Stanthorpe is Queensland’s apple country. With all of Queensland’s apples grown here, it’s no wonder that travellers flock to the Granite Belt to come to indulge in drool-worthy apple pies.
Just north of Stanthorpe, Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery & Cafe is the top spot to get a slice of the best apple pie action… all made fresh on their working apple farm.
What makes these apple pies so special?
Humble owner Ros Sutton is the ‘Queen of the Apple Pie’ and award-winning CWA cook behind the iconic Stanthorpe apple pies. Each pie is made by hand from farm to plate in their onsite kitchen with around 24 apples packed into each pie. Many different apple varieties are used including; Pink Lady, Fuji, Jonathon, Royal Gala, Sundowner and Lady William.
Arrive with an appetite for a slice of their iconic apple pie served up with whipped cream and their very own spiced apple cider ice-cream. If one slice isn’t enough, whole apple pies are available to take home with you.
How to visit Sutton’s Farm Cafe
Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cidery & Cafe is open 7 days, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Find it 13kms north of Stanthorpe on the New England Highway. Just look for the ‘Big Apple‘ (of course!) and turn off the highway in the opposite direction, to 10 Halloran Drive Thulimbah.
What to know about visiting
When you arrive you’ll first spot the apple orchard opposite the parking area. While the orchard is not open for walking through, you’re invited to find your way inside the rustic old packing shed to find their cafe before heading to their outdoor picnic dining area with orchard views.
Inside find their range of products from juices, ciders, vinegars, liquors and preserves, all made from Granite Belt produce. You will also spot the viewing window to see their juice factory in action, where you can view whatever squeezing or bottling may be occurring that day.
Beyond pies, find their cabinets stocked with creamy apple slice, apple crumble of the day and freshly baked buttermilk scones. For the not-so-sweet-tooths, don’t worry there are savoury bites on their menu too ranging from savoury scones, and homemade sausage rolls to soups. Many of the recipes used in the kitchen are old family recipes that reflect the farmhouse style of food that is offered every day and reflect the nature of the products sourced from the region.
Find their online store here to have their products sent to your door.
If you’re visiting on a cooler winter day, you can stay cosy inside while indulging next to the fireplace.
Travelling with your pets? Seats are available with lovely shade by the cafe entrance for pooches.
Where else can you buy apple pies on the Granite Belt?
If you can’t get enough of the apple pie goodness, fill your pie hole at ZEST Pastries in Stanthorpe’s CBD. Head pastry chef and owner, Stephen Lambert uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft these artisan goods. Besides their apple pie, find twice-baked almond croissants, fruit danishes and gourmet savoury pies, sausage rolls and quiches. Be warned, you’ll want to get here early, their goods sell like hot cakes.
Love Sutton’s? Check out Jamworks
For more locally-focused cafe meals and amazing preserves, head south of Stanthorpe to Jamworks Gourmet Foods Cafe & Larder. Jamworks are close partners with the local Granite Belt farmers, purchasing fruits and vegetables that are in season to produce their 80+ selection of jams, relishes and sauces. Browse their stylish larder and stock up for a picnic or sit down to taste their makes on their cafe menu.
What’s at The Big Apple?
From the orchard and the carpark of Sutton’s Juice Factory, you won’t miss Stanthorpe’s famous Big Apple at Vincenzo’s.
This is a must-do stop, not only to capture a photo up close with the big icon but Vincenzo’s your one-stop-shop for deli goods, local products and even wine.