Discover the quiet thrill of a Granite Belt winter—from snow-kissed festivals to fireside stargazing, 31 The Rocks is your sanctuary for seasonal wonder.
When the Air Turns Crisp, the Magic Begins
There’s a moment just after dusk in the Granite Belt—when the sky deepens to indigo, the scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air, and the stars begin to show themselves. It’s then that winter here stops being a season and becomes an experience.
June is when the chill arrives in earnest, and with it, a new rhythm. Slow mornings. Golden afternoons. Firelit evenings. And at 31 The Rocks, you’re perfectly placed to soak in every soulful second of it.
The Joy of Snowflakes in Stanthorpe
Each winter, the heart of the Granite Belt comes alive with frosty charm at the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe festival—a rare Queensland celebration of ice, laughter, and winter magic. From ice skating under a crisp blue sky to bustling artisan markets and live entertainment, this family-friendly event captures all the wonder of a snow day—without ever leaving the Sunshine State.
It’s your chance to experience snow in Queensland (yes, really), enjoy wintery treats, and create memories that warm from the inside out.
As The Guardian notes,
“Regional festivals like Stanthorpe’s are rekindling our sense of seasonal place—redefining what winter means in Australia.”
(source)
Wines That Warm the Soul
After the thrill of snowflakes and street performers, unwind with the deep, earthy richness of Granite Belt wine. Local cellar doors offer tastings of robust reds and velvety fortifieds—perfect for chilly days.
We recommend visiting some of the region’s smaller producers on the Strange Bird Alternative Wine Trail, where winter hospitality includes mulled wine by the barrel and cellar stories shared over oak-aged pours.
You’ll return to your villa with a bottle, a glow in your cheeks, and a deeper connection to the land.
Stargazing by the Fire
Back at 31 The Rocks, time stretches. There’s no rush—just the comfort of a crackling fire, a cosy throw, and the soft hush of bushland all around.
Each villa is built for winter indulgence. Heat, space, privacy. Step outside and you’ll find yourself under a dazzling canopy—thanks to the Granite Belt’s low light pollution, this region offers some of the most brilliant night skies in Queensland.
Stargazing here is a quiet, awe-filled ritual. Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket with a hot mug or sharing a telescope moment with someone you love, it reminds you of your place in something grand and beautiful.
Adventure. Stillness. The Choice Is Yours.
Whether you spend your days exploring national parks or your evenings curled up with a book and a bottle, winter at 31 The Rocks is what you make of it.
Here, the cold is not something to endure—it’s something to savour.
And as Dr Anna Harrison reminds us, “Experiences that stimulate the senses and slow time are the ones we remember most. That’s what makes them feel like magic.”