Visitors are Flocking here in Droves to both Discover and Rediscover our Local Treasures.
Accommodation operators across the Granite Belt are reaching capacity in the lead up to the second Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail Open Studios event, with over 80 per cent of accommodation fully booked with just over a week to go before the event opens on Friday 30 October. (Source: Booking.com)
Event founder Rosy Chapman says,
“October has traditionally been a quieter month for visitors, which is one of the reasons we decided to hold the event at this time. There is simply no way we could have anticipated the extraordinary drive-market tourism boom the region has experienced since lockdown.
"Visitors are flocking here in droves to both discover and rediscover our local treasures. New data from Booking.com has revealed which Aussie gems are getting the most love from Australian travellers this year – and Stanthorpe is sitting at number one! We are the top trending Australian destination from June 1 to August 31.
“If you are planning to wing it on your creative escape, please lock in your accommodation sooner rather than later! Our event sponsors are fully booked – however you can still try Foxbar Falls for camping and caravanning, Blue Topaz Caravan Park, and Top of the Town Tourist Park for pet-friendly accommodation and camping, and limited vacancies at the Granite Belt Motel, Glen Aplin Gardens, Honeysuckle Cottages, High Street Motor Inn, cabins at Granite Belt Retreat and Aloomba Lavender Farm at Liston."
Rosy Chapman was inspired by the Silo Art Trail, which delivers international media attention to regional Australia, an influx of tourists to the region, and expansion of the trail into a 200-kilometre-long outdoor art gallery.
“We are building on the extraordinary publicity generated over the last few months as Queenslanders look to holiday here this year in support of regional economies.
“Last weekend our sister event, Condamine Country Art Trail held its inaugural open studios event, getting people out in the region to meander through a unique country experience. By joining forces to create a trail of trails, we hope to encourage extended visitation and participation from campers and caravanners, the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia,” says Ms Chapman.
The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail has a strong artisan line up for the 2020 open studios event. Over thirty artisans will be exhibiting on the trail at 17 different venues, from wineries to art galleries and beautiful small community halls.
Event founder Rosy Chapman reports that new and returning artisans are experiencing first-hand what the arts trail is doing for the Granite Belt’s economy and bringing the community together. This year marks the second for the arts festival which provides a fully immersive experience of the rich tapestry of culture, talent, history and artefacts in the region.
The Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail Open Studios event is a three-day, COVID-sensitive event opening at 10am on Friday 30 October and closing on Sunday 1 November at 4pm.
For all media enquiries please contact Brooke Billett, 0422 332 985 brooke@jolokia.com.au
Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail
When: Friday 30th October 2020 - Sunday 1st November
Where: Stanthorpe and surrounding Granite Belt villages
Time: Open 10am-4pm and by appointment
Contact: Rosy Chapman - Email: gb.art.trail@gmail.com / Phone: 0417 727 997