Winter - Brass Monkey Season^©

It’s Brass Monkey Season©, on the Southern Downs & Granite Belt!  Enjoy crisp clear days in the spectacular countryside, capped off with cosy fireside romance, and on special days a light snow fall adds to the winter wonder.

With your appetite livened by the cooler weather, savour the flavours of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. Tour the Granite Belt's cellar doors, and experience country hospitality in local restaurants, where fresh quality produce complements the award winning wines. Christmas in July is just one excuse to celebrate, with events and festivals in the Brass Monkey Season^© calendar.

Follow the Southern Downs Heritage and Historic Trail, delivering you to the icons of the region's pastoral heritage, including Warwick's stunning homesteads and historical town buildings.

Take in the stunning surrounds and natural contrasts, from Girraween's granite monoliths to the spectacular Condamine Gorge. The region is peppered with accommodation ranging from self contained cottages and studios, B&Bs, motels and historical hotels, and great camping and caravanning spots.

So pack your favourite warm clothes and experience winter Brass Monkey style.

Christmas Comes but Twice a Year...

Christmas in July is a well established annual celebration honoured throughout the Southern Downs & Granite Belt - and when better to enjoy traditional hot roasts and the warming satisfaction of a full belly than in the middle of winter.

Throughout the Southern Downs & Granite Belt local restaurants, cellar doors, and homesteads offer the full Christmas extravaganza throughout June, July and August, without the commercial fanfare.  A number of local operators are carrying out the Christmas in July traditions this year - each with their own unique take on the event, whether it be their heritage settings, or the treat of their own wine varieties.

Christmas need not come but once a year, and the chance to enjoy the rich roast delicacies and award winning local wines on an evening when your breath fogs up, is too great to pass up.

Winter Woollies

One of the great novelties of the Brass Monkey Season^© for those who inhabit the warmer reaches of South East Queensland, is the opportunity to get properly rugged up!

Whether heading to Jumpers & Jazz in July, or hitting the National Parks make sure you pack your coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots. 

A Tour for the Palate

A wander through the region will have you discovering award-winning meat pies, gourmet delis, local produce, locally-cured meats, seasonal jams and preserves, farmhouse cheeses and olives, and of course outstanding Granite Belt  wines.

The weather, well-drained soil, and viticultural expertise of the Granite Belt, has transformed the region's vineyards into a burgeoning industry. Local wineries are the most awarded in Queensland, earning it the reputation as Queensland's premier wine region, and with over 50 wineries and cellar doors to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or a few) that you really like.

Nominate a driver, or let a tour guide take care of the navigating for you, while you concentrate on your palate this Brass Monkey Season^©.

Something to Celebrate

Brass Monkey Season’s^© stunning clear days provide the perfect atmosphere for celebration. As the temperature cools, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region is alive with events of all descriptions. 

Warwick's Jumpers & Jazz in July sees jazz music in the streets and deciduous trees dressed in custom knitted woolly jumpers to keep them warm.  Relax and take in the scenery on board a Southern Downs Steam Railway trip, or explore the region at your own pace: magnificent sandstone buildings, art exhibitions, scenic walks in national parks.  It's not hard to find a market day on the Southern Downs & Granite Belt, with a roster rotating between the Glengallan Seasonal Farmers Markets, the Stanthorpe Market in the Mountains, the Border Railway Markets, Abbey Markets and the Warwick Pig & Calf Sales with Fruit & Vegie Market.

If you want action, head to any of the regular events at Warwick’s Morgan Park. The popular Historic Leyburn Motor Sprints draws thousands of motorsport fans every year.

Romantic Hideaways

For the perfect romantic winter evening, bunker down with the one you love, the spoils of exploring the local cellar doors, some sumptuous local produce, and place yourself in front of a crackling log fire. Whether you want a spa bath, views forever, privacy, or great services, there's the perfect cosy winter escape waiting in the hills of the Southern Downs & Granite Belt.

There's an accommodation option for every budget and desired experience. Well appointed B&Bs and guesthouses, self contained cottages and studios, motels and hotels, great camping and caravanning and farm stays all position you to enjoy the Brass Monkey Season^© experience.

The Brass Monkey Story

It's the winter chill in the Southern Downs that has earned the season its nickname, so where does the old saying 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey' originate?

Like most tales, there are several competing accounts. One legend has it that on the warships of old, cannon balls were kept in brass racks known as monkeys. Water would often collect in these racks, and in winter, it would freeze and expand, dislodging the balls so they spilled out of the racks. And that's how the brass monkey lost its balls.