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.
Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.
Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.
Local gourmet goodies
Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)
The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.
Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.
Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.
Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region
Travelling with young humans
Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)
Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.
For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.
This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.
Exploring local waterways
Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)
Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.
Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.
To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.
Adrenaline adventures
Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)
One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.
Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.
If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!
Experiences that give back
See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)
With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.
Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.
