Venture to the Western Downs Region of Queensland, Australia, to explore the wild landscape and unique local culture. Known as the Melon Capital of Australia, Chinchilla produces 25 percent of the country’s melon supply and celebrates the wealth of melons every other February during Melonfest.
Just less than 200 miles from Brisbane and 50 miles from Dalby, Chinchilla is the perfect escape during your trip to the Outback. Conveniently located along Warrego Highway, visitors can easily explore the beautiful region from Brisbane to the Darling Downs for the world’s largest melon festival.
Plan ahead for next year’s festival, Feb. 14–17, 2019, and prepare to get messy. The three-day weekend boasts a variety of entertainment for families and guests of all ages. Kids enjoy their own movie night, street parade and science demonstrations along with a slew of melon-centric entertainment and activities.
© Lizgiv | Dreamstime.com
Dive into some watermelon slices of your own during the free feast or cheer on the melon chariot races while participants pull carts to the finish line over broken watermelons.
Older kids and adults strap on watermelon shoes and compete for the best time in melon skiing — picture a slip-and-slide track filled with chunks of watermelon while wearing watermelons as skis.
Melon bungee is great for the kids and team building as groups of four are tied together in a square by bungee straps and have to reach melons by pulling against each other. The main melon event is an Ironman circuit with competing men and women running, sliding and crawling their way to victory — all with melon in hand, of course.
If all the messy competition isn’t your family’s speed, head to a movie premiere, melon farm tour, museums and art exhibits or the melon market for some shopping. Between the photography competition and watermelon weigh in, there will be plenty of family-friendly and mess-free competitions to attend over the long weekend.
Big melon eaters or not, the family will not go hungry at Melonfest. Check out the festival feast
kicking off the festivities on Friday night. Preview last year’s menu and check back as the festival gets closer for more up-to-date information on events and information.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
ShareThis