irvinebank

such an amazing wee hidden super little place with so much amazing history there was such an enjoyable place to go, totally recommend people to go here

This is a quirky little town old mining west of Cairns. Well worth the drive. You can stop at the strange little pub for a drink, would suggest your take a picnic for lunch. Some great old very old queenslanders, and a museum...small entrance fee.

Irvinebank is situated a couple of hours south west of Cairns, the turn off can be found just before you drive into Herberton from the direction of Atherton. You drive along some good dirt road for a short while and suddenly you come to this odd little town. It is greener than surrounding landscape and its kind of like a time warp. Attractions there are the old tin museum and the free thinker cottage which has some old motor vehicles on display. the guy who owns it is friendly and will show you around and tell you the history of the vehicles. The museum is not always open, one day we were at the Irvinebank Tavern and enquired and they arranged for the man who runs it to open up for us. We always lunch at the Tavern and the food is pub fare but good. This last visit we sat outside and the kookaburras and butcher birds joined us but they were very polite. There really is not a lot at Irvinebank but the atmosphere is very peaceful and the people always friendly, its a nice drive and you can go out the other side through to Petford and back to cairns via Dimbulah, Mutchilba and Marbeeba. Everyone I know who has been to Irvinebank say they like it and most of us have been several times. Caravan access is good and the Tavern has cabins overlooking the lake.

Irvinebank was the seat of John Moffat's mining empire and was established in the 1880's. It's a cool green settlement on the banks of Gibbs Creek and offers welcome respite from the usually dry and rugged surrounding countryside. The population is about 300 and has a hotel providing meals and accomodation. A dam that serviced the tin smelter (Loudon mill) is situated adjacent to the road through town and is popular with the local children in the hotter months. Irvinebank's mining history is the main attraction for visitors. Loudon House (Moffat's original residence) overlooks the town and is now a museum. The Queensland National Bank and the School of Arts are majestic buildings that reflect the one time prosperity of the town. Well worth a visit if you're into things of yesteryear and the isolation of the Australian bush.