We decided to stay at Ilfracombe rather than going on to Longreach; we had been told by several other travellers that if we were heading west stay at the Ilfracombe park based on their experience and we are so glad we did. Longreach is further west by 27km so it is no big deal in getting to the tourist attractions but my recommendation would be to stay at this family owned park, not just for the great rates ($22 per night during our stay) but for the whole atmosphere of the place, friendliness, and great entertainment late afternoon and evening. The park facilities were spotless and a pleasure to use.
Jesse & Cathryn are the owners and involve themselves in every happy hour; fantastic humorous bush poetry and yarns by Jesse makes the place so welcoming and the family hospitality shown by Cath and the kids tops it off. We also met up with Dennis & Shirley at the park (along with many others), they were great long time friends of Jesse & Cathryn and were helping out on there travels as they often do; in all we had a great time and would stay for longer on our next visit.
The town has a population (according to my research) of approximately 300; if I have got it wrong my apologies to the more knowledgeable, apologies also for any names spelled incorrectly.
Above shows part of the park and our location, the grounds are a typical “welcome to the west” environment; this for us was well received as it was the first slab site we had been on since Gayndah.
Happy hour in the shed; this shot was taken late afternoon (based on my normal bedtime) but it kicked on well into the early evening with heaps of fun for all.
The pub above sits proudly on the main highway through to Longreach and my understanding is the whole area was originally the Wellshot Station property; the beer was cold and the hospitality was great.
Ilfracombe boasts several points of interest all of which are free but it is appreciated if a gold coin donation is made to assist in the maintenance and upkeep of some of the displays. The above is what is called the “Machinery Mile” which displays along the main highway some of the oldest and most extensive equipment displays. Most have been donated and moved to site at no charge to maintain the history of the region.
Above is the “Hiltons Bottles” display; the photo does not really do justice as this would be only 5% of the total collection; there is also a lot of other memorabilia to look at and on entering the gate a small steel container is there if you wish to donate to the upkeep and cleaning of the bottles.
There is a lot of other historical places and must do’s in Ilfracombe (Langenbaker House, Romani Hall, Wellshot Centre, Memorial Park etc) and we would certainly go back for another bash, by the way the cafe and store on the highway is well worth the stop for coffee and food (full on espressos,cappuccinos etc).
Summarising this is a great place to stay for a few days or longer (we would have loved a week or so); the park, staff and management are first class and you would need your head read if you bypass this for Longreach, ring ahead to book as you could be disappointed in just rolling up as the park is well patronised.
ON TO LONGREACH
Headed in to Longreach for the day to take in some of the sights; the town is quite substantial in services and has a population of around 4000, plenty of pups along with an IGA and a Crazy Clarks for those that have the “$2 items” withdrawal syndrome. We only did the one main tourist venture and we (Linda) decided on the “Hall of Fame”; my choice would have been Qantas but thats for the next trip when we roll back in from Townsville.
You know what they say about a woman being a perfect height (somewhere to place your stubbie etc) well Linda is just at that right height for the “Ringer” which stands just outside the Hall of Fame. Not sure what she found behind his leg but he seemed to have a smile on his dial.
The sign is just in front of the ringer.
One of the exhibits inside the hall of fame; it is a great place to visit but it is fairly dark inside and there is a lot of reading involved. In talking to other visitors it seems to be divided opinions on this tourist venue and Qantas in “bang for your buck”. Entry into the hall of fame is $22.50 each and for an extra $5 each includes a 1 hour show with cattle dogs (highly recommended). Not sure what the Qantas venue was charging but I believe it was a similar amount.
Will post again soon. Regards – David & Linda – The DavLin Rig.
