Stanthorpe, Queensland
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Stanthorpe is a town and Local Government Area situated in south east Queensland, Australia. The town lies on the New England Highway, and is the administrative centre of the Stanthorpe Shire. The shire's population is approximately 10,400. The area surrounding the town is known as the Granite Belt.
Stanthorpe was originally founded by tin miners (hence the name), however, the main industry today is agriculture, the main crops being (apples and grapes). Wine is also produced in the area, and sheep and cattle grazing is also prevalent. Stanthorpe holds the record for the coldest temperature recorded in Queensland at -11.0 °C in July 1895. It can be very hot in the summer, above 30 °C.
Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt and Granite Highlands area of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales are the centre of a booming winery and national parks tourist destination. There are more than 40 wineries in the Granite Belt winery area, with a wide range of restaurants, accommodation and plenty of local produce (fruit, stonefruit, vegetables, jams, etc.) and local craft (soap, pottery, art) available.
The Granite Highlands national parks are Girraween, Bald Rock, Sundown, Queen Mary Falls, Boonoo Boonoo Falls. There are a number of local events including the Spring Wine Festival (September), the Australian Small Winemakers Show (November), the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival (February) and the Australian Country Shows and Rodeos.
Stanthorpe has a rich tin mining history. People came from many countries to mine tin a few hundred years ago. Thus the name "Stanthorpe". Stannum means 'tin' and thorpe means 'town' so Stanthorpe means, 'Tintown'. One of the most famous residents of Stanthorpes old tin mining days is Danial Devine. He was a young boy who saved 7 men from a collapsed mining shaft back when the town was being mined.
Backpacking conditions here are generally above reproach. There is large demand for fruit and vegetable pickers from November until May each year.Template:Queensland-geo-stub