Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Chinchilla

There’s a certain place which I really like the sound of its name. A few years ago, I went there because I became curious of their certain festival —the Melon Festival. Plus the fact that I really like fruits and one of my favorites is melon. I think you now have an idea why I really became curious with the Melon Festival. Oh, before I forget, Chinchilla was the place.

Chinchilla is a town included in the Darling Downs region on Queensland, Australia. The town was established in 1877 and it presently has a population of approximately 3,680. Chinchilla is situated at the banks of Charley’s Creek which is between Toowoomba and Dalby.

Agriculture is the core while beef and pork production, wool growing, and horticulture are the traditional supports of Chinchilla’s economy. But recently, cash inflow and development increased due to the new Kogan Creek Power Project and other coal and gas projects.

Chinchilla boast many attractions for tourists and locals alike. And some of its attractions are:

1. The Melon Festival

Chinchilla is known as the “Melon Capital of Australia” and it hosts a Melon festival every second year in February (the next is to be held in 2011).

The Melon Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Australia! In this festival, watermelons are the stars of the show! See men crack watermelons with their heads, ski using watermelons, bungy with watermelons, and spit watermelons as far as you can! Oh wait, there’s still the Melon Chariot, an obstacle course of melons! What else can you do with watermelons?! This happening is only once every two years! So, DO NOT MISS IT!!

Join the festival and get ready to experience a messy and exciting fun!

2. The Chinchilla Historical Museum

The museum, where you can enjoy a “glimpse to the past” for the whole family, is located on Villiers Street, Chinchilla.

Chinchilla Museum has an excellent collection of a 1910 steam sawmill (a non working replica), steam engines, ancient vehicles, period costumes, and many historical relics!

Buildings from early village times have been reconstructed on the grounds to emphasize the historical ambiance around the area. The buildings include Goombi Hall, the Emmerson Building, Wongongera Cottage, a blacksmith shop, the authentic slab hut, and an old jail.

I went to Chinchilla mostly because I want to experience the Melon Festival. For my trip there, I booked a car. I booked a car because I’m going to a “celebration” and I’m sure commuting will be really tight competition for seats. (vroomvroomvroom.com.au) was the site where I booked my cool car. It was cool because it was really cheap but in very good shape! I went around town in no time. And, their customer service was excellent.

So, curious bout the melons? Visit Chinchilla! You’ll surely have a messy, wonderful time!

-Grandpa Ben