Laurels of Chinchilla, Queensland accommodation review: Weekend away

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This was published 9 years ago

Laurels of Chinchilla, Queensland accommodation review: Weekend away

Simon Holt goes bush to the western Darling Downs, and discovers rustic charm in Chinchilla.

By Simon Holt
Laurels of Chinchilla is a rustic stay in the far reaches of the Darling Downs.

Laurels of Chinchilla is a rustic stay in the far reaches of the Darling Downs.

THE LOCATION

Historically, the small township of Chinchilla hasn't ever been much more than a convenience point for farmers. Even then, many would drive the two hours to Toowoomba for a monthly shopping spree. But that was before the mining boom. Coal seam gas exploration meant more people. That meant a bustling economy, rising property prices, and if we're to call a spade a spade, more things to do. The hype has fallen out of the initial explosion which hit the city, but there are still plenty of men in fluoro shirts, particularly in the pubs on Friday and Saturday nights. To be fair, the town isn't totally devoid of culture. The region produces 25 per cent of the nation's watermelons, and every two years the community celebrates at a melon festival. There are also a series of small museums and galleries, and the town centre is worth a visit Saturday mornings or mid-week for its country charm.

THE SPACE

Forget the house that Jack built. This is the resort that Greg built. As guests settle in, his partner Shara tells us he's "out back somewhere looking for rocks". They're the same smooth river rocks he used to build the bathroom wall and shower floor. When he returns, Greg starts cutting up some wood which he nails to a broomstick. Voila, one paddle for the idle kayak sitting on the side of the adjacent Charley's Creek riverbank. There's plenty of history to the main homestead, built by the son of one of the original settlers in Chinchilla. But Greg and Shara have made it so much more. Since moving to the homestead from Noosa three years ago, they've found old cottages, dismantled them plank by plank, spruced up the timber, and set about reassembling them on their own property. The result is a resort with rustic charm.

THE KIT

Each of the cottage and homestead rooms are a little different, some more basic than others. One, it seems, has no hooks or hangers for clothes. The river cottage has a deck overlooking Charley's Creek, where the owners have hosted the occasional cocktail party. Next to the deck there's an open fireplace. It wouldn't be true country living without one. The bedroom has a comfortable four-poster bed, small living area, and basic kitchenette which is best for making coffee and snacks. The bedroom doesn't connect to the bathroom, which in winter can leave a chilly 10m run back to the reverse cycle heating.

GOING OUT

There are a couple of pubs and an RSL. Laurels of Chinchilla does offer a dine-in option on the verandah of the homestead. During the day can be rather quiet, but that's why most people travel to the country – the fishing, picnics, walks and watersports. There are markets every third Sunday of the month, which draws quite a crowd and get locals rather excited. The Chinchilla Historical Museum offers an insight into the western Darling Downs region.

THE VERDICT

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The deck area is a highlight, and makes for a peaceful retreat any time of day. A nest of ibis high in the trees make for entertaining viewing, and either the owner's dog or the neighbour's dog are happy to play with willing parties. Laurels is a second home for miners and is often full during the week, but it's also a nice retreat, far away from the city noise and lights, despite fronting the highway. Pets are allowed, which is another advantage.

HOW TO GET THERE

The roads are okay these days. From Brisbane, it's anywhere between three and four hours depending on roadworks, via Toowoomba and Dalby. Follow the Warrego Highway past the town, and Laurels is on the righthand side, next to the fruit shop. Don't take too much notice of the navigation system – apparently there are two number 15s on the highway, one which will find you confused in an ugly carpark.

ESSENTIALS

The Laurels of Chinchilla, 15 Warrego Highway, Chinchilla. There are small basic rooms from around $100, but it's worth paying $150 for one of the better rooms. Prices include a basic continental breakfast. Phone 07 4669 1021, see laurelsofchinchilla.com.au.

The writer was a guest of The Laurels of Chinchilla.

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