RENOWNED throughout the country is ‘the Great Machinery Mile’, an amazing line-up of historic machinery stretching for more than 1km along the highway.
One of the most comprehensive historical machinery displays to be found anywhere in Australia, the display is a graphic timeline, depicting the origins and development of pastoral and transport industries in central western Queensland, and includes earthmoving machinery, standing steam engines, steel-wheeled tractors and trucks. Visitors are free to wander through the vehicle sheds to see the sulkies, old farm machinery and carts. There’s an old wool wagon, Winsome Winnie from Warbreccan, which used to be piled high with bales of wool then pulled by horses all the way to Bowen. A later method of wool transportation on display is a Daimler/Renard road train.
The machinery parade points the way to the Folk Museum, a replica of an early station residence that became the foundation stone of the entire complex more than 30 years ago.
This building is chock-a-block with memorabilia ranging from early photographs to old china and other domestic items, and showcases ‘The Women of the West’. It also includes displays of aboriginal artefacts and petrified wood.
Another example of genuine early Australian architecture is Oakhampton Cottage, which was transported from the Oakhampton block of nearby Lyndon Station. Oakhampton Cottage has its own historic significance, and continues the museum’s look into the past, offering tangible glimpses into early outback households.
What’s more, the complex is never closed so whatever time of the day you’re on the road you’re welcome to wander through at your leisure.
Also situated within the museum complex is Romani Hall, a memorial to the young men of the region who answered the call to arms.
The memorial is dedicated to the Australian Light Horse and houses thought-provoking memorabilia and information on the Light Horsemen and their battles.
Langenbaker House - steeped in history
A very special attraction is Langenbaker House, which gives a vivid snapshot of life as it was in the past. It was one of the first homes in Ilfracombe.
A feature of this old teamster’s cottage is the latticed metal wool-baling straps on the verandahs, which gave both shade and privacy.
Home to Harry and Mary-Ann Langenbaker and their 11 children, you’ll find furnishings and everyday items used by everyday families at the turn of the 20th century. Inside, hardly a stick of furniture has been moved since 1920.
The home stayed in the Langenbaker family for exactly a century, and presents a rare insight into the hardships experienced by the pioneers who opened up the central west.
Hilton’s Corner
Just a short walk from the machinery is Hilton’s Corner, an Alladin’s Cave of treasures collected by Hilton Jackson. There are literally thousands and thousands of some of the most imaginative collections you will find anywhere. Bottles and buttons, scissors and stones, drill bits and door latches, rabbit traps and rarities are packed to the rafters, spill out into the yard and line up along the fence.
The Jackson Collections
More than 30,000 of Hilton’s bottles form one collection and the other is from his late brother Ike, who collected firearms and memorabilia. Ike’s collection comprises more than 120 weapons, flags, knives, uniforms, helmets and more. The Governor General opened the council-owned Jackson Collections last year.
Artesian spa and barbie
A swimming pool, artesian spa, children’s playground and barbecue facilities are all set in the welcoming surroundings of Memorial Park, where the whole family can cool off and enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal.
The spa is heated to a comfortable 37 degrees and the minerals in the artesian water are reputed to have wonderful rejuvenative powers, so try it for yourself while you’re in town. All of these facilities are shaded against the summer sun and are available for use at any time of the day.
Interpreting history
The Wellshot Centre tells the story of one of Australia’s greatest sheep stations, Wellshot Station, originally one of the largest properties in the district. The centre traces the history and development of the station from its early settlement, how it was formed and how people lived and worked there. Wellshot Station gained a world record in 1892 for shearing the largest number of sheep off the same property in one season - 425,000 sheep!
The centre is the town’s visitor information centre, so it’s the perfect place to start your visit. In the grounds, you can look through an authentic shepherd’s hut, and also the town’s original jail cell which was built in 1901 and used for 70-plus years.
All attractions and facilities are offered at no charge, in keeping with Ilfracombe’s policy of freely sharing its heritage with the public.
The Twelve Mile
Discover a magnificent example of 19th century bush craftsmanship when you visit the Twelve Mile.
Here, thousands of naturally formed flagstones were meticulously placed to form a leak-proof reservoir. The overshot was constructed by hand in the 1890s, each stone paintstakingly placed at strategic angles. Once a watering stop for Cobb and Co, it was also the site of a hotel in the early 20th century. In the vicinity are picnic tables and camping grounds. Pick up a map from the Wellshot Centre before you visit.
Post office building
The 100-year-old post office/ library offers daily Australia Post services. EFTPOS is available and there is a comprehensive gift shop with items for any occasion.
The library carries an extensive range of books, there is internet access and computers for public use so you can keep in touch with friends and rellies on your travels.
Happy hour ... or two
You won’t believe how much fun you can have when you stay at Ilfracombe Van Park, situated right next door to the pub and set among colourful gardens and shady trees.
Owners Jesse and Cathy Hitson have brought a great atmosphere to the park and provide all the facilities you could need.
Most evenings from May to August, they supply nibblies for a happy hour. Jesse is the park’s resident larrikin bush comedian and can really turn on the entertainment, and the whole family gets in on the act.
Bring your own drinks and wander over to the barbecue area, complete with old iron and gidyea timber. The area is a fine example of bush architecture and features a huge fireplace with petrified wood built into it. Jesse finished it in 2005, but the spot looks like it’s been there for a century or so. It’s a great place to kick back, listen to local stories and jokes and maybe bring out your own musical instrument for a singalong.
If you’re towing your own van, many of the van sites have concrete slabs for your annexe. Otherwise, book in to one of the park’s self-contained, air-conditioned cabins. Linen is supplied.
