Granite Belt accommodation for groups

If you are looking for accommodation in the Granite Belt, there is no shortage. You will find plenty of accommodation in Stanthorpe itself, but if you are happy to spread your wings further into the Granite Belt, the list gets even longer.

If you are planning on spending a few days exploring the wineries in Stanthorpe or working your way through the long itinerary list of the best things to do in Stanthorpe, then you will need somewhere to stay.

Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt is a fantastic region to visit in southeast Queensland. As a result, the pressure on accommodation, particularly on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, is high. In winter, Granite Belt accommodation with fireplaces – perfect for those freezing nights when you want to sip red wine in front of the fire – is also in very high demand.

Fortunately, there are many options to cater for everyone’s needs. From pet-friendly to couples, off-grid to luxury, accommodation at wineries, cottages, cabins, houses, and barns, you’ll have plenty to choose from. There’s even a tiny house and, most recently, accommodation in wine barrels!

We’ve put together this list of some of the best group accommodation you’ll find in the Granite Belt.

If you are planning a trip to the Granite Belt, we highly recommend reading our comprehensive guide to the region first. It will have you covered for all you need to know.

Kurrajong Barn & Cottage

This is one of my favourite places to stay in Stanthorpe and it is absolutely perfect for groups. As a converted barn, it offers five bedrooms – one of them is loft-style – for up to ten people and spacious living areas to allow everyone to spread out.

The main bedroom comes with a Romeo and Juliet balcony at the top of a set of stairs and its own ensuite. It’s a huge room with a king-sized bed, so if you are coming with a group of friends, this will be the room that will face stiff competition.

There are four other bedrooms in the barn. At the front, you’ll find two of them just off to the right of the living area. A queen bedroom and one with two single beds share a bathroom just across the hall.

The other two bedrooms, both with queen-sized beds are located at the back near the kitchen. One of these is a loft, so if you don’t like climbing stairs at night to go to the shared bathroom, you might want to try and secure the ground floor sleeping arrangements.

The bathrooms are functional and come supplied with local toiletries made by Washpool. The open plan kitchen allows for a fully self-contained stay, with a full-size fridge, oven, cooktop and microwave.

There are two living areas, each with its own fireplace. In the front, you can warm your toes on a cold night by the potbelly stove, while out the back, the built-in brick fireplace will keep you and the house toasty. There’s even a coffee machine to keep the coffee-lovers happy.

One of the best things about being out in the country is the lack of city lights. This makes for perfect conditions, notwithstanding poor weather, for star-gazing. Grab a beanbag and sit outside on the timber deck or pull up a pew around the outdoor fire pit.

There is no shortage of areas to sit and relax or cook and eat at the Kurrajong Barn, with multiple outdoor and undercover areas, including a BBQ.

Kurrajong Barn supplies all kitchen equipment and linen, so there’s no need to bring your own. Wifi is also provided free of charge.

Check availability, pricing and reviews for Kurrajong Barn on Trip Advisor.

I stayed here with a group of five and we had a fabulous time. For more information, visit their website.

Good to know: The two rooms near the main bedroom on the lower level has a gap where the top of the wall ends and the ceiling, meaning that it is not possible to close off each room completely. If you have a friend who snores, be sure to take earplugs or put them in a room that is fully enclosed. There are two shared bathrooms in the barn.

Things to do nearby

• Girraween National Park
• Ballandean Estate Wines
• Washpool Soaperie
• Granite Belt Maze
• St Judes Cellar Door and Bistro
• Heavenly Chocolate

Location:  2625 Eukey Rd Ballandean QLD 4382

All Granite Belt accommodation books out well in advance, especially for the winter months. Pick your dates early, especially if you are planning a group event.

Apple Blossom Cottage

In the centre of Stanthorpe town, there is a great cottage that is perfect for a family or group of friends. Apple Blossom Cottage has three bedrooms.

At the front of the house, the main bedroom can be found, complete with an ensuite and spa bath.

Across the hall, there’s a twin share room with two single beds, and further down a queen-size room. This room has access directly to the bathroom, however, it is also shared with those staying in the twin room.

The cottage operates as a normal house would, meaning you can be as self-contained as you like. A fully functional eat-in kitchen with a full-size fridge, oven, stove and dishwasher means you can cook up a storm.

