8 shades of autumn in Southern Queensland Country [gallery]

While it’s true we’re still wearing short sleeves and swimming in the ocean this time of year in Queensland, if you venture to Southern Queensland Country you can experience the changing leaves, cooler weather and delicious fresh seasonal produce of autumn.

We sent three of our favourite Instagrammers – @laurenepbath, @jewelszee and @rikerama – on a leaf-chasing mission to capture the many colours of autumn stretching from Toowoomba and Stanthorpe out to Western Country.

Around a three-hour road trip south-west from Brisbane, our leaf-chasers were based in the heart of the Granite Belt – aka Queensland’s wine country – as guests of the family-owned Mallow Cottage.

Sitting pretty on a 1200-acre organic lamb farm, 15 minutes from Stanthorpe, the three-bedroom cottage is a product of some serious TLC, tastefully renovated from old shearers quarters using sustainable or salvaged materials

The result? Every bit what you would imagine the country life to look like: warm timber furnishings, a wide veranda with uninterrupted farmland views, and no neighbours apart from the grazing lambs and sheep in your backyard (and let’s not forget the prime positioning and seasonal timing of the region’s wineries and vineyards nearby).

Despite the temptation to hole up and enjoy never-ending cups of tea and glasses of vino, our Instagrammers managed to get out and snap the magic unfolding along our country roads:

Photo by @laurenepbath

The Granite Belt rolls out the red carpet! After chasing autumn leaves, why not extend your search to explore the rest of this environmentally-blessed region.

Photo by @rikerama

It’s not just the leaves that turn a brilliant shade of orange in autumn – hello epic sunsets and sunrises! You too can capture these moments like an Insta-snappin’ pro with these handy photography tips.

Photo by @rikerama

A little ball of autumn cuteness, but the natural wonders don’t stop there. Get to steppin’ along these 9 short hiking trails ticking off everything from scenic waterfalls to magnificent granite arches.

Photo by @jewelszee

Autumn’s colour palette: sky blue and firey red. If you’re in need of a scenic change from Brisbane’s cityscape, follow this road trip itinerary for an easy 24-hour Stanthorpe getaway.

Photo by @jewelszee

Crunchy autumn leaf = perfect for #leafchasers. But it’s not just the pretty scenery that makes this season one of the best times to visit. Find out why you need to visit the country in autumn right here.

Photo by @jewelszee

Cooler temps and beautiful landscapes provide the perfect lazy-day picnic conditions to watch the clouds roll by. Pack the blankies and get your basket ready with these tips to the perfect Stanthorpe picnic.

Photo by @jewelszee

The cows in the Granite Belt have the best seat in the house for an amber sunset.

Side note: Are you one of these people who’s deliriously happy every time you see a cute animal on Facebook? Then you’re in for a treat with these hella cute farm stay pictures that will make you smile (and have you booking your next country getaway ASAP).

Photo by @jewelszee

Take the road less travelled to discover Queensland’s best autumn colours. Not sure where to point your GPS? Try these scenic country drives from Warwick that can be done in a day, all within cooee of Brisbane or Toowoomba.

Inspired to have your own autumn getaway? Choose your Southern Queensland Country base with this list of accommodation options.

Share your autumn snaps in the comments below!