It’s all about fun, family and, of course … watermelons!  The Chinchilla Melon Festival, now a nationally recognized event, is due to be staged from February 10th to February 18th,  2007.

Over 25% of all watermelons grown in Australia come from Chinchilla, and there are seemingly countless “melon events” at the Festival, including Melon Bungy, Melon Bullseye and Melon Heads.  For those that don’t mind getting their feet wet, the ever popular and hilarious Melon Skiing will be available for both adults and children.  An attempt at the world record of “Splitting Watermelons with your Head” will be adjudicated by Mr Chris Sheedy, who has recently appeared on Channel Seven on behalf of Guinness World Records.

Despite the dry weather, the traditional Big Melon Weigh-In will again be a huge drawcard for the festival.  Giant melon seeds have been provided by a local seed merchant to the growers, who will be in fierce competition to grow the “heaviest melon”.  The record set in 2005 came in at over a staggering 83 kilograms.

Healthy Food and Lifestyle Luncheon is the newest addition to the Festival and will feature Australia’s first high profile indigenous chef, Mark Olive.  Mark’s cooking demonstration will bring the vibrant colours and earthy tastes of ancient outback flavours to the dinner plates of those lucky enough to dine at the Lifestyle luncheon.  His passion for food has made his show, “The Outback Café” on the Lifestyle Channel a hit. 

The street parade is a highlight in itself with many colourful and original floats participating.  Buskers, live entertainment and vibrant markets will bring the main street to life.  Popular bush poet, Gary Fogarty will appear at the Poet’s breakfast held at the Chinchilla Museum, and children entertainment specialists “Pooki-doos” will ensure that the kids will join into the fun.

Throughout the week, over 1000 watermelons, rockmelons and honeydews will be consumed – or used in some of the events.  There is no other event quite like the Chinchilla Melon Festival and over 5,000 visitors will guarantee that 2007 will see it bigger and better than ever.

Further information, please phone 4668 9453 or visit  www.chinchilla.org.au and follow the prompt to “Melon Festival”.

Accommodation in Chinchilla can be scarce, you might also try:
Accommodation in Miles (under an hour away) 
Accommodation in Toowoomba (an hour and 3/4 away)