Welcome to Mount Isa, nestled in the far north west of Queensland, a warm and inviting Outback haven. Whether you’re into fishing, four-wheel driving, water sports, camping, or simply savouring an Outback sunset or stargazing under the vast, unending sky, Mount Isa invites you to ‘See the other side of Queensland’.
Located within the Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre is the Isa Experience Heritage Display Museum, Hard Times Mine Underground Tour, Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, Outback at Isa Café, Regional Art Gallery and Outback Park Native Botanical Garden as well as the Rodeo Hall of Fame.
The Hard Times Mine Underground Tour will give you a fascinating insight into Australia’s deepest underground mine network where you’ll be taken through Mount Isa’s mining history. Donning high-vis vests and standard issue miners’ boots for the tour, as well as a hard hat and cap lamp, you can see everything just as the miners do.
The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa showcases the fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Riversleigh is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites and home to one of the most significant fossil deposits worldwide that tells a unique story of the evolution of Australia’s wildlife.
When World War II visited the shores of Darwin in 1942, Mount Isa’s authorities were concerned that their district hospital could be targeted by air raids. So, off-duty miners volunteered their time to build a new hospital underground. Today, visitors can wander through the Underground Hospital on a guided tour to learn how it functioned. On your visit you will also take in the Beth Anderson Museum that features a compelling array of antique medical equipment, and the Tent House, part of a community established in 1930 to accommodate the booming population. If you are looking for a unique nighttime experience the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum offer Twilight Tours by Hurricane Lamp.
Entry to the tunnels is by guided tour only and bookings are highly recommended. Tours can be booked online at Underground Hospital.
Lake Moondarra is situated just 16 kilometres north east of Mount Isa. Access to the lake is by a sealed road and offers a picturesque shoreline drive.
The lake’s safe, still water encourages swimming, boating and canoeing. It has also been stocked with barramundi to lure the anglers for an excellent spot of fishing. Permits are not required to fish at Lake Moondarra, but catch limits do apply.
There are several scenic picnic areas located around the lake with large shady trees and these are some of the best places in Mount Isa to have barbecues.
Events to see in Mount Isa include the Mount Isa Campdraft on July 3-6, Mount Isa Mines Rodeo and the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic held annually in October. On 6 September at the Civic Centre is the Maltha Waru Arts Celebration showcasing regional Indigenous artists artwork on casual everyday clothing.that is made in Australia.
The art gallery, Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop, will be showcasing and selling local Indigenous art and handmade items.
August 7 – 9 – Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
Riversleigh Fossil Centre - Outback at Isa
Phone (within Australia) 07 4749 1555
