THEME PARKS SEVERNLEA

When you visit Aloomba Lavender, meals plus morning and afternoon teas can be prepared for larger groups with prior booking. Good coffee (and a range of teas) and homemade biscuits are available to guests at any time.

Aloomba Lavender is a part of a four thousand acre cattle property east of Stanthorpe. The Bonner Family have been involved in the cattle industry for well over 100 years. The lavender farm was established at the end of 1998, and moved from Aloomba to Aloomba Top, it has become one of the best lavender and accommodation tourist destinations in Stanthorpe...

The Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery displays quality exhibitions of both national and local importance, as well as fostering a strong program of regional artist exhibitions and displays that are relevant to the history and character of the Granite Belt region. The gallery's 40 day exhibition program also include those specially curated from the Shire's wide-ranging permanent collection of traditional and contemporary paintings, works on paper, ceramics, sculpture and fibre artworks. This strong collection of noted artist's works, are sourced from acquisitions made during the biennial Stanthorpe Arts Festival. The next festival held in February 2010, will mark its 36th year, with acquisitions and prize money amounting to AUD20,000. Quality national touring exhibitions encompass displays varying from contemporary jewellery, ceramics, and noted Australian artists' displays, to talented youth artists' works. The art gallery also encourages the presentation of established artist exhibitions from outside the region or state.

Located in the picturesque hills above Glen Aplin The Bramble Patch is a food lovers paradise. Visitors are offered a range of over 50, multi-award winning, gourmet preserves including jams, coulis, sauces, chutneys, vinegars, fruit pastes and fortified berry wines. All products are made on the premises and are available for tasting in the beautiful showroom. Guests can also choose from a delicious selection of berry desserts including waffles, poffertjes, sundaes and freshly made berry icecreams. These can be enjoyed indoors next to the log fire during Winter or outside in the manicured gardens during the warmer months. Groups are welcome and specific catering is available upon request.

Quart Pot Creek runs through the town of Stanthorpe. It has been landscaped by the local Council, and now boasts concrete walking paths linking one end of town to the Red Bridge. Take time to walk alongside Quart Pot Creek and admire the surrounds of Stanthorpe. Feed the ducks, swim, or just relax under the shade of a tree. There is also a great park on Quart Pot Creek, Kidspace, which is near the visitor information centre and is a good spot to have a quiet break and offers a Brass Monkey themed playground for families.

Storm King Dam rests in a picturesque rural setting with many water birds (including pelicans) and is an ideal spot for picnics, water sport and fishing. Fish species include golden perch, murray cod, silver perch, jew and river black fish. Facilities include: toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, drinking water, jetty, boat ramp, swimming area and playground. Please note that camping is not permitted however there is a recreational/youth camp available for large group bookings. No boating restrictions apply, however a permit is required for powerboats (at no cost). Storm King Dam is situated 10 kilometres southeast of Stanthorpe on the road to Eukey.

The Stanthorpe Museum is situated on the main street travelling north through the town and it is a popular place for visitors and tour groups. There are 10 heritage buildings on site, with over 20,000 artefacts in the extensive collections. Pastoral, mining, farming, health resort, orcharding and wine growing industries have contributed to the regions diverse and colourful past. The museum has been collecting community history for over 40 years and is the custodian of one national and two state recognised collections. Included amongst these amazing artefacts is the unique 'Make-Do' Collection which comprises hundreds of items crafted by the regions forebears to fulfil a specific need from materials at hand. The museum also attracts family researchers because of its comprehensive original records from the Granite Belt families and businesses.

Visit a bushranger hideout! 'Thunderbolt' who roamed the New England Tableland, had one of his hideouts near Pozieres. Donnelly's Castle, as it is now called, is a rock formation that you can walk between, around and over. There are great views from the lookout and picnic facilities. Donnelly's Castle is located in the Stanthorpe area.

High, remote and rough, Sundown National Park (south west of Stanthorpe) entices both self-sufficient campers and experienced bushwalkers to explore its rugged ridges and gorges. Camp at one of five camping areas (three accessible by four-wheel-drive only) or hike in to a secluded bush camp. From Broadwater campground, enjoy the short graded walk to Permanent Waterhole. More experienced walkers can explore the Severn River or the upper reaches of Ooline Creek. Look for king orchids, woodland birds and waterbirds, or try your luck throwing a lure in one of waterholes (line fishing allowed). From the park's north-eastern boundary, experienced walkers can enjoy a two-day circuit taking in Mount Lofty and Red Rock Gorge, while four wheel drives can continue to campsites along the Severn River. A short (500 metre return) graded track leads to a lookout giving views over Red Rock Gorge and beyond.