Chinchilla Melon Festival 2017

Some might think that this blog about the Chinchilla Melon Festival is a little early as the event is not on until 16 – 19 February next year.

However visitors from out of town really do need to start planning their trip now as the town literally bursts with melon fun and all the hotels pull out their NO VACANY signs.

The Chinchilla Melon Festival is dedicated to the gloriously red, juicy and delicious fruit that reminds us of summer.

Chinchilla is actually known as the nation’s watermelon capital, as this region boasts 25% of Australia’s watermelon crop.

Every two years (on the odd-numbered years), the watermelon festival takes over Chinchilla, bringing together locals and visitors from all walks of life to celebrate with traditional activities.

In fact Chinchilla has a population of approximately 5,500 people. This swells to between 20,000 to 23,000 during the Melon Festival celebrations.

They all come to see the melon-growing competitions, shop at the craft markets, take part in the novelty events, enjoy the carnival rides and a watch the street parade. Visitors will see Melon Skiing, Melon Bungy, Pip Spitting and the Slip, Dip and Pull. The craft markets are all things watermelon and if you think your stomach can handle it, there is the watermelon eating competition.

At the end of the day and the last seed has been spat, festival goers can grab some dinner from one of the food stalls and settle in for the free family concert.

After all the melon excitement is over, we suggest that you come back to your comfortable room at Kings Park Accommodation and enjoy a peaceful night sleep.

To make sure you don’t miss out, call us today to book your Chinchilla Melon Festival accommodation.

Interesting facts:

•  The largest watermelon on record was in 2007 weighing 87.5kg and was grown by Bernie and Matt Davies of Chinchilla.

•  Five tonnes of melon is consumed on the Saturday during the festival, with another 15 tonnes of melons used for the melon arena games.

Exploring Western Country Queensland

Stretching from the border town of Goondiwindi in the south to Expedition National Park in the north, from Dalby in the east to St George in the west, the Western Country has room enough for an ideal country getaway.

The region begins less than a three-hour drive west of Brisbane and can be explored while touring some of Queensland's major arterial highways, including the Warrego Way and the Leichhardt Way.

Travellers can explore wide-open spaces and discover the rich pioneering history of real Queensland country. Whether it’s enjoying freshwater fishing, witnessing a working farm in action or discovering the peaceful lifestyle that rural communities enjoy, there is something for everyone in the area.

A great way to see what the region has to offer would be to base yourself at Kings Park Accommodation in Chinchilla and head out on day trips and be sure to include these three towns on your itinerary.

Dalby

Situated in the black soil plains of the Northern Darling Downs, Dalby is a hive of rural enterprise.

But it's not all work in this picturesque town. Every March, townsfolk celebrate Dalby Cotton Week, a festival run over 10 days.

Thomas Jack Park situated on the edge of the town centre is a good place to stop and stretch your legs.

There is plenty of local history and culture on display at Pioneer Park Museum, with its wide range of exhibits. Follow the Heritage Trail, which takes you past historic, late 19th Century buildings.

Jandowae

North of Dalby, the town of Jandowae welcomes visitors to their friendly country community. The Dingo Barrier Fence - 'the longest fence in the world' has its northern end near Jandowae. The fence is 5600 kilometres long and stretches to the Great Australian Bight. 

A two metre dingo sculpture by Scottish artist, Andy Scott, takes pride of place in Jandowae's main street, and don't miss the monthly country markets.

Jandowae dam is a popular fishing, swimming, skiing and boating spot.  

Miles

Miles was originally named Dogwood Crossing and was established on a track blazed by the explorer, Ludwig Leichhardt in 1884. 

The Miles Historical Village is a big talking point among all who have travelled this way before. Here you will literally step back into history when you step into the many buildings in this turn-of-the-century village. There are more than 20 historic buildings, including a hospital, cafe, bank, post office and bakery. 

Another must see when in town is Dogwood Crossing @ Miles, which is home to the local art gallery, library, IT centre and social history. The lovely staff will be more than happy to help you out with any information.

Miles is the centre of a native wildflower region extending north to the Great Divide. The beautiful Balonne River highlights the beauty of Miles, particularly in September when the wildflowers bloom in abundance.

So get the car ready, pack your bags and–  book your accommodation at Kings Park Accommodation and explore the Western Country.

Affordable Queensland Outback Holidays

Outback Queensland has a lot to offer tourists if they know where to look. There’s a rugged beauty to the red dirt and mulga trees that are the essence of the outback – and the physical aesthetic is only the beginning! There are heaps of events, attractions and natural landmarks that don’t just draw tourists in; they also keep them coming back time and time again.

Many of these destinations are a several hours’ drive from the east coast of Australia, so if you’re planning to holiday out west, plan in regular stops and make the most of your trip. There are gems to uncover at every stop – and, of course, Chinchilla is one gem you shouldn’t miss!

Here are our top picks for outback holidays that you won’t need to mortgage the house to afford.

Carnarvon Gorge and back again

The Carnarvon Gorge, particularly the Carnarvon National Park, is known for its majestic sandstone cliffs, side gorges, diverse flora and fauna, and rich local Aboriginal history. There is an abundance of walking tracks that take you to the notable parts of the landscape, including rock pools, rock paintings, narrow canyons, bluffs and caves.

The Carnarvon Gorge is 8-9 hours northwest of Brisbane, so be sure to plan your trip in advance.

See the stars at the Cosmos Centre

Instead of veering north as you would to discover Carnarvon, keep going west and you will end up in Charleville. This picturesque country town is a popular tourist destination thanks to its Bilby education program, the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre and the iconic Warrego River, the channel river after which many locations and events in the district are named.

One of the most notable drawcards of this great town is the Cosmos Centre. This observatory and information centre features experienced guides who take you on a journey to the stars and planets, and the clear country night sky means you will get a front-row seat to the heavens. Make sure you book at the Cosmos Centre before you visit to ensure a spot in the specialised tours, and look forward to an unforgettable glimpse into the endless night sky.

Visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Head northwest from Charleville through Tambo and Barcaldine to reach perhaps the most well-known town in outback Queensland: Longreach. Its popularity is largely due to the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which was officially opened in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth. The Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre is home to five themed galleries that use a variety of mediums to communicate the stories of key players in Australia’s outback history. Visit them online to learn more about exhibits, events and admissions.

Check in at a homestead

Homesteads in outback Queensland often showcase the vast contrasts present throughout the vibrant landscape. These beautifully kept gems nestled amongst the raw wilderness give visitors a taste of the harsh environment, which swings so quickly between calm and chaos for those that work on the land daily. No matter where you’re headed, you are likely to find a property that offers public access with guided tours by the friendly owners – head to the local visitor information centre to find out if there’s anywhere nearby you can visit.

Put yourself in the shoes of the early pioneers and take the time to discover outback Queensland. If you’re road-tripping, pick somewhere convenient like Chinchilla and use it as an overnight stay point. With plenty of facilities and great accommodation options like Kings Park Accommodation available as a launch point, you know you’ll get your outback experience off to the best start possible. Contact us today to book your stay!