Trip to Chinchilla, August 21-23

Chinchilla is about 3 hours drive west from Brisbane. You drive through Toowoomba and Dalby along the Warrego Highway. The road from Dalby to Chinchilia is about 90 kms dead straight, but the road bounces up and down more than a ride at the Ekka.

Chichilla lies in about the middle of the Surat Basin and the predominant industry is agriculture. In the last 5-10 years the mining and energy industry has come to town. The signs of this are everywhere. You pass Wilkie Creek, coal mine and the new Kogan Creek Power Station as you approach the town and driving into Chinchilla I was following a road transporter carrying a huge drag line bucket that took up most of the road.

Finding accommodation in Chinchilla can be a challenge, particularly if there is a function happening. Lots of the motels are taking semi-permanant bookings for contractors who are working on the new project sites. I found a room at the Chinchilla White Gums Motor Inn. A lovely place, new, clean, comfortable. Its on the highway just before you get into town and you get a bit of noise at night, but nothing that will keep you awake.