Ballandean, Queensland

It is in this area, just to the south of Stanthorpe, where the State's first commercially grown table grapes were harvested. Then, along came the wine industry, thanks predominantly to the arrival of Italian settlers.

Actually the first legally planted wine grapes were allegedly grown by the Puglisi family of Ballandean. The family vineyard is the venue for "Opera in the Vineyard", each May. That activity has seen growth of an industry to a peak of more than 40 cellar doors and 52 vineyards. Seasonal roadside fruit stalls also operate.

Nearby is Sundown National Park with access by four wheel drive. It is a little on the steep side and rough.