Honeysuckle Cottages, Mayfair Lane, Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia.
+61 7 4681 3400.
Stanthorpe is a happening area, with enough good dining to keep the weekend visitor to the Granite Belt wine region more than spoilt for choice. A cool town that regularly records the state’s lowest daily temperatures, its restaurateurs know what good winter food is. The Rocks has been open about a year, a large purpose-built brick and timber premises with an A-line exposed beam ceiling, warm country ambience and a big-hearted menu. French duck casserole, organic chicken hotpot, and osso buco sit alongside steaks and pasta dishes. Desserts include pear and ginger crumble and tarte tatin. There are also lighter choices, but when the weather is pink-cheek nippy, who can resist old favourites? The table waiters about town are a switched-on lot, thanks to local training at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
Open: dinner Tue-Sun. Licensed & BYO (local wines only). Gourmet Champagne breakfast Sun (winter). Mains $28-$34.WebsiteSource:
Qantas The Australian Way May 2008