Grazing the Granite Belt: A Review of Sabo’s on Severn

Sabo’s on Severn offers warm country hospitality and homely comfort in the heart of the Granite Belt.

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Kambuwal people, Malintji and Kuunkari people, the Traditional Custodians of the Granite Belt Region.  We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country.  Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

Looking for the perfect base to explore the Granite Belt wine region in Southern Queensland Country? Whether you’re planning a packed weekend of cellar door hopping or you’re craving a peaceful countryside escape, Sabo’s on Severn offers charm, comfort and warm hospitality.

Your hosts, Lizzie and Joe, left behind busy careers in Brisbane for a quieter life in the country – although their days are anything but quiet, with their energy now lovingly poured into hosting their guests. They genuinely adore what they do, and it shows in the warm welcome and all of the thoughtful touches that make a stay at Sabo’s on Severn feel so special.

Lizzie and Joe Sabos

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Sabo’s on Severn: Overview

Tucked away in the tiny settlement of Glen Aplin, this welcoming bed and breakfast provides cosy accommodation and a perfect location close to everything the Granite Belt has to offer. We visited during Grazing the Granite Belt, a twice-yearly food and wine event held in May and November, and Sabo’s on Severn was an idyllic base for our weekend getaway.

Roses at Sabos on Severn

A Cosy Countryside Stay

Sabo’s on Severn is set on 33 beautiful acres just a 12-minute drive from Stanthorpe and 22 minutes from Girraween National Park, home to the region’s iconic granite boulders. It’s ideally positioned close to wineries and local food producers while still offering peaceful seclusion.

Alpacas at Sabos on Severn

Accommodation includes homestead guest rooms, with or without an ensuite, and self-contained cabins nestled among the pretty rose gardens. Alpacas roam in the adjacent field, kangaroos visit at dawn and dusk and you might even spot a deer!

Sabo’s on Severn Accommodation

Rose Cottage bedroom at Sabos on Severn

We stayed in the Rose Retreat, a cabin-style room with a Queen bed, private ensuite, kitchenette and a small deck with outdoor seating. The space had everything we needed, including a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, hairdryer and WiFi.

As it can get chilly in winter, we especially appreciated the log fire, electric blankets and reverse-cycle air conditioning. It kept us warm and toasty all night.

Sitting area and fireplace at Sabos on Severn in the Rose Cabin

Some of the rooms include bunk beds as well as a Queen bed, making them a great option for family holidays and weekend breaks. 

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Sabo’s on Severn welcomes pets for a $35 fee per dog per stay. Pets must be kept on a leash outside and off furniture indoors. We didn’t bring our dog this time, but we saw plenty of happy dogs out walking with their owners.

Breakfast and Meals

Breakfast is ordered daily via a paper form and can be enjoyed either at the shared dining table or on your deck. The home-cooked meals were a highlight, and we enjoyed chatting with other guests over breakfast and sharing tips about things to do.

Evening meals are available with prior arrangement. While we didn’t try them on this visit, we’re sure they would be hearty and satisfying as Lizzie is a fantastic cook.

Cooked From Scratch Cookery Classes and Events

Sabo’s is also home to a cookery school called Cooked From Scratch. Lizzie has a collection of more than 10,000 cookbooks and her love of food shines through in the classes and themed events she hosts. From pizza-making and tapas nights to Asian street food and Christmas in July, the focus is on bringing people together over good food and conversation.

Grazing the Granite Belt Event

We were staying in the area to attend the Grazing the Granite Belt event. It’s a full day of food and wine tasting across multiple venues, with a hop-on hop-off bus connecting each stop.

We didn’t want to drive to the event, so we planned to walk to a nearby winery to join the bus route. Lizzie and Joe insisted on driving us instead, which was just one example of their generous hospitality.

We were able to visit five wine and food venues and had a great day sampling local wines and delicious bites. It was the perfect way to explore the region – and Sabo’s was a fabulous base for the event.

Top tip: If you’re attending the Grazing the Granite Belt, plan ahead for your evening meal as delivery options are limited, and you won’t be able to drive after all of the wine tasting! Pop a grazing platter in your fridge, or pre-arrange a home-cooked meal from Lizzie.

Things to Do at Sabo’s on Severn

There is plenty to do during your stay. Some highlights include:

  • Attending Grazing the Granite Belt in May or November
  • Visiting local wineries
  • Hiking in Girraween National Park
  • Stargazing and wildlife spotting
  • Exploring the rose gardens
  • Watching the alpacas
  • Sitting in the rose garden to read with a coffee (bliss!)
  • Visiting local food producers
  • Relaxing and enjoying the countryside

Enjoy Sabo’s on Severn

If you’re planning a Granite Belt getaway, Sabo’s on Severn is a warm and welcoming base in a great location.

Before you go, check out our full guide to Guide to Southern Queensland Country for more trip inspiration. You’re also welcome to join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.

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