THE LOCALS describe the entry to Ilfracombe as “the Great Machinery Mile” and it’s an amazing lineup of historic machinery stretching for more than 1km along the side of the highway!
Ilfracombe’s machinery mile is a unique signpost leading to the town’s fantastic little museum but is itself one of the best historical machinery displays to be found anywhere in Australia and includes earthmoving machinery, standing steam engines, steel-wheeled tractors and trucks.
It can almost be seen as a timeline, depicting the origins and development of transport and pastoral industries in central western Queensland.
The parade points the way to the Ilfracombe Folk Museum, which continues the look into the past in a different way, giving glimpses into the households of the past with all sorts of memorabilia.
What’s more, the museum is never closed so even if you’re on the road early you can wander around the grounds and into the little museum.
The complex was started more than 30 years ago with just one building, a replica of an early station residence. This building is still there, chock-a-block with memorabilia ranging from early photographs to old china. There are also aboriginal artifacts including clap sticks, boomerangs and Nardoo stone.
Another example of early Australian architecture at the museum precinct is Oakhampton Cottage, which was transported from the Oakhampton block of Lyndon Station. Oakhampton Cottage has its own historic significance.
Visitors are free to wander around the vehicle sheds to see the sulkies, old farm machinery and carts. There’s an old wool wagon, given the name of Winsome Winnie from Warbreccan, which used to be piled high with 100 bales of wool then pulled by 30 horses all the way to Bowen. A later method of wool transportation was a Daimler/ Renard road train, which was used by Isis Downs Station from 1912. It carried 30 bales of wool in each of its three trailers.
Ilfracombe is synonymous with heritage, and the township has retained many of the historical features of remote communities around the turn of the 20th Century.
Langenbaker House - steeped in history
Something very special to see is Langenbaker House, which is steeped in history. It was one of the first homes in Ilfracombe and was transported from Barcaldine in the late 1890s. It had been moved progressively west from Rockhampton as the interior opened up.
Home to Harry and Mary-Ann Langenbaker and their 11 children, it gives an authentic snapshot of life in the past. A feature of the old teamster’s cottage is the latticed metal wool-baling straps on the verandahs, which gave both shade and privacy. Inside are furnishings, needlework and the everyday items used by families at the turn of the century, offering a rare insight into the life of the early pioneers who opened up the central west.
The home stayed in the Langenbaker family for exactly a century. In 1991, the house was bought by the Ilfracombe Shire Council because of its special place in the history of the area. The construction is incredibly close to original condition. Inside, hardly a stick of furniture has been moved since about 1920. One of the few things that has changed over the years is the kitchen area, rebuilt after a cyclone caused some damage in 1939.
Now 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 contains authentic and rare displays, photographs, audio commentary and film.
Bottles galore
Situated right on the highway at the western end of Ilfracombe is Hilton’s Bottle Display, a big shed that is filled with rare and valuable bottles of all shapes, sizes and ages. This is a fascinating display, reputed to be one of the best in Queensland and collected over many years by local resident Hilton Jackson. Hilton also exhibits many other unusual and interesting items, and is happy to welcome visitors.
Ilfracombe’s only remaining pub, the Wellshot Hotel, has its own vibrant history. Drop in for a meal or have a drink in the iconic bar.
Artesian spa and barbie
A swimming pool, artesian spa, children’s playground and barbecue facilities are all set in the welcoming surroundings of the Memorial Park, where the whole family can cool off, unwind and enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal.
The spa is heated to a comfortable 34 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
An interpretation centre, the Wellshot Centre, is an important addition to the existing displays in town and tells the story of the origin and development of one of Australia’s greatest sheep stations, Wellshot Station. This is also the town’s visitor information centre. All attractions and facilities in Ilfracombe are offered at no charge, in keeping with Ilfracombe’s policy of “freely sharing its heritage” with the public.
Another building on the site is an old police cell. Built in 1901 and used for more than 70 years, its construction features steel sheeting sandwiched between two layers of timber.
Happy hour ... or two
You won’t believe how much fun you can have when you stay at Ilfracombe Van Park, situated about 150m from the pool and spa complex.
Owners Jesse and Cathy Hitson are bringing a great atmosphere to the park as well as all the facilities you could need. Most nights, they supply free nibblies - like garlic bread and wedges, Jatz and dips - for a happy hour at the park.
Guests bring their own drinks and wander over to the big barbecue area, complete with old iron and gidyea timber in the best tradition of bush architecture. The area features a huge fireplace, with petrified wood built into it. Jesse finished it in 2005, but the spot looks like it’s been in use for a century or more. It’s a great place to kick back, listen to some local stories and jokes and maybe bring out your own musical instrument. Jesse often turns on a bit of entertainment himself. Usually, the happy hour turns into two happy hours.
If you’re not bringing your own van, book in to one of the park’s self-contained, air-conditioned cabins. Linen is supplied.
