IT TOOK $4 million and a lot of dedication to turn Queensland's most southerly town in to a historic hotspot.

Founded in 1885, Wallangarra station was famous for being the change- over station for trains travelling between Queens- land and New South Wales.

Wallangarra's railway was the only rail link between the two states until a standard gauge track was completed in 1932.

From that time on, the Wallangarra station lessened in importance until all services stopped in 1997.

According to a key driver in keeping Wallangarra's history alive, Brendan Cusack, the 2001 restoration of the station turned it in to one of the region's most popular tourist attractions.

"It's one of the best things to happen for the area," Mr Cusack said.

He had both a hands-on and committee role in making the abandoned station a rich tourist site again.

The $4 million Wallan- garra Precinct now includes a heritage centre, museum and cafe that boasts a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor.

"I think it draws quite a number of people to the town," Mr Cusack said.

"(Today) when the Southern Downs Steam Railway train is due to come in, there will be quite a few vehicles that will stop to have a look," he said.

"The station is probably our biggest tourist asset and that's why I've been keen to push it.

"The town has gained a lot from it."

The refurbishment began in 2001, headed by Stanthorpe Shire Council through the Border Highlands Rail Company.

"The council formed a rail company to oversee the project and once it had all been completed we had a big opening ceremony here, which Peter Beattie attended," Mr Cusack said.

The project restored and preserved the station and the operation of a tourist train between Warwick, Stanthorpe and Wallangarra.

Mr Cusack said after the station closed in 1997 it wasted away to become "derelict".

"The station was closed down and empty for a number of years," he said.

"The main structure was here, but basically there was some alteration to the external areas needed.

"It always had a dining room because when it was an operating station, it catered for a lot of people.

"Everyone who came through here had to change trains to go from Brisbane to Sydney so the kitchen dining area was quite large.

"The section where the museum is now was offices previously."

The Wallangarra Railways Station Cafe and Museum is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch.

The first Sunday of every month, the precinct hosts Border Markets, attracting crowds from both states.