WARWICK SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Heritage Rails into the Granite Belt: A Day at the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival
A one-day heritage train and regional-bus outing from Warwick to Stanthorpe that pairs scenic rail travel with the Apple & Grape Festival parade, markets and a two-course regional lunch.
Heritage Rails into the Granite Belt: A Day at the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Festival.
Step aboard the Downs Explorer for a nostalgic heritage train climb across the Granite Belt and Darling Downs, then switch to a regional bus tour in Stanthorpe to take in the Apple & Grape Festival parade, local markets and a two-course lunch—an integrated day that blends landscape, culture and regional flavours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nostalgic Heritage Train Through the Granite Belt
Board a heritage rail service from Warwick that climbs the historic southern line, passing Silverwood, Dalveen and The Summit for sweeping countryside views before arriving in Stanthorpe.
Apple & Grape Festival Parade and Markets
Experience the Apple & Grape Festival parade in Stanthorpe and explore local markets as part of a day that ties transport heritage to a lively regional celebration.
Regional Bus Tour and Two‑Course Lunch
A regional bus tour of Granite Belt highlights is paired with an included two-course lunch and morning tea, offering a taste of local produce alongside the scenery.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
It’s a long but composed day: early check-in at Warwick Railway Station, a relaxed heritage-rail climb through pastoral and granite-country vistas, platform morning tea on arrival into Stanthorpe, a regional bus loop with a two-course lunch, festival parade time, then a late-afternoon return by rail to Warwick.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day tour suits — and who should take care
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full day tour of approximately 9.5 hours. Meet at Warwick Railway Station (Brosnan Crescent) for check-in from 7:30am; return to Warwick is scheduled for about 5:40pm.
Bring weather‑appropriate layers and comfortable footwear for short walks and a camera; if you have special dietary requirements, notify the operator in advance via email.
Morning tea, a two-course lunch and the regional bus tour are included as part of the day; enjoy festival time and market visits as scheduled.
Book and pay via the Downs Explorer website bookings page using VISA or Mastercard; for booking questions or specific requests contact [email protected] (the operator requests email contact rather than phone).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I pay for the tour?
Payment is via the bookings page on the Downs Explorer website; VISA and Mastercard are accepted. Invoices are issued only for tour groups. For questions, email [email protected].
Can I sit with a friend?
Yes—email [email protected] with your name, your friend's name(s) and the tour date and the operator will do their best to seat you together.
How do I change or cancel my booking?
Use the refund option in the email containing your ticket; follow the procedures there to secure a refund. To rebook, visit the Downs Explorer website bookings page. For assistance email [email protected].
I have food-related requirements—who do I contact?
Email the operator at [email protected] with your name, tour date and specific requests; do not phone.
Is the tour accessible?
The operator provides ramps for access, but participants must be able to walk a few paces; there is one step to navigate—consider this when booking.
Can I provide feedback or become a member?
Feedback can be emailed to [email protected]. The Downs Explorer is a not-for-profit run by volunteers; membership is $30 and can be arranged via the Downs Explorer website.