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Historic Ilfracombe Excursion - Silver Bullet Railmotors & Outback Heritage
- Aug 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Historic Ilfracombe Excursion - Silver Bullet Railmotors & Outback Heritage
Stepping aboard the Historic Ilfracombe Excursion felt like travelling back to a slower, more romantic era of outback rail travel. Operated by Outback Rail Adventure, this relaxed half-day journey took us from Longreach to Ilfracombe in Outback Queensland, aboard beautifully restored Silver Bullet railmotors, combining classic rail nostalgia with rich outback history, wide-open landscapes, and a hearty pub lunch at one of Queensland’s most historic hotels.
Boarding the Silver Bullet in Longreach
Our day began at the Longreach Railway Station, where we met the friendly team from Outback Rail Adventure and boarded our train for the journey ahead. Waiting on the platform were the iconic Silver Bullet railmotors, RM2034 and RM2036 — sleek, silver, and full of character. At 17 metres long, these 2000-class railmotors were built in 1971 and fitted with powerful 12.5-litre Leyland engines.
Originally, these railmotors serviced Brisbane’s southside and Queensland’s north coast routes to Gympie and Bundaberg. In October 2022, they were carefully relocated from Ipswich to Longreach, giving them a new lease on life in the outback
A Scenic Rail Journey Across the Plains
Once onboard, we settled into our comfortable seats and watched the landscape slowly unfold through the large windows. The 40-minute journey to Ilfracombe was wonderfully unhurried. As the train rolled across the vast open plains, we spotted birds and wildlife and listened to engaging commentary about the region, the railway, and life in Outback Queensland. There’s something special about seeing this landscape by rail — it gives you time to absorb the scale, silence, and beauty of the country.
Arriving in Historic Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe was founded in 1891 and quickly became an important transport hub for Wellshot Station, which once held the largest number of sheep on any station in the world. Today, Ilfracombe may be small, but it’s rich in outback character. The town is home to a traditional pub, an artesian bore bath and swimming pool, and several fascinating historical attractions — all within easy walking distance from the station.
Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile
One of our first stops was the Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile, located along the main road. This impressive outdoor display features an extensive collection of vintage machinery, generously donated by members of the local community. Each piece tells a story of the region’s pastoral and mechanical past, and it’s a great way to understand how life and work once operated in this remote part of Queensland.
The Wellshot Centre
Next, we visited the Wellshot Centre, which tells the remarkable story of Wellshot Station — one of Australia’s greatest sheep stations. Inside, exhibits trace the station’s early settlement, how it was formed, and what daily life was like for those who lived and worked there. The displays provide valuable insight into the sheer scale of operations and the resilience required to thrive in the outback.
Lunch at the Historic Wellshot Hotel
No visit to Ilfracombe would be complete without stopping at the Wellshot Hotel.
Originally established in the 1880s, the pub has a fascinating history — it was famously moved along the railway line from Barcaldine and re-erected on its current site in 1890.
Today, the Wellshot Hotel is full of outback charm, with quirky bar stools, walls lined with memorabilia, hot coffee, cold drinks, and hearty pub meals. Lunch here was relaxed, welcoming, and the perfect way to round out our time in town.
Langenbaker House
After lunch we wandered over to see Langenbaker House, dating back to 1892. This rustic old residence is an early example of Ilfracombe housing, built from timber and corrugated iron.
Why we Enjoyed the Historic Ilfracombe Excursion
The Historic Ilfracombe Excursion is a wonderful blend of heritage rail travel, outback storytelling, and small-town charm. Travelling by Silver Bullet railmotor adds a nostalgic element that makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
For us, it was a relaxed and fascinating half-day experience — a chance to slow down, soak up outback history, and enjoy a classic Queensland pub lunch. If you’re visiting Longreach, this excursion is a brilliant way to experience the region beyond town limits.
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