This stunning new winery with helicopter arrivals is your excuse to visit Queensland’s only cool-climate region.
Tucked amid the mountainous terrain of southern Queensland’s Great Dividing Range, the Granite Belt is one of Australia’s highest-altitude wine regions – and one of its most underrecognised. But that status may soon change, thanks to a landmark new culinary destination that has opened in Ballandean today, 2 July 2026.
Meteora Vineyard is a luxury new restaurant, winery and cellar door featuring Queensland’s first wine cave – an underground barrel storage carved deep into the hillside – as well as scenic helicopter flights, bespoke private dining and innovative architecture. Slated to add its own accommodation to the property in October, the property provides a compelling reason to explore Queensland’s only cool-climate wine region, which produces some of the country’s best alternative varieties.
Opt to add on a memorable scenic helicopter charter.
The vineyard is the lovechild of founders Andrew and Karen Catsoulis, who co-founded National Storage (then Stowaway Self-Storage) together back in 1997. The couple fell in love with the Granite Belt after a chance visit and have since come to appreciate its dramatic granite landscapes, distinctive seasons and local community.
Influenced by the family’s Greek heritage, Meteora Vineyard respects the region’s soul while taking cues from Mediterranean culture, architecture and cuisine, along with practices of generosity and togetherness.
The estate features unique architecture that blends with the surrounding nature.
Gaze out onto undulating countryside.
Stroll the vineyards with loved ones.
The winery centres on alternative varietals.
As far as the vino experiences go, guests can expect estate-grown single-vineyard wines and alternative varietals framed by picturesque sun-dappled vistas over the countryside. Take a guided tasting in the cellar door to discover what gives the Granite Belt its distinctive character, learning from the passionate Meteora team.
Or perhaps head underground to the wine cave, where you’ll feel whisked straight to the vineyards of Europe. A true feat of engineering, the climate-controlled cave required extensive excavation and expert craftsmanship.
Queensland’s first wine cave is found onsite.
Guided by chief winemaker Andy Williams, the wine program focuses on the potential of varietals including montepulciano, fiano, aglianico and tempranillo, as well as regional classics shiraz and chardonnay.
The restaurant is as much a draw as the wine, however. Executive head chef Simon Treller has spun comforting Mediterranean traditions together with regional Queensland provenance, whipping up a menu bound to please all palates.
There’s saganaki with toasted sesame and local honey, slow-braised lamb pappardelle, lemon potatoes and tender chicken paired with pumpkin purée and crispy kale, among other savoury delights. And don’t skip out on dessert – chocolate and olive oil ganache with pistachios is hard to beat.
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AI Prompt
The restaurant's menu blends Mediterranean and local influence.
Meteora Vineyard can curate fireside dining experiences.
Enjoy private meals in the Glass Dining Room.
But perhaps what gives this winery an extra lashing of appeal is the unique experiences it offers guests. Most notably, the vineyard offers a 45-minute scenic helicopter charter from Brisbane, lending guests a magnificent bird’s-eye view over the vibrant escarpments and gold-green grazing plains of the UNESCO-listed Scenic Rim. But there are also private fireside dinners to enjoy and intimate long lunches in the Glass Dining Room, all extending a warm invitation to become acquainted with the Granite Belt’s beautifully unconventional spirit.
Meteora Vineyard ticks a lot of boxes, but there is one thing it doesn’t (yet) have: a place to stay overnight onsite. Fortunately, the venue is expecting to open luxury vineyard accommodation in October 2026, completing the recipe for a relaxing culinary weekend away with friends or family.
The details
Meteora Vineyard offers single-estate wines, along with a wine cave and bespoke experiences.
Location: 87 Rees Road, Ballandean, Qld
How to get there: Drive three hours inland from either Byron Bay or Brisbane, or take a 45-minute scenic helicopter flight from Brisbane.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.
Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.
Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.
Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.
Getting there, and around
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.
The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.
Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).
Where to stay
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.
Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.
Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.
The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.
For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.
Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.
Where to eat
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.
Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.
Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.
For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.
Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).
Where to explore
Explore the island’s walking trails.
There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.
One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).
For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.
Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.
Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.
Where to play
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.
Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.
Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.
Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.
More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.
Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.
