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Irvinebank Queensland is a small historic settlement, not far from Herberton on the Tablelands of Far North Queensland. It’s extremely well hidden, with a scenic dirt road connection. If you plan to visit Herberton, and you should, consider adding a drive out to Irvinebank, for yet another slice of history and quirkyness in the Mareeba Shire.
Herberton and Irvinebank are accessible from Cairns or Port Douglas, and should be on any FNQ roadtrip itinerary.
Irvinebank
Irvinebank was founded by John Moffat, a Scot, and was a bustling tin town and an important location in Queensland’s mining history.
Loudoun Mill in Irvinebank opened in 1884. Loudon House was Moffat’s home, and this house is the Irvinebank Museum today. Loudoun is the place in Scotland where Moffat was born.
Formerly known as Gibb’s Camp or Town, the name was changed by Moffat in 1883. He named it after the River Irvine in his native Scotland. Hence, the Scottish and Australian flags flying over the museum today.
James Gibbs, a tin prospector, had named the camp after himself in 1882. (source)
Irvinebank held the largest tin battery and smelter in Australia for decades, and was connected to the Chillago Railway. Today almost nothing remains of the tin works.
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In 1884 Irvinebank became notorious for a massacre of local Aboriginal people.
Interestingly, Jose Paronella, the Spaniard who went on to build Paronella Park, was once emplyed in the tin industry in Irvinebank.
Today Irvinebank’s population is around 100 people. The 2021 census listed 113 individuals. (source)
Loudoun House Museum Irvinebank
It’s worth paying the few dollars in admission to explore Loundoun House, you will learn a lot. As you can see from the photos above, the house is filled with furniture, clothing and artifacts of the past. There are also informative displays of photos and information.
The building itself is the oldest high-set timber and corrugated iron building in North Queensland. You can get a glimpse of what pioneer life was like, in the days before air conditioning and modern conveniences. It must have been tough, even for the inhabitants of such a fancy home.
You can find opening hours and admission costs here.
Brian’s Shed Irvinebank
Brian’s Shed houses a quirky collection of rusty vintage equipment, mine gear, vehicles, and more. You can see a lot of them from the main road, but I believe that Brian will let you in to have a closer look if you find him.
Brian has his workshop here and he keeps many of the antique vehicles running to this day.
Other Historical Buildings Around Irvinebank
The School of Performing Arts is a heritage building near the museum, you may also see Irvinebank State School, The Old Police Station and Courthouse, plus many old tin buildings mostly falling into ruins.
Jumna Dam
Jumna Dam is a scenic lake about 5km from Irvinebank. Dogs and power boats are prohibited, but you could stop by to take in the views and camping is allowed for the fully self-contained. Details on access to state owned damns are here, including Jumna.
Irvinebank Festival
The Irvinebank Festival is held in October each year. It’s a celebration of heritage and of the community, with stalls and live music. In 2026 it’d due to be held over the 31st July to the 1st of August.
Irvinebank Weather and When To Visit
Our photos of Irvinebank were taken in October, on the day of the Herberton Jacaranda Festival. As you can see, it was a beautiful day. It’s a great time to visit and to see the stunning purple blooms of spring.
Avoid the wet season, as for anywhere in Far North Queensland, it will be too hot and likely too wet. There are risks of flooding.
The cool winter months would be a good time to visit, or be there for the Irvinebank Festival ( John Moffat Festival) in July/August. In 2026 it is held over July 31st and August 1st. Festival details are here. Please check those dates and what’s on for yourself, full details aren’t released yet.
Irvinebank Tavern
When we last visited Irvinebank, a local resident told us that the tavern or pub had closed down. Instead, locals were organising public social evenings on Saturdays with food and drinks. Apparently, the old tavern building was destroyed by fires in the 1980s.
Food in Irvinebank
When we visited there was no restaurant in Irvinebank. There was a small convenience store, you may be able to get something to eat there.
Irvinebank Accommodation
Irvinebank has free camping at Bill Newburn Park. The nearest hotels or self catering accomodation is probably in Herberton. Try Tin Town Suites, Herberton Railway Station Master’s House, (which looks amazing and has room for a family or group) or Herberton Townhouse.
You could stay in Cairns and visit Herberton and Irvinebank for the day, the drive is only about 2 hours. Find hotels in Cairns here.
Invinebank Camping
Mount Albion Station & Camping
A working cattle station with camping spots near swimming holes and firepits. Their phone number is on the map here.
Bill Newburn Park Irvinebank
Free camping in Irvinebank. Toilets and hot showers are available for a small donation. They are on Google Maps here, but I can’t find a phone number.
Gibbs Creek Guest Rooms Irvinebank, Gibbs Lane
Self contained cabins, hidden away in a natural environment, unfortunately I can’t find any online presence for you to book. If you find them on Google Maps, here, there is a phone number.
Learn More About Irvinebank’s History & Historical Photos
We found this pdf from the Queensland Historical society. Learn more about John Moffat here. The Irvinebank Museum website is here. For amazing historical photos of Irvinebank, go here.
Is It Worth Visiting Irvinebank?
Yes, we really enjoyed our visit to Irvinebank and the museum. We live fairly locally and had visited Herberton Historic Village and other local attractions several time. Taking a drive out to Irvinebank for the first time deepened our understanding of local history.
We would recommend you pack a picnic and take cold drinks as there was no food available when we visited.
