The tiny hamlet of Grandchester is located in the beautiful Lockyer Valley between Ipswich and Toowoomba.
The pride and joy of Grandchester is the Grandchester Railway Station, built in 1865. Listed by the National Trust, the Station is significant as the terminus for the first railway line built in Queensland. Running from Ipswich to Grandchester the railway was also the first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world.
Before the construction of the railway line, Grandchester was little more than a whistle-stop for travellers and was known as Bigges Camp. Queensland’s Governor at the time, felt that a place at the centre of such a significant historical event deserved a more dignified name, and so renamed the site Grandchester.
Once a month the locals get into costume, fire up a large model train, and take visitors for a ride around the site.
Not far from the railway station, the historic buildings of an old homestead have been restored and converted into a luxury resort – right in the heart of a working cattle station. Here amidst the clean country air, guests can experience the workings of a real farm.
The nearby villages of Rosewood and Laidley are of equal historical significance with heritage buildings lining the streets and charming aspects making them well worth a look.
Grandchester is located approximately 45 minutes west of Brisbane and 20 minutes from Ipswich.
