Just returned from our south west Queensland winter adventure, our first night was spent in Chinchilla, home of the Watermelon Festival.
One of the most well known spots is Chinchilla Weir on the Condamine River, where we stopped in for lunch.
At the time, upgrades to the new camping area were still under construction and they opened mid July.
Council partnered with the Australian Government to fast-track a $1.9 million revamp as part of its COVID-19 Recovery Package which includes a new waterside camp kitchen, fire pits, bin enclosures, shelters, picnic seating, barbeques and signage.
Even the weather didn’t dampen the brand-new shine of the facilities near the boat ramp. We picnicked where the temporary camping was set up, closer to the dam wall, watching a pelican play in the weir.
Travellers we met had a great night here, it is well off the road with a flat and grassy area. They were concerned all the new upgrades would also upgrade the price. However, council continues to provide this lovely location for free!
Pets are allowed, there are some powered sites and it is listed with a 48 hour limit, donations welcome.
The weir is also popular for watersports, fishing, bush walking and bike riding.
Council Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said the upgrades had revitalised the facility and enhanced recreational opportunities for the region.
“This project has delivered a revamped facility perfect for a weekend camping adventure or simply for a picnic lunch by the water, and we are proud to celebrate our natural environment and heritage,” Cr Tillman said.
“This project involved various improvements including new fire pits, bin enclosures, shelters, picnic seating, barbeques, and entrance and wayfinding signage.
“A brand-new camp kitchen and formalised vehicle and RV parking have also been installed, and we have delivered fabulous upgrades to the landscaping, and day use areas to make the space more appealing for camping and for day trips.”
This region offers a great variety of camping with the showgrounds, Rubern Lagoons, Charleys Creek Campgrounds, Chinchilla Tourist Park and free camps Archer’s Crossing and Round Water Hole (our tranquil overnighter) – QLD sites 630-633 in Camps 12, 128 in Caravan Parks 6 and the Camps App.
Make sure you stop in at the Chinchilla Visitor Centre, see the Chinchilla Red petrified wood, museum and the new award winning Botanic Parkland. Chinchilla has some lovely playgrounds and good shopping – we stocked up on everything we left behind!
Take your time in this area – there are lovely towns and villages with more waterside freedom camps, history trails like the Cobb and Co Road and even a camp at a botanic garden! More on that in our future articles…
Look up QLD site 634 in Camps 12 or if you have our CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App – simply go to the map or list and search for the site name!
You’ll find the free camp 9 km south west of town, towards Tara. This project was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
