Granite Belt

The Granite Belt is an area of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. The Granite Belt is centered on the town of Stanthorpe. The cool, high country of the granite belt is located on Queensland's southern border. It is the northernmost part of the New England Tablelands.

The area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other areas that make up much of South East Queensland. The Granite Belt is known for its spectacular flowers, and produces virtually all of Queensland's $40 million apple crop from one million trees grown by 55 orchardists.

The area also lies within the Southern Downs region. Including the town of Warwick, the region has a population of 32,600 people. And is part of the Southern Downs Region local government area. The major river in the region is the Condamine River, a tributary of the Murray River.

Climate

The Granite Belt has a subtropical highland climate that shares similarities to a typical oceanic climate. Under the Köppen climate classification system this would be called a Cfb climate. It is distinguished by its elevation, which makes it the coldest part of Queensland. Being amongst the highest altitude viticultural regions in Australia, it is an ideal climate for grapes, apples, stone fruit and many other fruits and vegetables providing you can avoid the odd hail storm. Winter months can be very cold on the Granite Belt, and night-time frost is very common. Bleak, overcast conditions on rare occasions bring hail, sleet, and snow. The area has received significant snowfalls in 1984, 2007 and 2015. Situated at between 680 m (2,230 ft) to over 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level, the altitude is the main controlling factor for the climate. The elevation creates a climate of four distinct seasons on the Granite Belt.