Granite Belt, Queensland
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The Granite Belt is an area of south-east Queensland, Australia centred around the town of Stanthorpe. It is a major winery district.
The area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other parts of the downland that makes up much of south-east Queensland. It is further distinguished by its elevation, which makes it the coolest part of Queensland. This, and its relatively low rainfall, has made it attractive for viticulture. Winter months can be very cold on the Granite Belt, and nighttime frost is very common. Bleak overcast conditions on rare occasions bring sleet and snow.
Many of the forty or so wineries in the region have been experimenting with new grape varieties. [1]
Part of the Granite Belt is reserved as Girraween National Park, which features granite outcroppings such as the Pyramids, and an abundance of fauna and flora (its name can be translated "place of flowers" in the Aboriginal language from which it is taken), the latter particularly in evidence in spring, when wildflowers explode into evidence.
The countryside around the Granite Belt, after World War I, was given to some returning soldiers as gifts or payment for their services in the war. As such, many of the rural districts are named after battles that took place in the war, such as Amiens and Pozieres. These places were, at one point, rather busy and populated, but as Stanthorpe grew and returning soldiers grew frustrated with farming, the districts eventually died as many families left. In some places, where there was once Blue Nurse outposts and many stores, all that remains are small primary schools, while in other places the only remnants of the districts post-war past are in the district's name.
