Introduction to today's journey
Known as the 'Hub of the East', Ilfracombe is a small town near Longreach with a long sheep and wool production history. The town was established in 1891 supporting the surrounding farming community being named after a small town in Devon, England. The most obvious landmark in the town is the 'Machinery Mile' showcasing farming equipment stretching back over a century. Across the road is the historic Wellshot Hotel, one of the oldest and iconic pubs in the region. It offers a glimpse into the region's social history, where talks of the outback come to life. Ilfracome's warm community spirit and determination to preserve the rich farming history make it a living archive of the pioneering days and a testament to the enduring character of the Australian outback.
Today's journey flies out from Brisbane heading into the Queensland outback, landing at Longreach before exploring nearby Ilfracombe.
Today's Journey
 |
Starting from Brisbane airport, I catch a small turboprop plane. |
 |
After clearing the Great Dividing Range, the land far below is is very flat as we head out towards the outback. |
 |
After flying 1100 kilometres inland from Brisbane we descend into Longreach Airport in the Queensland outback. |
 |
Upon leaving the airport, we quickly pass through the town centre before heading south eastward. The first thing I notice here is the land is dead flat in all directions with not a hill in sight to get my bearings. The grass here is a lot greener than I expected due to a lot of rain falling here this year. |
 |
After passing through twenty seven kilometres of flat farmland, we reach the small town of Ilfracombe which is little more than a post office and a hotel with a scattering of small houses. |
 |
The highlight here is the Mechanics Mile, where a lot of old farm vehicles and machinery are displayed along the side of the main highway. |
 |
Some old machinery painted up for display along Mechanics Mile. |
 |
A one hundred year old steam traction engine. |
 |
A few old tractors that have long seen their day. |
 |
The tiny Ilfracombe Railway Station. |
 |
We cross the road and head into the surprisingly busy historic Wellshot Hotel for dinner. |
 |
A spectacular sunset fills the western sky as we eat dinner. The sky quickly darkens before we head back to Longreach in the total darkness of night along the dead straight road. |
|
