From modest beginnings in 1999, today’s event brings together people from all walks of life, from all over Australia and overseas. Millmerran, based in the Toowoomba Regional Council area, is proud to host what is fast becoming Queensland’s “Must go-to” event.

The Australian Camp Oven Festival is run by a volunteer committee, who are dedicated to preserving the traditions and recipes that are part of the Australia’s rural heritage.

The Australian Camp Oven Festival offers visitors a two day program jam-packed full of fun and entertainment. Experience real country hospitality when the tiny town of Millmerran swells from 1,200 people to 8,000 in one weekend! See the gutsy cooks battle it out in the outback kitchens, vying for over $2,000 worth of prize money. Like they say - “If you can’t handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen!”

Our Accolades

At the 2008 REGIONAL ACHIEVEMENT & COMMUNITY AWARDS the Australian Camp Oven Festival was the winner in the Events and Tourism category.

In 2009 the community was rewarded when the Australian Camp Oven Festival was named as a finalist in the TOURISM QUEENSLAND AWARDS for the Festivals and Events category.  Also in 2009 the Festival was shortlisted in the RACQ’S Q150 poll that recognised Queensland's top icons – a remarkable achievement in view of the relative youth of the Festival.

In 2011 we won the TOOWOOMBA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Business Excellence Awards Tourism & Hospitality award.

We have won the local AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD for community event on several occasions and at the 2013 Australia Day Celebrations we were awarded the Cultural Award.

Whilst the committee is very pleased to receive recognition for the huge amount of effort that is placed into the event each time, the true reward comes from what is seen over the weekend of the Festival.

So come along and check out our part of the world. We see that rural Queensland truly is a great place to visit and live, so come along and see for yourself!

Try your hand at one of the competitions. Or sit back and enjoy the hospitality and excitement of the weekend at the next Australian Camp Oven Festival on the 4^th and 5^th October 2014.

Millmerran

Located on the western fringe of the Darling Downs, Millmerran benefits from the rich agricultural area of the Condamine and Macintyre catchments. The township of Millmerran, with a population of approx 1200 residents, has shopping and commercial facilities which service the majority of the needs of the residents of the district.

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1841 when the Gore family established the Yandilla Station. 

The town of “Back Creek” was gazetted in 1881 but the name was changed to Millmerran by 1895.  The name Millmerran is said to be of Aboriginal origin form “meel” meaning the eye and “merran” to look out. 

Some points of interest to look out for while in Millmerran –

Commodore Peak- lookout has panoramic views over Millmerran and the commodore coal mine and power station.

Mt Basalt – is a unique geological and environmental landmark the features rare volcanic formations.  There are walking tracks and a lookout with lovely views. There are no bins or toilet facilities at Mt Basalt – please “go” before you go and take all rubbish away with you.

All Saints Anglican Church at Yandilla – was consecrated by Bishop Webber in 1887.  The building is now listed by the national trust and is the oldest building in the district. 

Millmerran Museum – is a well maintained local museum which houses a treasure trove of history from the area; including the “Water Baby” a 28 foot steam boat which was built by the Gore Family in the late 1800’s and was used to rescue people and sheep during flood events on the Condamine River.

Millmerran Mural series – located at various locations around Millmerran and Cecil Plains, the charming series depicts varying stages of the district’s history.

If you would like to contribute to the event or be part of our committee, please contact us.