Granite Belt & Darling Downs Heritage Train Adventure
3 Day – June 21st to 23rd June – 7:30 am departure from Toowoomba Railway Station.
This all-inclusive 3-day Heritage Train adventure will depart Toowoomba on Friday morning 7:30 am and arrive back in Toowoomba on Sunday, at approximately 7.45pm. The ticket price is all inclusive (train travel, accommodation in a convenient 3.5 - 4 star venue, plus transfers, and meals) Drinks at meals, purchases at the train café , merchandise purchases ,wine tastings and purchases are at your own expense.
Program (all times are approximate…. delays can be due to other rail traffic or authority directions)
DAY 1
0730 - depart Toowoomba Railway Station
0930 - Clifton Railway Station – morning tea
Travel through the farmlands of the Darling Downs see sorghum crops – used for ethanol and livestock fodder wheat and dairy belt that also produces barley, oats, rye, corn (Maize), and millet along with Sheep, poultry, pigs, and beef cattle are the principal livestock raised on the Downs.
1130 to 1330 - Lunch at Warwick
After easing into the uphill sections between Warwick (454.5m/1,492ft), and Silverwood (583m/1,913ft), we leave civilisation and wind-up past sandstone ruins of Spring Creek and Mineral Creek bridges where a short stop will be made to check the locomotive before passing through the two hand-built tunnels on the line.
After this brief pause, it’s time to enjoy the spectacular views as we climb the Silverwood range to Dalveen after which we pass The Summit (925m/3,035ft), the highest QR station. Since leaving Warwick, we have risen 470m (1,543 ft) in the space of 51.5km (32 miles). After passing The Summit we coast downhill into Stanthorpe.
1545 to 1615- Stanthorpe Railway Station - afternoon tea
1615 - Bus to Accommodation
1800 - Dinner in Stanthorpe or restaurant at motel
2000 - Bus back to Accommodation if required
DAY 2
0700 - Bus pickup. Breakfast in Stanthorpe
0800 - Travel through the Girraween National Park an area of the Granite Belt in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia reserved as a national park. Girraween is known for its spectacular flowers, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. …
Enjoy morning tea in Girraween national park whilst enjoying spectacular views of the park or take a stroll through the marvels of this park with its boulders, fauna, and flora
1200 - Lunch in Stanthorpe area at the Jamworks gourmet restaurant - enjoy some delicacies from this unique eatery
1330 – Tour of the Stanthorpe area.
- Visit the extensive dam just out of Stanthorpe
- Taste the delectable confectionary treats at the Chocolate place
- Enjoy and learn about truffles at this truffle experience
1600 - Stanthorpe Railway Station – Afternoon tea by a local group
After Afternoon tea enjoy a drive through the township of Stanthorpe
- view beautiful heritage hotels
- see the Post Office which has been restored to its original appearance
- See the interesting street scape with its interesting stores
- See the garden and water area at the end of the main street
1630 - Bus to Accommodation
1800 - Bus to Dinner venue at the Granite Belt Restaurant. Enjoy the ambience of this retreat situated in the hills of Stanthorpe. Listen to the native birds and see how craft beers are made on the premises. njoy a sumptuous Dinner at this retreat
2030 - Bus back to Accommodation for a good nights rest
DAY 3
0700 - Bus pickup.
0730 - 0830 - Breakfast in Stanthorpe…
0845 – Bus tour of attractions in the area
Visit Amiens and the museum situated there
- see the carriage that Prince Edward Later King Edward V111 and then Duke of Windsor travelled in when the railway line was opened
- Walk around the settlement established after World War 1 which was one of the Pikedale soldier settlements established in the Granite Belt Area
- Learn of the history of this settlement and its impotance in the Darling Downs
Visit and enjoy the scents of the Washpool supply company
- Sample the natural soaps made on site
- feel and experience the lotions produced
- see the range of bath soaps and shower gels available
1100 – 1200 - Lunch Stanthorpe at the Blue Pot cafe. Experience the views from this unique restaurant situated in the hills overlooking the Stanthorpe area. Enjoy a a delectable meal at this restaurant and perhaps even purchase one of their home made condiments
1215 - Following your lunch your bus will take you back to Stanthorpe Train Station Your Train departs to Toowoomba via Warwick and Clifton
1415 - Train arrives at Warwick. we have a short stop here whilst the train is serviced and a crew change
1430 - Train departs for Clifton
1630 – Train arrives at Clifton
1645 - Light Meal
1745 – Train Departs Clifton
1945 - Train arrives at Toowoomba
