Chinchilla
Don’t let its size fool you—Chinchilla punches well above its weight when it comes to agricultural output, producing an impressive 25% of Australia’s watermelons. Explore the town’s natural treasures by fossicking for ancient petrified wood, or enjoy a relaxed wander along the shady, tree-lined main street.
Take a scenic drive to nearby country townships like Brigalow, named after the native brigalow trees, and Kogan, where public artworks and sculptures celebrate the area’s rich local history.
Take the time to enjoy our Award winning Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, get your selfie at the Big Melon and meet the volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre.
History & Heritage
History & Heritage
Explore Chinchilla’s pioneering past at the Chinchilla Historical Museum, home to exhibits including the original Goombi Hall, an ANZAC memorial, historic workshops, and homesteads. The museum also features a striking display of locally found ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood, showcasing the region’s rich geological heritage.
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Self Drives
Self Drives
Hit the road and explore Chinchilla at your own pace with a range of scenic self-drive trails. Discover hidden gems, charming country townships, and stunning natural landscapes as you journey through the heart of the Western Downs. Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or local flavours, there’s a trail to suit every kind of traveller.
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For the Kids
For the Kids
Chinchilla is packed with fun for families and curious little explorers. Snap a selfie with The Big Melon, wander through the interactive Botanic Parkland, or try your hand at fossicking for petrified wood. Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows by the creek, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
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Bookable Tours
Bookable Tours
Discover and book unforgettable experiences across the Western Downs. From guided tours to hands-on activities, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Let us inspire your next journey and help you uncover the hidden gems of the Western Downs.
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Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture
Chinchilla’s art and culture scene blends creativity with community spirit. Visit the volunteer-run Lapunyah Art Gallery for rotating exhibitions, explore local history at the Chinchilla Museum, or take a short drive to Kogan to admire public sculptures celebrating bush artist Hugh Sawrey.
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Nature
Nature
Work up an appetite and explore the award-winning Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, a 4.2-hectare oasis themed around the town’s famous watermelon heritage. Then stretch your legs along the scenic Charley’s Creek Walk, enjoy water activities at the Chinchilla Weir, or find your perfect picnic spot at peaceful locations like the Round Waterhole, Old Man’s Lagoon, or the footpath at Archer’s Crossing—each offering a unique way to relax and connect with nature.
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Fossicking
Fossicking
Try your luck fossicking for the famous ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood, a rare fossil dating back to the Jurassic period when ancient plants like cycads and conifers were buried under volcanic ash and mudflows. Enjoy the fresh country air and scenic surrounds as you join fellow fossicking enthusiasts—just grab a pick, shovel, and bucket, available for free hire from the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre. Don’t forget to purchase your fossicking licence and access permit from the Visitor Centre before heading out.
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Chinchilla Surroundings
Brigalow
The small settlement of Brigalow lies 20km east of Chinchilla on the Warrego Highway.
A sentry of grain silos signals the town, which was named for the brigalow tree that grows in the area’s fertile black soil.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Grab an all-day breakfast or the popular Brigalow Burger at the Brigalow General Store.
- In summer, pick up fresh melons and pumpkins from the roadside farm gate.
- Enjoy the peaceful countryside and explore local spots like the Brigalow Lutheran Cemetery, a resting place for many of the area’s pioneering German families.
Kogan
Once a bustling droving centre and the home of renowned Australian bush artist Hugh Sawrey, Kogan now blends its rich history with modern industry, anchored by the impressive Kogan Creek Power Station, a 750-megawatt coal-fired facility.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Admire public artworks and medal sculptures by local artists in the gardens of the Q150 Hugh Sawrey Walkway, celebrating the town’s artistic legacy.
- Visit the power station viewing platform, located between Brigalow and Kogan—an impressive sight, especially when lit up at night.
Stay in Chinchilla
Camping & Caravaning
Camping & Caravaning
Spend time in nature as you camp or caravan. Spend your days, strolling the town’s walking trails and soak in the atmosphere, go bird spotting or drop a line to reel in the catch of the day.
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Farm Stays & Retreat
Farm Stays & Retreat
The Western Downs offers a variety of welcoming boutique & rural retreats that provide an authentic experience of life on the land.
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Hotels & Motels
Hotels & Motels
The Western Downs has no shortage of room nights across its hotels and motels if camping isn’t your style. From boutique accommodation to villas, you’ll find somewhere to rest your weary bones after a day of exploring.
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