How do I book seats together with friends?

Email events@downsexplorer.org.au with all names and the tour date; they will do their best to seat you together.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, a morning tea and a two-course lunch are included as part of the regional bus tour segment.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

The train has ramps for access, but passengers must be able to manage one step and walk a few paces; please advise in advance for assistance.

Are drinks available on the train?

Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the onboard cafe carriage.

What happens if the festival is cancelled?

Tours may change without compensation due to unforeseen events like fire bans or mechanical issues; however, the organizers will notify you promptly.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No external alcohol is permitted on the train; however, a variety of drinks can be purchased onboard.

Experience the Apple & Grape Festival on a Scenic Heritage Train from Warwick to Stanthorpe | Sightseeing Tour | Guided Tour

Immerse yourself in one of Queensland’s most charming regional celebrations with the Warwick to Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival & High Country Tour. Departing from Warwick Railway Station in southeastern Queensland, this 11.5-hour journey combines a nostalgic heritage train ride, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes, making it a standout adventure for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Granite Belt and Darling Downs. The day begins as the Downs Explorer heritage train whistles through the rolling countryside, traveling the historic southern rail line from Warwick. Guests glide past quaint towns like Silverwood, Dalveen, and The Summit—the highest Queensland Rail station—offering sweeping views of farmland, granite formations, and native bushland. The gentle rhythms of the train invite moments to breathe in scenic open spaces and appreciate the region’s rural charm. Arriving in Stanthorpe, the heart of the Granite Belt wine and apple-growing district, you’ll be welcomed with morning tea before exploring the lively Stanthorpe markets right at the station. Here, local vendors showcase fresh produce, crafts, and regional specialties, setting the tone for the day’s festival energy. The highlight is undoubtedly the Apple & Grape Festival parade—a colorful procession celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage with floats, dancers, and community groups. This tradition attracts visitors from across Queensland every year, blending festivity with genuine local pride. A fully hosted regional bus tour introduces you to Granite Belt highlights, including vineyards, orchards, and scenic lookouts. Pausing for a two-course lunch, the experience indulges your palate with fresh, seasonal flavors sourced from the surrounding farms and wineries. With free time afterwards, you’ll have the chance to stroll Stanthorpe’s charming streets, visit galleries, or sample more local delights before boarding the train back to Warwick. This comprehensive tour caters to all ages with accessible ramps and onboard amenities, ensuring comfort throughout the day. What sets this adventure apart is its seamless fusion of heritage rail travel and one of Australia’s most unique rural festivals. The rich landscapes of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt provide a stunning backdrop to cultural festivities that celebrate harvest and community connection. Whether you’re a festival enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, this trip offers a rare window into Queensland’s inland treasures that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism. With limited seats and all-inclusive hospitality, it’s an experience that invites you to savor the atmosphere, flavors, and stories of regional Australia in one unforgettable journey.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

11–12 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for travelers with general mobility; some walking required at markets and festival areas.

Wildlife

Kangaroos grazing at dawn in Darling Downs
Variety of native bird species including kookaburras

History

The Apple & Grape Festival has been a cornerstone celebration in Stanthorpe since 1966, showcasing the agricultural history of the Granite Belt region.

Conservation

The festival promotes local produce and supports sustainable farming practices, with efforts made to minimize waste and encourage environmental stewardship during the event.

Downs Explorer is a heritage rail operator based in Warwick, Queensland, offering scheduled scenic excursions and special-event train trips across the Darling Downs and Granite Belt. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Downs Explorer operates a variety of heritage train experiences that connect Warwick with nearby towns including Clifton, Hendon, Greenmount, Stanthorpe and Toowoomba. Trips range from short family-friendly runs to full-day excursions and themed specials. Offerings include the Santa Express with onboard Santa and options for lunch, a Valentines Day Special combining a heritage train ride, bus tour and nostalgic movie at the Tivoli, and seasonal journeys timed for the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival. Several departures list meal inclusions such as two-course dinners or pub lunches, while other services operate without meals to allow self-guided exploration of destination town centres. Downs Explorer programs include family-orientated departures with activity packs for young children, short turnaround demonstrations at Greenmount, and one-way heritage rail travel to Toowoomba. All trips emphasize scenic views of the Darling Downs countryside and visits to historic main streets. Information about scheduled departures, trip inclusions and booking availability is provided for each advertised excursion. As a heritage rail experience featured on The Adventure Collective, Downs Explorer offers accessible, ticketed public excursions and curated special events for visitors and local travellers.

Base locationWarwick, Queensland

Tours offered13+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace