Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
07-4684 1270;
www.vineyardcottages.com.au
;
28126 New England Hwy, Ballandean; cottages $230-375;
)
On the northern outskirts of Ballandean (about 20km south of Stanthorpe) you'll find
these seven buttermilk-coloured brick cottages with spas and private verandahs overlook-
ing English-style gardens. Inside a 100-year-old former church on the property is a decent
restaurant (open for dinner nightly plus lunch on weekends; mains $28 to $38) with a
fresh seasonal menu.
Eating
L'Aquila
( 07-4681 0356; 130 High St, Stanthorpe; mains $10-20; 9am-5pm Mon, to 8pm Tue-Thu, to 9pm Fri & Sat,
5-8pm Sun)
It's hard to know what to make of this main-street Italian joint: it looks reason-
ably classy from the outside, but inside it's all cheap furniture and wailing '90s grunge.
Still, if you're a fan of Alice In Chains, decent coffee and chunky pizzas (much better than
the fast-food operators), you're in the right place.
PIZZERIA, CAFE
$
Varias
( 07-4685 5050;
www.varias.com.au
; Queensland College of Wine Tourism, 22 Caves Rd, Stanthorpe; mains
$28-32; 11am-3pm)
This chic bistro features the delectable handiwork of student chefs at
the adjunct Queensland College of Wine Tourism, a low-slung, angular, steel-and-stone
construction just off the New England Hwy. Each course is paired with one of the col-
lege's excellent Bianca Ridge wines. It's an elegant and welcoming setting, with a flicker-
ing fire and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vines: the classiest place to eat in
Stanthorpe by a country mile.
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
$$
Patty's on McGregor
( 07-4681 3463;
www.pattysonmcgregor.com.au
; 2 McGregor Tce, Stanthorpe; mains $30-38; 6.30pm-late
Thu-Sat)
A long-running Stanthorpe favourite, Patty's quirky backstreet shopfront serves a
changing selection of beautifully prepared dishes with Eastern accents - perhaps a rogan
josh curry with local organic lamb, or a za'atar-crusted pork loin cutlet with pear and
garden honey, and always one vegetarian dish of the day. Black-and-white tile floors,
candlelit tables and local artwork set the scene inside the cosy dining room.
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
$$
Barrel Room Cafe
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
$$
