Blog

Spring/Summer 2025

.Spring/Summer 2025

It’s a lovely time of year to be in the Stanthorpe district. Our reliable wildflowers, supplemented by the current golden Coreopsis (a lucky garden escape), lift the spectacular landscape to match the peaks of the range and national parks. Despite the recent heatwave that Queensland experienced, our altitude retained its protective powers. Even here in the valley at Ballandean we only reached 33-34 degrees a couple of days and dropped below 20 each night. And low humidity every day! It reminded me of the reasons that caused many coastal dwellers 100 years ago to have a summer residence here – to escape the heat and enjoy the cool waters of Girraween that flow through our main National Park. Cool fresh air before the age of air conditioners! If, like me, you’re no longer a beachie it’s hard to beat. And a glass of wine and the sunsets …

For those of us who still have to work it’s a reward at the end of day. As the area has expanded into a tourist venue we are increasingly blessed by some top class restaurants too. Many source their ingredients from the abundant locally grown fruit, vegies and organically grown meats (including venison – deer are a pest here). Entertainment and the arts are a big part of life here as well – great local talent (Penny and Roger -Australia All Over) plus visitors like Paul Kelly (who performed) and Johnny Cash (who didn’t, but kept coming) and Kev Carmody (who lives here now). Bungawarra had many years of outdoor productions of Shakespeare under the Stars as part of this scene (until Covid – and age caught up with me) but it’s an expanding scene too.

The wine industry is a large part of all of this and great fun to be in the middle. We enjoy the healthy lifestyle, living with Nature (though the birds and wallabies can test us) and an industry that gives us rewards in premium products and personal satisfaction. Come join us in the holiday season to enjoy something different!!

.