Height
10 meters
Year Built
2018
Address
26 Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380
The Lowdown
The Big Thermometer in Stanthorpe is a testament to 20 years of community determination and local pride. Standing 10 metres tall in Queensland's coldest town, this impressive monument features an intricate stone facade handcrafted by local craftsmen Albert Piper and Peter Ingall. More than just a photo opportunity, the Big Thermometer houses automated scientific weather equipment by Environ Data and displays the current temperature 24/7, visible both day and night. Located next to the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, it serves as the perfect introduction to the Granite Belt Wine Country region. The thermometer celebrates Stanthorpe's unique claim to fame as the coldest town in Queensland, where winter temperatures can drop to -10.6 degrees Celsius and occasional snowfall delights visitors seeking a rare Australian winter experience.
Did you know?
"The Big Thermometer displays live temperature readings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week"
History
The Big Thermometer was unveiled on September 4, 2018, after being the culmination of 20 years of planning, fundraising, and community effort. The initiative came from the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce, who recognized the marketing potential of celebrating Stanthorpe's status as Queensland's coldest town. After many community discussions about the design and location, construction finally began in mid-2017. The project cost approximately $100,000 and was completed with funding support from the Southern Downs Regional Council. Local craftsmen Albert Piper and Peter Ingall were selected to create the distinctive stone facade, using materials that reflect the region's granite heritage. The thermometer was designed to be more than a static sculpture - it incorporates scientific weather equipment by Environ Data from nearby Warwick, providing accurate real-time temperature readings that are also available online via the Weathermation website.
More Fun Facts
- •Stanthorpe holds the record for Queensland's coldest temperature at -10.6 degrees Celsius
- •The Big Thermometer displays live temperature readings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- •The project took 20 years from conception to completion, finally being unveiled in 2018
- •The structure cost $100,000 to build, funded by the local Chamber of Commerce and Council
- •The stone facade was handcrafted by local craftsmen Albert Piper and Peter Ingall
- •Temperature data is available live online through the Weathermation website
- •Stanthorpe is one of the few places in Queensland where it occasionally snows
Visiting Tips
- 💡Combine your visit with the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre next door for local area maps and wine trail guides
- 💡Use the public toilets and picnic tables on site for a comfortable break
- 💡Follow the lovely creekside pathways that start from the thermometer location
- 💡Visit in early morning during winter for the coldest temperature readings
- 💡The Granite Belt Wine Country has over 50 cellar doors - grab a wine trail map from the visitor centre
- 💡If visiting in winter, pack warm clothes - temperatures can drop below zero
- 💡Check the Weathermation website before your visit to see current live temperature data
Opening Hours
The thermometer displays temperature day and night. Visitor Information Centre has standard business hours.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Barramundi
A 6-metre long fibreglass barramundi celebrating Normanton's status as the 'Barramundi Capital of Australia'.
Big Golden Gumboot
A 7.9-metre tall golden fibreglass gumboot celebrating Tully as one of Australia's wettest towns.
Big Mango
A 10-meter tall, 7-tonne fibreglass tribute to Bowen's mango industry, famously 'stolen' by Nando's in 2014 for a viral marketing campaign.