The Happy Apple Caravan Park – A Delicious Retreat in the Granite Belt
For a truly unique and flavourful escape in the heart of Queensland’s high country, The Happy Apple Caravan Park at Sutton’s Farm is an unmissable destination. This is more than just a place to park your van; it’s a foodie’s paradise, located on the grounds of the renowned Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery & Cafe. Imagine waking up to the delicious aroma of freshly baked apple pies—a local legend—and spending your days surrounded by the charm of a working apple orchard. This friendly, family-run park offers a peaceful and spacious country setting in Thulimbah, the heart of the Granite Belt’s apple country. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, providing a tranquil basecamp for indulgence and exploration.The park’s main drawcard is its connection to Sutton’s Shed Cafe. Guests can enjoy the convenience of having one of the region’s most famous culinary experiences right on their doorstep. The park itself provides a comfortable and authentic country stay, with clean facilities and a welcoming vibe. Its location is perfect for discovering the northern end of the Granite Belt wine trail, with many of the region’s best wineries and cellar doors just a few minutes’ drive away. It is also an excellent base for exploring the charming town of Stanthorpe and the spectacular granite landscapes of Girraween National Park. For travellers who appreciate good food, fine cider, and genuine country hospitality, a stay at The Happy Apple Caravan Park offers a truly memorable and delicious taste of the Granite Belt.
The Happy Apple Caravan Park – QLD Location Map
The Happy Apple Caravan Park
Address: 11 Munson Ln, Thulimbah QLD 4376
Website: The Happy Apple Caravan Park
GPS Coordinates: -28.54963, 151.94765
Site Details and Facilities
- Location: At Sutton’s Farm in Thulimbah, in the northern Granite Belt.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Primarily spacious, level grass sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourists and holidaymakers.
- Facilities: Amenities block with toilets and showers, laundry facilities, on-site cafe, juice factory, and cidery.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, extensive seating at the cafe.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra coverage.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Drive Through Sites: Yes, some available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own off-the-ground fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
- Generator Use: Limited use may be permitted; check with management.
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing for winter, an appetite for apple pie, and a basket for local produce and wine.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Please confirm their policy upon booking.
- Fishing: Good freshwater fishing opportunities in nearby dams like Storm King Dam.
- Short Walks: Enjoy peaceful walks around the apple orchards and the quiet country lanes.
Local Amenities
Pubs & Restaurants
- Sutton’s Shed Cafe: Onsite.
- The Stanthorpe Hotel: Approx. 13 km
- The Queenslander Hotel (Stanthorpe): Approx. 13 km
Local Attractions
- Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery & Cafe: Onsite.
- Numerous Granite Belt Wineries (e.g., Summit Estate, Ridgemill Estate): Starting from within 2-5 km of the park.
- Stanthorpe Town Centre: Approx. 13 km
- Girraween National Park: Approx. 45 km
Camping & Travel Resources
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Several other parks are located in and around Stanthorpe.
- Next Free Camps: Limited free camping in the immediate area.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Stanthorpe (approx. 13 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Thulimbah or numerous options in Stanthorpe.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Stanthorpe & The Granite Belt (High Country)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cooler evenings than the coast. High chance of thunderstorms. Averages range from 16°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold! The peak tourist season. Crisp, clear, sunny days with very cold nights. Frosts are frequent, and snow is possible. Average temperatures from 1°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with wildflowers blooming in the national parks. Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C.