IIlfracombe’s only pub, the Wellshot Hotel, has its own vibrant history and has become one of the great icons of western Queensland.

Originally known as the Withersfield Hotel near Anakie, the pub was dismantled, loaded onto bullock wagons, and progressively moved westward as the railway crept across the State. The pub arrived on its present site in 1890, and when the railhead finally caught up with it in 1891, the township of Ilfracombe was born. The pub was renamed the Wellshot Hotel and it has stayed put for more years than most Australian weatherboard hotels survive!

Admire the hats that form an unusual border around the ceiling of the bar. And what’s the story with the money attached to the ceiling?

Drop in for a drink in the iconic bar. There is a woolpress table filled with fine merino wool, and the lounge boasts a unique bar made from an old opened-out wool press. You can spend hours browsing the informative and absorbing bits of history that adorn the walls.

On a cool night, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in the lounge as you tuck into hearty dinners that are served seven days a week, or sit outside under the spectacular night sky.

There are no poker machines and you won’t find a sophisticated club atmosphere here. This is an unashamedly old-fashioned bush pub, where history has been breathed into its very timbers. Yarn with the locals while you enjoy the best traditions of true bush hospitality. Come and see for yourself. It’s open from 10.00am until late.

For those who’d like to stay, there are seven air-conditioned hotel rooms (double and twin) that open onto a comfortable bush verandah.