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. There's plenty of events during the season from Christmas in July feasts at various venues to Warwick's Jumpers & Jazz in July, which sees jazz music in the streets and deciduous trees dressed in custom knitted woolly jumpers to keep them warm.  

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.

The Brass Monkey Story

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! 

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.

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