Winter is coming and with it, the winter holidays and beach getaways. So what to do if you’re more of a cold weather person? Although Queensland is blessed with a mild climate, there are some places only a few hours’ drive from Brisbane that can get pretty cold — even occasionally getting snow — with events and festivals that embrace and celebrate winter!
Snow place like Stanthorpe
The coldest town in Queensland had to have a spot on this list, with a huge thermometer stationed next to the Visitor Centre, indicating if there’s a chance Stanthorpe might even get a dusting of snow.
Whether it snows or not, this chilly town boasts plenty of other frosty activities, like mouth-watering cheeses at Stanthorpe Cheese, the highest and coldest cheese shop, and try the fanciest wintery treat at the Truffle Discovery Centre.
If you really want to go all out, you’re in luck! Every other year on odd years, the town throws the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe festival, a free 3-day snowstravanza, featuring live entertainment, a winter market, an incredible ice sculpture challenge competition, crafts, and much more. The event goes out with a bang — literally — as a lantern parade leads the way to the Big Thermometer and ends in fireworks! We have no choice but to stan(thorpe).
Nearby Applethorpe also happens to be home to the year-round Granite Belt Christmas Farm, which is heaven for the Christmas-obsessed, with its rows upon rows of trees and Mrs Claus’ café serving the farm’s famous Belgian hot chocolates!
❄️Lowest average temperature: 1ºC
🚗 2h 45min drive from Brisbane
Wrap up in Warwick
Known as the Roses and Rodeos Capital of Queensland, this historic town is home to some of the state’s finest original sandstone buildings. The best way to explore the region? The picturesque Downs Explorer, which offers several short trips leaving from Warwick, including family-friendly journeys that’ll keep the younger ones entertained.
If roses and architectural wonders are a little too polished for you though, don’t worry: nature lovers will find plenty to do too, with nearby spectacular 40-metre high Queen Mary Falls a short drive from the town.
For the ultimate wintery vibe, visit at the end of July when, for 10 days from July 17 to July 27, Warwick and surrounding communities play hosts to the cosiest, coolest festival around: Jumpers and Jazz in July. Wrap yourself up in the unforgettable live music and a chunky jumper, and marvel at the 90 or so trees adorned with stunning textile art creations crafted by talented artists from across Australia and beyond!
❄️Lowest average temperature: 3ºC
🚗 2-hour drive from Brisbane
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Boots on in Toowoomba
It may be best known for its massive flower festival in the spring, but Toowoomba has plenty of fun to go around in the winter!
The chilly temperatures — thanks altitude! — make Toowoomba and its surroundings the perfect celebration of all things cosy. Go up to the High Country Hamlets micro-region, and sample seasonal food and drinks crafted by artisanal producers, or BYO-treats and have an alfresco meal at the aptly named Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland, but don’t forget to pack a jacket!
For the ultimate comfy getaway, a stay at a place like The Cosy Cat Cottage, promises all the warmth of a homey cottage, complete with a fireplace, plus all the fun you can have out on the town!
❄️Lowest average temperature: 5ºC
🚗 1h 30min drive from Brisbane
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Kindle a fire at Kingaroy
Kingaroy is worth a visit any time of the year, surrounded as it is by beautiful farmlands and rolling hills, but with its nearby boutique wineries ready to warm you up on a cool evening, winter is the ideal time for a little escape.
Nuts about peanuts? You’re in the right place. In case you miss the iconic silos in the town centre, you should know that the much-loved Kingaroy Peanut Van is not to be missed! With a list of fanciful flavour options that span everything from horseradish and massaman curry to lime and butterscotch, it’s an (n)utterly unique experience!
Visit between June 1 and July 28 to catch the Queensland Winter Craft Festival! Equal parts a showcase of local talent and a range of workshops for aspiring artists, the festival culminates on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, with a wonderful quilt trail that you can follow all along the Kingaroy District. Bundle up!
❄️Lowest average temperature: 4ºC
🚗 2h 45min drive from Brisbane
Bundle up in Bunya Mountains
Though not a town, this region and National Park deserves a mention thanks to its spectacular natural wonders and myriad of charming cottages to stay at, many of them with cosy fireplaces.
Once your eyes have had their fill of stunning vistas, you can fill your belly at Poppies on the Hill café, or warm up all the way through at Shackleton’s Whiskey Bar, Australia’s highest whiskey bar! With 116 whiskies you’ll truly feel the burn from head to toe, and can go stargaze without fear of getting cold.
❄️Lowest average temperature: 4ºC
🚗 3-hour drive from Brisbane