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Just 10-25 minutes north of Stanthorpe on the New England Highway, or via the ‘Fruit Run’ Granite Tourist Drive, are the hamlets of Dalveen, Cottonvale, Thulimbah, The Summit and Applethorpe - home of the “orchardist”. They offer antiques, boutique wineries and fabulous fruit orchards and vegetable farms... more.
The Summit is also famous as one of the coldest places in Queensland and home to the highest railway station in Australia.
HISTORY + HERITAGE
The railway line was the premise for the establishment of our many northern villages and hamlets. In 1881 the construction of the new Southern Border Railway Line employed 900 people, creating the establishment of a post office at Dalveen. The postal and rail ties continued as a Mr J.S. Kingsford, fulfilled the dual task of post and station master for a period of 19 years. The Dalveen State School was established in 1878 and survives today.
Cottonvale was named after an early farmer, E Cotton, and was the start of the railway spur to Amiens. In 1949 the post office directory recorded 60 orchardists, store, a school of arts and a branch of the Queensland Fruit-Growers Society.
Thulimbah, perhaps named after an Aboriginal expression describing a place of water, was a railway station (1883) on the line to Stanthorpe. Its school opened in 1914. The post office directory in 1949 recorded nearly 60 orchardists, plus a sawmill, store, blacksmith, butcher and baker.
Applethorpe was originally named Roessler, however this German title was changed to appease post WW1 sensitivities and as the new name denotes, this area is literally an apple village. For generations Applethorpe has produced virtually 100% of all apples in Queensland. It was in Applethorpe that the first public cold store and packing house was established in 1945 with a capacity to store 20 000 cases. Development of education arrived in 1914 with the opening of the Applethorpe School and then some years later a research station. Originally part of CSIRO, in 1964 the Applethorpe Research Station focused on deciduous crops which best suit the four season climate, e.g. apples, stone fruit, grapes and some vegetables. It has undertaken some pioneering work into apples and also serves as a valuable resource to Queensland’s leading grape growing and winemaking community.
ART, CRAFT + CULTURE
When you arrive at Dalveen, park your car at the Jim Mitchell Park before walking to the Dalveen Post Office and browse around the village craft shop and pick up a bargain at the clothing factory right next door, groups interested in seeing Dalveen’s clothing factory can contact Action Graphics for a tour of the premises.
GRAZE THE GRANITE BELT
Thulimbah, The Summit and Applethorpe are a Mecca for those tempted by palate pleasers. Buy seasonal produce road side from a ruby red apple to a ‘straight from the ground’ crispy lettuce. One of the best is local legend – Sam’s Fruit and Vege Shop. Or go straight to the farm gate at Wheel-In Orchard (seasonal). Though not open to the public you can drive past the famous Symara Organic Farm.
Celebrating our apple heritage, Thulimbah is also home to one of Australia’s Big Things – the Big Apple. On the eastern side of Thulimbah is Suttons Juice & Cider Factory with a shed cafe serving its famous apple pie made from 21 apples and sensation ciders and juice. In season pick your own apples from their orchard.
NATURE + ADVENTURE
Be amazed at the Granite Belt Maze near The Summit. This labyrinth is popular with all visitors, but especially families. You can also play a game of large chess or mini golf. Just west of The Summit is Law Dogs Australia. A unique attraction and possibly the only place in Australia where you can see law dogs being trained.
WINERIES
Several multi-award winning and James Halliday rated wineries are located in our northern region including Heritage Wines with a famous dining table, the boutique red wine producer Boireann (only open for limited periods of the year) or visit Summit Estate.
GETTING HERE
Our northern villages and hamlets straddle the New England Highway, but we suggest you take the Granite Belt Tourist Drive (The Fruit Run), located about 10kms from Stanthorpe. Click for a Google Map.
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