History was made for TriCare Hastings Point when the first-ever two-night bus excursion was made in March to the beautiful Granite Belt wine region over the border in South East Queensland.
Located at over 1000 metres above sea level, the Granite Belt is the only region in Queensland that has four distinct seasons. Even snow is occasionally seen in winter. Who knew?
Some of the trip highlights included:
+ A superb dinner at Anna’s, a local Italian restaurant in Stanthorpe. Located in a beautiful old home, Anna’s is tastefully decorated and offered generous meals that most of the group could not finish.
+ Lunch at Granite Belt Brewery, along with a tasting of their beers on offer.
+ Sampling the wines at wonderful Granite Belt wineries such as Ballandean Estate, Rumbalara, Castle Glen Estate and Heritage Estate Winery. Heritage Estate Wines had over 200 lovely wines available for tasting, and some of the group had a real go at getting close to the 200 mark.
On the last day, the group reached the famous Big Apple, (which is outside Vincenzo’s, on the New England Highway at Thulimbah). The Big Apple is a testament to the apples of the Stanthorpe region. Vincenzo’s offered a last chance to shop and stock up on local wines, cheese, fruits, olives, and meats before heading back home to Hastings Point.
The social committee wishes to thank the TriCare management for their support of the trip and hope that this will be the first of many excursions. Everyone on the trip agreed that it was a fabulous getaway.
