Not actually named after the adorable and crepuscular rodent, Chinchilla was established in 1877, acting as a hub for transportation across Queensland. Known for its mining industry, horticulture, and beef and pork production, the most well known element of Chinchilla is its agriculture. Chinchilla produces a whopping 25% of all the melons in Australia (including rockmelon, watermelon and honeydew). Known as the ‘Melon Capital of Australia’, Chinchilla hosts the biennial Melon Festival which draws tourists all over for a weekend in February.
Chinchilla is 300 km (4 hr drive) west of Brisbane.
View the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships online portal to identify the Indigenous language group/s for Chinchilla.
- Population:
- 5487
- Airport:
- Airport
- Arts & Culture:
- Australia Council Profile - Maranoa
- Local Electorate:
- Western Downs Regional Council
- State Electorate:
- Warrego
- Federal Electorate:
- Maranoa
- Weather:
- 19°C overcast clouds
