In the agricultural hub of the Western Downs region, lies the hidden gem of Chinchilla. Named the ‘melon capital of Australia’ (and with the Melon Festival taking place in the town biennially), Chinchilla is a small town with a big heart. Venture here to discover the town’s cultural history, including petrified wood fossicking and an intriguing story involving the Cactoblastis Moth. Plus, if you’re looking for even more to do, expand your horizons with a day trip - Chinchilla is a 2-hour drive from Toowoomba or a 3-hour drive from Brisbane. Make your visit to the intriguing rural town a breeze in a Hertz rental car.
A Uniquely Historic Settlement
If you’ve travelled around Australia before, you’re likely aware of the country’s ‘big’ attractions; The Big Banana, The Big Pineapple, The Big Prawn. Unbeknownst to some, ‘The Big Melon’, an oversized watermelon statue, sits roadside on the Warrego Highway in Chinchilla. While you’re in the melon capital, add this attraction to your list of places to stop by and take a photo for a memorable moment to later look back on. During your stay in Chinchilla, visit the Botanic Parkland for a peaceful stroll amongst native flora and fauna. On the site of the Chinchilla Railway Depot that ran in the 1870s, you’ll experience the railway heritage of the town up close at the Parklands. Plus, If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love splashing around the watermelon-themed water park.
The Chinchilla Historical Museum is an excellent place to visit during your stay. Here, you can learn about the town and its surroundings with exhibits and displays housed in historical buildings. From the prickly pear infestation dubbed ‘The Green Plague’ to the native Chinchilla Red Gum and petrified wood, there are unique stories to be heard and discoveries to be made above and underground. If petrified wood sparks your interest, you can fossick for your own at Bell’s or Gaske’s fossicking sites in town. As per the local guidelines, you’ll need to purchase a fossicking licence before your visit. When you’re ready to relax and wind down, The Club Hotel is the ideal setting for dinner and drinks. Dine in the atmospheric beer garden and try out the hotel’s cocktail of the month for a delicious refreshment - remember to assign a designated driver if you decide to have a glass.
Step Out on the Town in Toowoomba
If you’re looking for extra activities and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a larger city, take a drive to Toowoomba for a change of scenery. The 2-hour drive will pass in no time from the comfort of your Hertz rental car. Known as the ‘Garden City’, Toowoomba is adored for its stunning greenery, with the Carnival of Flowers taking place in the city every Spring. Experience a mouth-watering high tea in a heritage-listed property at Cafe Valetta. The historic building features stained-glass windows and overlooks Queens Park, making it the ideal setting for an exquisite day out. In the city, you’ll find an assembly of fine-dining restaurants, including the iconic Gip’s Restaurant. With modern Australian cuisine and an expansive menu, treat your tastebuds to mouth-watering mains and decadent desserts at Gip’s.
Experience the wonder of the Great Dividing Range from above with a helicopter tour. The Toowoomba Scenic Flight tour embarks from the city and offers scenic views of the region. Choose between a 20, 40, 60 or 90-minute flight for a truly breathtaking experience from over 2000 feet above sea level. If you’re passionate about beer, wine and spirits, there’s a ‘Heli Pub Crawl’ that takes you to the Meringandan Pub in the Darling Downs region, or the ‘Mountains, Water and Wine’ tour that stops at award-winning wineries across the area. Be sure to appoint a driver for after the tour. However you choose to view the mountain range, a helicopter ride is a unique experience that’s bound to delight.
Small yet mighty, don’t let the size of Chinchilla deceive you. The close-knit community contains a multitude of local history, culture and treats to discover. Experience a rural escape from everyday life with a visit to Chinchilla and prepare to savour the natural beauty and easygoing atmosphere of the town and its surrounding areas.
