chinchilla_district_factsheet_lowres

CHINCHILLA & DISTRICT CHINCHILLA / BRIGALOW / KOGAN

CHINCHILLA Located 100km West of Dalby, Chinchilla is known as the Melon Capital of Australia. The region produces 25% of the nations total watermelon crop and its melons are referred to as ‘ glamour melons’ due to their size, colour and flavour. In celebration of its watermelons Chinchilla hosts its hugely popular Melon Festival biennially.

Chinchilla Melon Festival

Chinchilla is renowned for the quality of its petrified wood, known as ‘Chinchilla Red’. If you are new to fossicking or are looking for new pieces to build your collection, make your way to the Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre for a fossicking licence.

Explorer Ludwig Leichhardt passed through the area in October 1844, a monument erected in his honour can be found in the Pioneer Cemetery. The local museum features a steam sawmill as well as mobile and static steam engines. The interesting collection of memorabilia at the museum is housed in a number of historic buildings from the local area.

Fossicking for Petrified Wood

Chinchilla Weir is a great venue for water sports. Its grounds are a lovely spot for a picnic. Fishing enthusiasts can throw in their lines at many spots on the Condamine River, including Archers Crossing. For more information on what Chinchilla has to offer, please contact the Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre.

ATTRACTIONS Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre  Chinchilla Cultural Centre Chinchilla White Gums Gallery Chinchilla Historical Museum featuring the  Cypress Pine Interpretive Centre Barakula State Forest Charleys Creek Riverside Park Chinchilla Pioneer Cemetery  Chinchilla Weir Chinchilla Aquatic & Fitness Centre ACTIVITIES  Fossicking for ‘Chinchilla Red’ Petrified Wood Water Skiiing at Chinchilla Weir Bird Watching at Old Man Lagoon Camping in Barakula Forest Fishing at Archers Crossing EVENTS  Chinchilla Melon Festival Chinchilla Rotary May Day Festival Chinchilla Show Chinchilla Mayor’s Charity Concert Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft Chinchilla Lions Mardi Gras Chinchilla Races

CHINCHILLA & DISTRICT CHINCHILLA / BRIGALOW / KOGAN

BRIGALOW

KOGAN

Located 40km East of Chinchilla, Brigalow is a small town named after the Brigalow tree that grows abundantly in the area.

The Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall, which is the only known hall erected in commemoration of the Cactoblastis moth, which was introduced to eradicate the Prickly Pear, can be found in the town of Brigalow.

Located 52km South-East of Chinchilla, Kogan was once home to famous artist Hugh Sawry, founder of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach. A monument erected in his honour can be found along the Hugh Sawrey Walkway.

An Emu Farm located a short drive West of Kogan offers visitors a chance to witness young chicks and eggs incubated artificially.

Brigalow Silos

Brigalow is dominated by huge grain silos which can be clearly seen as you approach town. For more information on what Brigalow has to offer, please contact the Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre.

ATTRACTIONS  Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall Brigalow Lutheran Cemetery Brigalow Silos ACTIVITIES  Visit the Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall Walk through Brigalow Lutheran Cemetery EVENTS  Brigalow Bush Carnival

Hugh Sawrey Walkway

For more information on what Kogan has to offer, please contact the Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre.

ATTRACTIONS  Hugh Sawrey Walkway Kogan Creek Power Station Kogan Hotel ACTIVITIES  Walk the Hugh Sawrey Walkway Visit the Kogan Creek Power Station viewing area EVENTS  Art @ Kogan Festival

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES Chinchilla Tourist Information Centre Warrego Highway Phone 07 4668 9564 Email chinchilla.tic@wdrc.qld.gov.au