Thulimbah, Queensland

Thulimbah is a rural town and locality in the Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia.^[2][3] In the 2021 census, the locality of Thulimbah had a population of 351 people.^[1] It borders New South Wales.^[4]

Thulimbah Queensland
The Big Apple
Thulimbah
Coordinates	28.5513°S 151.9486°E / -28.5513; 151.9486 (Thulimbah (town centre))
Population	351 (2021 census)[1]
• Density	26.19/km2 (67.8/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4376
Elevation	924 m (3,031 ft)
Area	13.4 km2 (5.2 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	206 km (128 mi) SW of Brisbane 49 km (30 mi) S of Warwick 13 km (8 mi) N of Stanthorpe
LGA(s)	Southern Downs Region
State electorate(s)	Southern Downs
Federal division(s)	Maranoa
Localities around Thulimbah: Fleurbaix Cottonvale Cottonvale (NSW) Pozieres Thulimbah Maryland (NSW) Pozieres The Summit Maryland (NSW)

Geography

Thulimbah is located on the Darling Downs. The town is on the New England Highway, 206 kilometres (128 mi) from the state capital, Brisbane.^[5]

History

The name of the town derives from the name of the railway station used from 1883, meaning "place of water" in an Aboriginal language.^[2]

Bentinck State School opened on 28 September 1914. On 30 August 1916 it was renamed Thulimbah State School. A preschool was added in 1976.^[6][7]

There was originally another district in Queensland called Thulimbah, which was a source of confusion to many people. Eventually the problem was resolved in 1916 by renaming the other district Barney View (due to its location beside Mount Barney).^[8]

Demographics

In the 2006 census, the locality of Thulimbah and the surrounding area had a population of 534 people.^[9]

In the 2016 census, the locality of Thulimbah had a population of 319 people.^[10]

In the 2021 census, the locality of Thulimbah had a population of 351 people.^[1]

Economy

Pink lady apples, orchard in Thulimbah, 2015

Pressing apples, Suttons Juice Factory and Cidery, Thulimbah, 2015

Stanthorpe Cheese and Jersey Girls Cafe, Thulimba, 2015

Thulimbah is a fruit-growing area, including apples, pears, cherries, grapes and oranges for both table and wine-making. There are a number of wineries, many with cellar door outlets in the area. Other local food producers also offer tastings, sales and cafe menus.

Education

Thulimbah State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 146 Thulimbah School Road (28.5365°S 151.9361°E / -28.5365; 151.9361 (Thulimbah State School)).^[11][12] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 31 students with 4 teachers (3 full-time equivalent) and 5 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).^[13]

Attractions

The town is home to one of Australia's big things, a tourist attraction known as the "Big Apple".^[14]