South - Severnlea + Glen Aplin

South of Stanthorpe is Severnlea and Glen Aplin. These picturesque villages abound with small winding roads, award winning wines, and an abundance of food producers.

HISTORY + HERITAGE
Severnlea is another settlement which began life as a railway siding and was originally named after C.A. Lee’s property Beverley. However confusion with another ‘Beverley’ prompted the Railway Department to request a name change to Severn Lee, combining the name of the river and the property owner. The accepted name became Severnlea. It was here that a school opened in 1918 and it too was renamed in 1922 to Severnlea State School.

ART, CRAFT + CULTURE
Beacon Forge at Jamworks of Glen Aplin is definitely worth a visit. It specialises in metal art and sculptures, gates, railings, furniture and fittings. It can turn your old metal objects into a personal piece of treasured art.

The Glen Aplin Hall is home to a regular market - check with the Liberty Roadhouse or Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre for dates.

GRAZE THE GRANITE BELT
This area is home to a stunning array of local produce and gourmet foods. Jamworks of Glen Alpin offers more than 100 premium quality jams and preserves using locally grown produce in an old schoolhouse. Just up the hill is the Bramble Patch - a premier food producer with more than 60 product lines including jams, oils, chutneys, pastes and more available for tasting. Don’t miss their famous berry ice-cream burger. Though not open to the public this area is also home to the famous New England Larder.

After something more substantial? Get a little German at Claudia’s Restaurant @ Thunderbolt farm for wine tastings and traditional German beer and country fare. If lunch at a winery appeals, another great option with stunning views is Felsberg, Lucas Estate or Jester Hill.

NATURE + ADVENTURE
Go fishing in the waterholes along the Severlea River. Take a picnic of local produce and while the day away.

WINERIES, BREWERIES + DISTILLERIES
If wine interests you there are a number of cellar doors to choose from. On the eastern side of the highway stop into Whiskey Gulley Wines & Beverley Restaurant. On the western side Ridgemill Estate offers wine and accommodation and across the road Lucas Estate has wine, cafe and a regular programme of events. Nearby is Thunderbolt Winery which is also home to Claudia’s Restaurant. A little south is Jester Hill, where wine is no laughing matter. For the best views in the Granite Belt don’t miss Felsberg – at times they also have homemade ales on hand. Next door is Harrington Glen, another winery with superb views and great art.

GETTING HERE
It’s easy - drive 5-10kms south of Stanthorpe on the New England Highway. Click for a Google map which you can change to get directions from your front door.