The Ultimate Mid-Summer Guide to Stanthorpe, Manna Gum and Noosa Heads

Let me tell you about Stanthorpe, a gem nestled in the heart of Queensland's stunning Granite Belt. This charming town is a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Our adventure began early Saturday morning when we hitched up our trusty teardrop camper and hit the road. The drive up the range was scenic, setting the tone for our weekend getaway.

Holiday begins at Stanthorpe

We timed our arrival perfectly, rolling into the Stanthorpe Farmers Market just in time to pick up our pre-ordered goodies. And boy, were we in for a treat! We snagged two cases of Love Apple Cider - a local specialty that's as refreshing as it is delicious. Made from local apples, this authentic cider is a true taste of the region.

But that's just the beginning of what Stanthorpe has to offer. The area is renowned for its fantastic wines, mouth-watering food, and an abundance of fresh local produce. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you at every turn.

Whether you're a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking to escape into nature, Stanthorpe has something for everyone. Stay tuned as we continue to explore this delightful corner of southern Queensland!

We've just wrapped up another fantastic day exploring Stanthorpe. After a lovely coffee in town, we headed up to the Stanthorpe showgrounds to set up camp. We found a perfect spot in a quiet, shady corner - but heads up, you'll need to book in advance.

Here's a pleasant surprise: the showground offers an ensuite bathroom right next to the stables. It's a rare luxury when camping, and we definitely appreciated the convenience.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a meal at Varias restaurant. I can't recommend it enough - the food was absolutely delightful.

Varias tasting at Stanthorpe

To end our day, we took a short walk up to the Mount Marlay lookout to catch the sunset. The views were stunning and well worth the climb.

We turned in early, excited for tomorrow's adventure to Manna Gum Campground. Stay tuned for more updates from our journey!

Sunset over Stanthorpe from Mt Marlay

Next stop on our journey: Manna Gum Campground, tucked away in the heart of Main Range National Park. Fair warning - it's a bit of a trek to get there, so make sure you're well-stocked before heading out.

This campground is a true nature lover's paradise, but it comes with a few quirks. Be prepared for some unwelcome guests in the form of leeches and ticks. A good insect repellent is your best friend here!

Comfy setup

But don't let that deter you - the spectacular walks and breathtaking views more than make up for it. And let's not forget the cheeky bower birds that might try to "borrow" your shiny belongings. They're quite the characters!

Cheeky satin bowerbird

The campsites themselves are fantastic, offering a real bush camping experience. We had the excitement of some big storms one night, which only added to the adventure.

Pro tip: Bring your own drinking water. There's no treated water available on site, so it's best to come prepared.

Despite the long drive and a few creepy crawlies, Manna Gum is a hidden gem that's well worth the visit. The natural beauty and sense of isolation make for an unforgettable camping experience.

Home for four nights at Manna Gum

Beautiful walk in the cool air

High on the ridge In the mist

waterfall on the cascade circuit walk

Home is where we park it!

Mt Castle Lookout

Looking South to Mt Barney from Main Range escarpment

Our journey from Manna Gum to Noosa took an unexpected turn - quite literally! We had a bit of a scare when the leaf springs on our teardrop camper came unshackled. Talk about a close call! We only discovered this hiccup while setting up at Noosa Sea Scouts. Thankfully, we managed to get it repaired the next day. Word to the wise: always check your gear, folks!

Time for new leaf springs after the original failed.

Now, let's chat about our stay at Noosa Sea Scouts. In a world of sky-high Airbnb prices, this place is a breath of fresh air. It's refreshingly old school and offers great value for money. Plus, the location is hard to beat!

Noosa itself? Absolute paradise! Our days were filled with leisurely walks along the river, invigorating swims at the beach, and scenic strolls around the headland. Pro tip: swim back to the surf club for a perfect end to your walk.

For the foodies out there, don't miss Alba by Kuravita. It's a culinary experience you won't forget. And for your caffeine fix, Belmondos is the place to be.

Delicious Modern Sri Lankan food at Alba

One of our favorite moments? Simply sitting by the river at high tide, sipping coffee and losing ourselves in a good book. Pure bliss!

Noosa may be a popular spot, but it still holds that laid-back charm that makes for a perfect getaway. Despite our initial hiccup, this leg of the journey was a real highlight.

Desert at Alba

Well, all good things must come to an end, and our amazing adventure was no exception. We made our final push for home on Christmas Eve, but Mother Nature had one last surprise in store for us.

Picture this: we're cruising along the freeway, holiday tunes playing, the excitement of home and Christmas in the air. Then, bam! We're hit with a storm of biblical proportions. I'm talking rain so heavy it felt like we were driving through a car wash!

The conditions were so treacherous that traffic on the freeway slowed to a crawl - we're talking 30 km/h, folks. It was white-knuckle driving all the way, with visibility reduced to next to nothing.

But you know what? Even with this dramatic finale, we wouldn't change a thing about our trip. From the charming streets of Stanthorpe to the wilderness of Manna Gum, the beaches of Noosa, and yes, even our white-knuckle ride home - every moment added to the tapestry of our unforgettable journey.

We rolled into our driveway, tired but happy, with a wealth of memories and stories to share over Christmas dinner. And isn't that what traveling is all about?

Thanks for following along on our Queensland adventure. Here's to many more journeys ahead - hopefully with clearer skies!

Safe travels, everyone, and don't forget: sometimes the biggest adventures come when you least expect them!

Flying West

Homeward bound. At Flying West

91 nights