In western Queensland, the Ilfracombe Historical Society has garnered tractors, trucks and heavy machinery from properties all over the district and placed them in a line beside the highway. Each piece of equipment has been painted up in its original colours with a plaque telling of its history. This, in an unusual way gives the history of the area from a farming perspective. Doing the “Machinery Mile” is fascinating.

At Ilfracombe’s only hotel, The Wellshot, there’s a hat collection on the ceiling. Worn out and holey old Akubras and others are nailed up with details of the owners name and occupation. Drovers, ringers and police, even country singer Lee Kernaghan. But pride of place goes to the straw hat of Ilfracombe’s most famous daughter the recent Governor General Quentin Bryce. Also pinned to the ceiling like mauve origami butterflies are dozens of $5 notes. These notes are donations to the much loved historical society.