Clancy's Overflow Hotel

Isisford
Tiny township which was an important centre a century ago.
Located 117 km south of Ilfracombe and 1160 km from Brisbane, Isisford is a charming little settlement which has not changed significantly since the turn of the century.

It is said that Isisford came into existence in 1877 when two hawkers, William and James Whitman, broke an axle crossing the Isis River. They decided to settle on the banks of the river and over the next decade they virtually built the whole town including a general store, a blacksmith's store, a hotel (at its peak the town had five hotels), a butcher's shop and a saddlery. In 1910, it became part of the first motorised postal service in Australia, extending from Ilfracombe to Isisford.

Today Isisford has become symptomatic of the problems which exist in western Queensland and the ways the 'modernisation' and 'efficiency' have changed the nature of these small towns. The locals can recall that only 25 years ago 'Isis Downs', which is the largest property in the shire, employed over 35 people. Add to this the wives and children and the property was an important part of the economy of the town. Today 'Isis Downs', now owned by Kerry Packer who owns a number (at least three) of properties in the Isisford Shire, is run by a staff which probably doesn't exceed five. Frank Wright will still declare that he can't believe that a property can be run efficiently by such a small staff. The answer is that light aircraft, helicopters, 4WD vehicles and motorbikes are much more efficient than horses.

Isisford hit the news in 1989 when a recent arrival from the south declared himself a 'Gay Rights' candidate for the electorate thus shaking the conservative populous to the core. The media swarmed into the town while the candidate, declaring persecution, fled to Cairns to run his campaign.

Things to see:  

Isisford Museum
A sense of the history of Isisford can be gleaned from a visit to the town's small museum which is located behind the Shire Hall in the main street. Keys to the museum are obtainable from the Shire Council Chambers next door or from Frank Wright who lives next door to the Clancy's Overflow Hotel at the eastern end of the main street. The museum is basically a photographic collection of memorabilia of the town and the surrounding region and as such is a record of the way this town, which was once a substantial settlement, has slowly declined.

Isis Downs Station
A number of travel guides suggest that visits to 'Isis Downs', 20 km south of Isisford, are welcome. While the manager does not turn people away he is at pains to point out that it is a working property and that there are no facilities or staff to show people around. The cause of interest is the huge shearing shed on the property. Semi-circular in shape it was prefabricated in England, shipped to Australia, and erected on Isis Downs in 1911. It was the first electrified shearing shed in Australia and the old steam engines and equipment are still in evidence although, obviously, they are not being used and have not been put on display. It is still the largest shearing shed in Australia.

The shed, which can be seen from the road, would only really be of interest to people who have some connection with the wool and sheep industries or who are interested in early Australian rural history. The 'Isis Downs' manager points out that about 80 per cent of his visitors are 'cockies' or graziers.

	Tourist Information
	Shire Council Offices St. Mary St Isisford QLD 4731 Telephone: (07) 4658 8277 Facsimile: (07) 4658 8270
	Hotels
	Clancy's Overflow Hotel St Marys St Isisford QLD 4731 Telephone: (07) 4658 8210
	Golden West Hotel St Marys St Isisford QLD 4731 Telephone: (07) 4658 8222
	Restaurants
	Clancy's Overflow Hotel St Marys St Isisford QLD 4731 Telephone: (07) 4658 8210
	Golden West Hotel St Marys St Isisford QLD 4731 Telephone: (07) 4658 8222