Tips for Hassle Free Travel

When we go on holidays we want it to go as smoothly as possible and want to be able to fit everything comfortably in a suitcase. This is sometimes easier said than done! That’s why the staff at Kings Park Accommodation have compiled a list of stress-free packing tips and tricks to remember.

1) Buy a lightweight suitcase

Don't assume that buying an expensive suitcase will get you an upgrade. Go for a lightweight option, and remember if you're using a hardshell suitcase, this can add up to 4 kilos of weight before you've even started packing.

2) Take spare ziplock bags and use them to separate different groups of items

Phone charger, camera charger, adapters, headphones - we all have so many wires and gadgets that are easily lost in a suitcase. To prevent this problem, ziplock bags are the answer. Pack spare ones for liquids, things for the journey home (house keys, parking ticket, and car keys), medication and other loose accessories.

3) Pack holiday essentials.

Ziplock bags are also handy to pack the following essentials (they won't take up much room and they could save the day): sticky tape, string, sewing kit, cable ties, spare luggage tags, padlocks, safety pins, pens, tissues, small sheet of bubble wrap (in case you buy any delicates), ear plugs, universal bath plug, pencil sharpener, mini LED torch, tweezers, mini scissors, mini calculator (ideal for bartering).

4) Roll clothes

Don't arrive at your holiday destination and be faced with a pile of ironing. To save space and stop creasing, roll your clothes instead of folding them, then place them in vacuum compression bags.

5) Use cling-film and tape to prevent liquid leaks

We've all suffered from the disastrous liquid leak in our luggage when we arrive at our destination. To prevent this, take the lids off liquid bottles and add a layer of cling-film. Then when you put the lid on, use clear tape to seal the gap where the lid joins the container. Now you can travel without the worry of any spills.

6) Put scented draw liners/fabric conditioner sheets/a small bag of pot pourri in your suitcase to keep everything fresh

It's important to keep your clothes smelling fresh, especially if you're on a long trip.

7) Make use of 'empty' spaces such as shoes

When it comes to packing, you need to make use of every little space you can. Roll tops/underwear/socks and other small items and stuff them into your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.

8) Photocopy pages of your guidebook or take your e-book reader

Rather than bringing heavy books - just photocopy the essential pages that you need. It'll save space and reduce weight. Or - if you have an e-book reader, just download the book instead.

Everyone has their own personal list of things they never leave home without. What are the things you pack? What’s a cool trick you can tell us? The Kings Park Accommodation staff would love to hear them, so share in the comments below.

Blooming Spectacular

Come late winter and early spring our Western Downs will be alive with vivid colour when the local shrubs, trees, grasses and annuals bloom.

One of the best wildflower areas in Queensland is located north-west of Chinchilla in the Barakula State Forest. Barakula is the largest managed State Forest in the southern hemisphere and it puts on a spectacular wildflower show from late August. 

This is a working forest and has a large network of roads making it easy to explore but those on the hunt for wildflowers must beware of logging trucks. With regard to the trees, the forest is mainly a mixture of cypress pine, cabbage gum and ironbark trees. Remember that Barakula also provides a wonderful opportunity for bird watchers with an amazing array of birdlife.

Visitors can also explore historic landmarks including the mysterious ‘Guymers Baby' grave, the Dingo Barrier Fence and the site of Australia's first oil bore.

After a wonderful day exploring the wildflowers, come back to Kings Park Accommodation for a delicious meal and  drink in the Bistro as we would love to hear your stories about exploring our stunning country. To book a room please contact us by clicking here.

The Best of Chinchilla

When you only have a few days to get away and want to discover the best sights of Chinchilla and surrounds take a look at this one-day driving itinerary that showcases the best attractions and amazing scenery in the area.

Once you have made the journey to Kings Park Accommodation in Chinchilla and enjoyed a delicious meal in our Bistro, our lovely reception staff can talk you through this action-packed one-day driving tour.  

When you wake up feeling fresh and have your packed lunch from the Bistro, it's time to set out to Brigalow (19kms) to stop at the Boonarga Cactoblastis Memorial Hall.

Then from Brigalow to Kogan via Warra (40km make sure you visit the Kogan Creek Power Station viewing platform. See the two beautiful sculptures along the Hugh Sawrey Walkway and visit the Historic Kogan Hotel. You could also stop to admire the art display at Kogan Community Hall.

Then on the way back to Chinchilla from Kogan (59kms) if you packed some fishing gear then stop and throw a line in with the locals at Archer’s Crossing. Take a walk along the banks of the mighty Condamine River or head out to Chinchilla Weir and see the locals at play. You could try your luck at the fossicking sites or decided to stop in at the Bug Farm Monument.

A beautiful way to end the day would be to enjoy an evening stroll along Charley’s Creek Walkway. Then after all the fun you can retreat back to Kings Park for a comfortable nights' sleep.

To book your stay with us at Kings Park Accommodation, call us now of 07 4662 7733.

Art in the Country

When you think of the Western Downs region of Queensland, you don’t automatically think it’s home to a thriving arts scene. What we have discovered to our amazing area is that we aren’t just gorgeous cotton fields, wheat, and sorghum crops, and we are more than the mining and gas industry. Chinchilla and the Western Downs have a rich fabric of arts and culture, you just need to know where to find it.

The area is home to internationally acclaimed wool artisan, Barbara Geisel; and painter, Hugh Sawrey. We are lucky enough to have art galleries dotted throughout the region where you can experience our creative talent and witness touring exhibitions.

In Chinchilla's main street you'll find the Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery which hosts up to 12 exhibitions a year, featuring the work of local and interstate artists. Located inside the new MyALL 107 facility in Dalby, Gallery 107@Dalby is the Western Downs' newest art gallery, with professional lighting and a unique mezzanine space.

Dogwood Crossing, Miles is an outstanding cultural facility. It is home to the John Mullins Memorial Art Gallery, an A-Class Regional Art Gallery that hosts quality exhibitions and events throughout the year. The facility also incorporates the local library, an IT centre, event space and social history displays where you can hear local residents tell their stories.

Bluebelles Art Gallery, in the Bell Bunya Community Centre at Bell, is a charming destination not to be missed. Other gallery spaces across the region, including the Leichhardt Gallery in Wandoan's Cultural Centre and the Myall Park Botanic Garden Gallery in Glenmorgan, often exhibit the work of our dedicated local artists and cultural groups.

So make a weekend of it, and explore our thriving art scene. Once you have finished gallery hopping, make sure you come and stay with us at Kings Park Accommodation. Call us now to make a booking.

Come Visit the Western Downs

Kings Park Accommodation has welcomed the news that for the first time in history, the Western Downs’ six chambers of commerce have formed a group to market the region and lobby governments for grants, funding and projects.

Officially created last week the six chambers dubbed the new organisation Chambers of the Western Downs (CWD).

Members of the Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Wandoan, Tara and Miles chambers make up the new group.

The Chinchilla News reported that the group looks set to hit the ground running, with $450,000 funds earmarked for regional marketing courtesy of the Western Downs Tourism Investment Project, a joint initiative of Western Downs Regional Council and Australia Pacific LNG.

CWD will be making a further application to the investment project for another $300,000.

The big focus will be tourism and attracting visitors to the area to explore everything that the Western Downs has to offer. This will then allow the local communities to grow, there will be more new jobs and lots more people visiting the towns.

Kings Park Accommodation proudly supports the work that CWD are going and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Chinchilla and the surrounding areas.