Loudon Mill built in 1884 at Irvinebank

Irvinebank
A mining town which is a living museum.
At first glance Irvinebank looks as though it is nothing more than a newish pub, a few old buildings, a disused railway station and a tin mill which has fallen into disrepair. In fact it is one of those rare towns which is a kind of living museum. A place where time has stood still.

The town was named after the River Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland near the home of the town's founder John Moffat. In every sense Irvinebank is Moffat's town. In fact locals claim that schoolchildren in the town used to say 'God Bless John Moffat' each morning in thanks to their benefactor.

Tin was discovered in the town in 1882 by a group of prospectors named James Gibbs, Jim McDonald, Bill Eales, Andy Thompson, Dave and Jack Green and Jack Pollard. At the time the tiny settlement was known simply as Gibbs Camp. These early prospectors were bought out by John Moffat who established a joint mining venture (his partners were Reid and Young) known as the Great Northern Tin Mine.

Moffat had gained experience of tin mining in northern New South Wales and he brought this to bear when, in1884, he constructed the Loudon Mill.

A few years later, in 1889, the Vulcan tin lode was discovered by a party of Italian charcoal burners. The Vulcan Mine (once the deepest tin mine in Australia reaching to a depth of 440 metres) is widely regarded as north Queensland's most successful tin mine having yielded 10,200 tons of tin concentrate during its 40 year life.

In 1907 the railway reached the town winding its way up the valley beside the dam and through a series of switchbacks arriving above the Loudon Mill.

By 1911 the town had a population of 1269 people and there were 5 hotels. In 1913 an elaborate aerial tramway was built to carry tin ore from the Vulcan mine to the Loudon Mill.

The Vulcan was eventually closed down but not before it had helped to create the Australian Workers Association which later developed into the Australian Workers Union. It was also responsible for the early careers of two famous Queensland premiers, EG 'Red Ted' Theodore and Bill McCormack.

World War I played havoc with the economy of the town. Many of the men went off to war. The Queensland Government took over the mining company in 1919 but by 1920 the smelters had been closed down and by the mid-1920s the main batteries had been closed down. The works were sold to a private company in 1983.

The town's economic viability (there are still nearly 120 people living around the town) depends on world prices for tin. A decade ago the mill was operating two 12 hour shifts five days a week but a downturn in tin prices has resulted in its closure.

Things to see:  

Historic Buildings
The National Trust has listed a number of the town's buildings including the Loudon Mill built in 1884, the former Queensland National Bank - a very atypical brick building in an area of timber constructions - which was built in 1905 and closed for banking business in 1924. It is a prominent landmark and is now owned by the Hilla family who run the mill and organise tours around the town.

There is also John Moffat's gracious house which is at the top of the hill behind the old bank building. The house has an interesting display of photographs of the area and some superb cedar furniture which was originally owned by Moffat. Known as Loudoun House it is now a museum and is a good place to start any exploration of the town. The museum is open every day and for more information contact (07) 4096 4020.

	Tourist Information
	Irvinebank Tavern McDonald St Irvinebank QLD 4872 Telephone: (07) 4096 4176
	Restaurants
	Irvinebank Tavern McDonald St Irvinebank QLD 4872 Telephone: (07) 4096 4176