When you are ready to relax, there’s a comfortable living area with air conditioning for the summer and a fireplace for winter.

In the summertime, the outdoor deck and backyard are perfect for having a drink or a meal. There’s even a BBQ there too.

Check pricing and availability here. I stayed here with two other people, but we could have easily doubled that number and still have plenty of room.

Good to know: Two of the rooms share a bathroom with an entry from the adjoining bedroom and an external door.

Things to do nearby

• Essen Restaurant
• Granite Belt Bicycle Tours & Hire
• Zest Pastries
• Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery

Location: 14 Omara Terrace Stanthorpe QLD 4380

Ridgemill Estate

When it comes to Stanthorpe winery accommodation, Ridgemill Estate is one of the few wineries in the Granite Belt where you can visit the cellar door and retire to your place to stay for the night.

There are eight self-contained cabins with verandahs that overlook the vineyards. The cabins are small but well-appointed with a king-size bed, bathroom and small kitchenette with bar fridge and microwave. There is reverse cycle air conditioning and a wood heater to keep you warm on those cold nights.

The sofa also folds out into a bed.

Each cabin has been built with sustainable practices and included an insulated subfloor to keep the cabins warm in winter (and to save on synthetic heating) and rainwater tanks. Owner Martin Cooper is a well-known member of the Granite Belt community and his property at Ridgemill Estate is a testament to his love of the area and his love of people who visit him at his vineyard.

Good to know: There are several cabins at Ridgemill Estate that are pet-friendly. A continental breakfast hamper is offered for every morning of your stay and a bottle of Ridgemill Estate will greet you when you arrive.

If you have a group, then the Winery Escape House could be what you are after. There are three bedrooms, one bathroom and a fully self-contained kitchen. The outdoor deck offers the opportunity to kick back with your glass of wine as the sun sets. The house is also pet-friendly.

Check pricing and availability on Trip Advisor.

I stayed here as a couple and loved it. We will be returning next time with our dog. For more information, visit their website.

Things to do nearby

• Winetasting at Ridgemill Estate
• City centre of Stanthorpe
• Granite Belt Brewery
• Essen Restaurant

Location:  218 Donges Road Severnlea Qld 4380

Straw House B&B

The Straw House B&B is, without doubt, a unique place to stay in the Granite Belt. For those familiar with the story of the Three Little Pigs, the Straw House will tickle your fancy. Located alongside owners Anna and Tom’s home, the Straw House with its two small rooms is made from straw and covered in stucco for protection.

Inside the rooms, there are spots where you can actually see the straw. The rooms have a queen bed, mini-fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. There’s a sofa for relaxing with a good book, and at night it can also become a bed. There’s a potbelly stove for warmth and your own bathroom.

Anna is a wonderful cook and is well-renowned for her banana bread. Upon your arrival, Anna will have whipped up something fresh and tasty to have as your afternoon tea. As a B&B, you’ll also get to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast.

There is also luxury accommodation for couples only found inside the main Straw House property.

In a regional first, there is also now a tiny house on the Granite Belt, tipping the scales even further in Anna and Tom’s favour of having the quirkiest combination of accommodation in Stanthorpe. Built from a 20-tonne wheat trailer, this place may be tiny, but it packs a punch.

Suitable for two adults, there’s a whole lot of luxury to be had here – think bathrobes, exquisite tea, wine and chocolates and of course the big breakfast. The tiny house is located out on the paddock, where you can sit and sip your glass of wine while admiring the beautiful Highland cows, alpacas and goats.

Looking for more to do? Explore the 22 acres of land here and make your way into the apple orchard. Take a picnic blanket and some cheese and wine, or hang out around the fire pit at night. Whatever takes your fancy, there’s something for everyone here.

Individually, the rooms at the Straw House aren’t adequate for groups, but collectively they are. Take over the entire farm and show your friends and family a good time in one of the coolest places in the area. With the main house, two straw house rooms and the tiny house, you could have a party of at least eight stay here at once.

Good to know: Even though the Straw House property is full of animals, dogs are still very welcome here. Undercover parking is also provided to guests.

Check pricing and availability on Trip Advisor.

For more information, visit their website.

Things to do nearby

• Heritage Estate Wines
• Castle Glen
• Suttons Apple Farm
• Truffle Discovery Centre

Location:  21 Straw House Lane Dalveen Queensland 4374