A weekend of melons, green energy & mountain views

By Dr Ram Mohan, Editor

What an amazing weekend!

My journey to Chinchilla in Western Downs and the Bunya Mountains was a delightful mix of excitement, exploration, and stunning landscapes.

The highlight was undoubtedly the Chinchilla Melon Festival, which is easily one of the most unique events in Queensland.

From melon skiing to the uproarious dunny derby, it was a lively celebration that perfectly showcased Chinchilla’s reputation as the Melon Capital of Australia.

The atmosphere in town was electric, and I couldn’t resist joining in on the festive spirit.

However, the trip offered much more than just a focus on melons! I seized the chance to check out Western Downs’ green energy projects, a region making significant strides in renewable energy and sustainability.

With expansive solar farms and impressive battery storage systems, it was captivating to see how this area of Queensland is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

On my return journey, I took a scenic detour through the breathtaking Bunya Mountains.

Strolling among the ancient bunya pines, taking in the sweeping views, and catching glimpses of local wildlife were the best ways to wrap up the weekend. There’s something truly enchanting about being surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the Bunya Mountains certainly delivered on that front.

From fun festivities at the Melon Festival to glimpsing the future of energy and immersing myself in exquisite landscapes, this trip had everything I could have hoped for. Chinchilla and Western Downs, you have truly impressed me!