Ballandean, South East Country Queensland, Queensland

Wine connoisseurs from all over Australia and the rest of the world have a special place to go to when in Queensland, Ballandean. This small area, just south of Stanthorpe, is blessed with the climate and soil conditions suitable for the cultivation of vineyards. It is part of the Granite Belt region of Queensland. Not surprisingly, winemaking is the major industry in Ballandean, initiated by migrating Italian families. The recent years has also seen increasing development of a number of establishments like cottage resorts and restaurants due to rising influx of tourists.

One of the premier vineyards in the area would be the one owned by Aventine Wines, where grapes were handpicked and processed the natural way. It also has a picnic area and visitors can come to this vineyard for wine tasting events organized on site.

The Ballandean Estate Wine, on the other hand, holds the distinction of being the most awarded winery in Queensland. Owned by the Puglisi family, the vineyard also hosts the annual Opera in the Vineyard and the Jazz in the Vineyard events, participated by both residents and visitors.

On the other hand, the Bungawarra Winery is one of the oldest in Queensland. Apart from wine making activities, the area is also a good spot to have picnics and barbecues.

Free wine tasting is available in the vineyard of the Symphony Hills Wines, where they also offer activities for children accompanying wine loving adults.

Other notable wineries in the region include the Golden Grove Estate, the Robinson Family Vineyards, and the Vineyards and Wineries at Mary Byrnes Wine, which is recognized as the only winery in Granite Belt produced by a female virticulturalist.

One interesting place found in Balladean would be the Carriage Stop, which offer luxury accommodations with spectacular views all around. There are also numerous birds and native animals within the property, providing plenty of opportunities for wildlife exploration. Visitors will also get to experience winery tours in horse-drawn carriages, as well as try the sumptuous meals offered on site.

When in Ballandean, most tourists find time to visit the Ballan Cottage which is said to be more than 100 years old. Visitors can also experience one unchanging feature of Ballandean when they sit at the cottage’s verandah—its spectacular sunsets.

A place also worth exploring would be the Girrawen National Park, where its most prominent feature would be the granite boulders found within open forests. Rugged individuals can try their skills in rock climbing at the park. Other activities popular in the area would be nature trekking, with several hiking trails leading to higher grounds where visitors can better appreciate the park’s scenery. Tourists lucky enough to visit Girrawen in spring can get to see riotous colors of wildflowers. There’s also a fine-dining restaurant within the national park.

There are various accommodations offered in Bellandean, and most are in forms of cottages and farms. One is the five-star Vineyard Cottages and Cafes which combines luxury with fine dining experience. Nearby is the Applegrove Farm which has accommodations for couples, families, and groups of friends. The farm is also near the Severn River, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities for water sports and recreation.