 2007 Petit Verdot
• Hidden Creek 2007 Tempranillo

Tin town turns to gold

Stanthorpe derives its name from its tin mining origins in the 1800s but today things are turning to gold.

March 1st marks the official start of autumn and at 1000 metres above sea level, the crisp weather is turning leaves on grapevines and fruit trees across Queensland's Granite Belt into a sea of gold.

The tourist association is marking the cooler weather with a series of hot deals for visitors. Anyone who books a Granite Belt Gold offer online will go into the draw to win two tickets to Jazz in the Vineyard and return in August.

Stanthorpe has a well-earned reputation as the coolest place in Queensland so visitors who wish to beat the brass monkey weather, should enjoy a little gold and book now.

Tucker with Thommo

He's made a name for himself as the bush cook on Channel 7, and he's packing his port for a trip to the Queensland wine capital.

The Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe is the venue for Thommo's latest field kitchen. Five courses of Granite Belt food and wine will be captured by the cameras as part of a promotion with Caravanning Queensland on March 15th.

During dinner Thommo will regale guests with tales of his travels throughout Australia. Wine, food, memories...and all capped off with a charity auction for local service clubs. Sounds like a good old fashioned country night out. And when it is all over Thommo will soak up the hospitality of the Stanthorpe Top of the Town Tourist Park.

It all happens on Monday 15th March - not your typical Ides of March night out but then it's getting a little chilly here for togas!