Chinchilla and District by Western Downs Regional Council

Chinchilla and District We invite you to join us in the celebrations of one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest country events, the Chinchilla Melon Festival, staged biennially. Whether you choose to have a go at melon skiing, setting a world record in melon smashing, or just be a spectator, this is a unique festival not to be missed.

Chinchilla • Brigalow • Kogan Chinchilla • 5,700

Brigalow • 40

Based in the heart of our Western Downs is the town of Chinchilla. We are renowned for our Melon Festival which is celebrated in February every second year. From world records in melon smashing, the hilarious melon bungee and skiing, to melon chef competitions and demonstrations, this event really captures our strong community spirit. We have visitors from all over Australia and internationally join in the activities, which are open for everyone to participate.

A small settlement on the Warrego Highway, our town is dominated by grain silos. The Brigalow General Store is our local newsagent, video store, post ofﬁce and local café, serving all day breakfasts and legendary burgers.

Local historians tell us our town name is based on the Aboriginal word ‘jinchilla’ which is the indigenous word for the termite resistant Cypress Pine. Our endemic Chinchilla White Gum and wattle trees are also well-known by Aussie botanists. ...our town name is based on the Aboriginal word ‘jinchilla’ which is the indigenous word for the termite resistant Cypress Pine... When you drive into town you can easily tap into some local knowledge at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre based on the Warrego Highway. Here you’ll discover where you can fossick for the rare ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood. Be sure to enquire about Charley’s Creek Riverside Walk, the Chinchilla Weir and of course the Chinchilla Historical Museum, which houses an impressive Cypress Pine Interpretive Centre and Wongongerra Cottage. Most importantly we would like to invite you to visit our main street, which you won’t find on the highway. The volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre can point you in the right direction. While you are at the centre take a look at our research books, bush poetry, and works by local authors as-well-as our arts and crafts. You can also enjoy a Devonshire Tea before heading down our beautiful tree-lined main street where you’ll find our Cultural Centre which features the Chinchilla White Gums Gallery, a state of the art cinema, and the public library. Take some time out of your busy sight-seeing schedule to stroll our main street, visit our shopping centre and do a bit of country shopping or enjoy a light lunch. ...enjoy a Devonshire Tea before heading down our beautiful tree-lined main street... If you need a break from the car, we can highly recommend our walking tracks through the town and our Aquatic and Fitness Centre which is open all year round. The centre boasts a well-appointed gym, heated 25 metre indoor pool, a 50m Olympic pool and a children’s pool.

During summer and autumn you can also buy melons and pumpkins at our roadside farm gate at a fraction of the price you would pay in a supermarket. Our strong German heritage is evident in the Brigalow Lutheran Cemetery, which is the ﬁnal resting place of many of our pioneering ancestors. Look out for the Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall enroute to Chinchilla. Adjacent to the hall is a rest stop with an interpretative sign detailing how we eradicated the prickly pear last century. Although the hall is not open to the public, the signiﬁcance of the building and it’s fascinating story displayed out front, is well worth a look.

Kogan • 40 We are really proud to say that Kogan was once home to Aussie artist and legend, Hugh Sawrey. As a community we have embraced our hero, paying tribute by developing a Hugh Sawrey Walkway featuring a fantastic statue. ...we have embraced our hero... Our original Australia Post Office, now a private residence, features Hugh Sawrey paintings on its ceilings. We also have a pub, a service station with a cafe, playground and a rest stop. Probably our biggest gathering of the year is the popular Art@Kogan festival where you can view and purchase creations by local artists and enjoy a camp fire meal under the stars. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a unique opportunity to visit the Kogan Creek Power Station Viewing Platform. It‘s located approximately halfway between the towns of Brigalow and Kogan. The viewing platform features interpretive signs that will help you understand and appreciate the huge scale of the energy industry in our region. The view from the platform is quite magnificent at night time. 11

Chinchilla Melon Festival

Things to see and do...

Oh no, you’ve just missed it, but don’t worry it’s on again in 2013 and we promise that the next Chinchilla Melon Festival will be bigger and better than ever! Our festival has always been about fun and 2013 will be no different, featuring all the usual activities and more.

 Visit Chinchilla Historical Museum and see the impressive Cypress Pine Interpretive Centre

The festival will kick off with the classic Family Fun Day, featuring a colourful street parade, markets and the everpopular melon games. Our melon games are loved by locals and visitors alike. The melon skiing always attracts a large number of participants and it’s a real hit with spectators too. Old favourites, melon bungee and melon pip spitting are also big hits with the crowd. Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft The Chinchilla Campdraft has been held at the Chinchilla Showgrounds since 1947. In 1966, a Grandfather Clock was donated for ﬁrst prize, giving the campdraft it’s name and a prize that is still highly sought after today. Held in October each year, the event is part of the Australian Campdraft Association’s schedule and is one of 3 major tournaments held in Queensland attracting competitors from all over Australia. Come and see the skill of the competitors and their horses. The trial of strength between man, horse and beast is sure to be an exciting spectacle. 12

 Enjoy an exhibition at Chinchilla White Gums Gallery  Take a drive out to Chinchilla Weir and enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassy banks  Read the interpretive signs along Charley’s Creek Riverside Park and learn more about our town  Delve into the past and take a leisurely stroll through Chinchilla Pioneer Cemetery  Visit Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre and enjoy a Devonshire Tea while browsing local art and craft  Read the Leichhardt Monument displaying explorer Ludwig Leichhardt’s travels through the region  Go fossicking for Chinchilla Red, a rare petriﬁed wood  Drop in a line at Archer’s Crossing  Learn all about the success of the Cactoblastis Moth at Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall  View the Bug Farm Monument at the breeding site of the Cactoblastis cactorum  Visit Brigalow Lutheran Cemetery and view the resting place of Brigalow’s early settlers  See the monument inspired by artist Hugh Sawrey along the Hugh Sawrey Walkway at Kogan  Take in the view from the Kogan Creek Power Station viewing platform ...why not tick them off as you go

Chinchilla Town

What to do in a day... Our impressive Aquatic and Fitness Centre in the heart of town has heated or outdoor facilities for you to commence your day with an invigorating swim or workout. Our scenic tree-lined main street has opportunities for you to browse the temptations. Treating yourself to our country goods can be a rewarding experience. The freshly brewed coffee nearby will have your tastebuds buzzing.

We recommend you visit these destinations in Chinchilla

Drop in to our unique Chinchilla White Gums Gallery, where exhibitions rotate monthly. You will understand how it got its name when you arrive. A scenic drive with your picnic lunch will lead you to the Chinchilla Weir, home to the local water ski club and a popular setting for campers in the tranquil surroundings. As you venture back to town be sure to call into the Bug Farm Monument, taking note of the fossicking site for your next trip of course! Proud of our timber heritage, we recently built an impressive Cypress Pine Interpretive Centre in the grounds of the Chinchilla Historical Museum.

Chinchilla Historical Museum

Chinchilla White Gums Gallery

Chinchilla Weir

Charley’s Creek Riverside Park

Chinchilla Pioneer Cemetery

Chinchilla Cultural Centre

Leichhardt Monument

Bug Farm Monument

Did you know?

The banks of Charley’s Creek holds many secrets, perhaps you’ll see these as you take an afternoon stroll along the walkway.

Australian musician Pete Murray spent his childhood years in Chinchilla before heading off to a life of fame and fortune.

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