Chinchilla
Chinchilla, the watermelon capital of Australia is in the heart of Queensland’s Western Darling Downs, is a vibrant and rapidly growing town located 300 kilometres northwest of Brisbane.
Known for its significant contribution to Australia’s watermelon production, Chinchilla boasts the title of the “Melon Capital” and celebrates with the biannual Chinchilla MelonFest, a popular family-friendly festival featuring various melon-themed activities and attractions.
The town’s charm extends beyond its agricultural roots, with the Chinchilla Weir offering a serene natural retreat just outside the town. Visitors and locals can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and camping in this picturesque location during the hot summer months. For lapidary enthusiasts, Chinchilla provides a unique opportunity to hunt for the precious petrified wood fossil, known as ‘Chinchilla Red,’ fetching impressive prices in the market.
However, it is Chinchilla’s role as a major supply town for workers involved in the natural gas projects in the Surat Basin that has spurred its remarkable population growth over the past decade. The mining and natural gas industries offer steady employment and high wages, attracting a significant influx of workers to the region. Consequently, temporary accommodation villages have emerged to cater to the growing demand for housing.