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In the arid and remote Queensland outback, the city of Mount Isa was established in the 1920s when a solitary prospector discovered one of the world’s largest metal deposits. Within a few years, Mount Isa evolved into a fully functional town connected to the coast by railway.
Mount Isa Mines has generated unprecedented quantities of zinc, silver, and copper. Above ground, this industry is predominantly located in Mineside on the western banks of the Leichhardt River, whereas most of the amenities and the venue for the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere are situated in Townside on the eastern banks.
Mount Isa serves as the nearest city to Boodjamulla National Park, celebrated for its striking red sandstone gorges and vast fossil fields that chronicle the evolution of Australian mammals over millions of years.
1. Outback at Isa
The initial point for all visitors to Mount Isa must be this attraction, which integrates a mine tour, visitor center, regional art gallery, museum exhibits, and beautifully landscaped park land.
This venue offers the Isa Experience, which provides various insights into the city, including its mining heritage and its significance to the Kalkadoon Aboriginal tribe.
The Rodeo Hall of Fame, inaugurated in 2018, showcases the bulls, bucking horses, cowboys, and cowgirls who have etched their names in Mount Isa’s history.
Outdoors, the Outback Park resembles a miniature version of Lawn Hill Gorge, featuring lush native plants and a waterfall.
2. Hard Times Mine Tour
At Outback at Isa, visitors can learn about the rodeo culture and the natural resources surrounding Mount Isa.
This show mine, designed and operated by experienced individuals from Mount Isa’s mining sector, offers an invaluable perspective into underground work.
By participating in this tour, guests can don overalls and cap lamps as they descend in an Alimak cage and discover firsthand the operation of underground mining.
Your guide will share a wealth of information, anecdotes, and insights regarding the mining process and the equipment employed.
3. Mary Kathleen
Historically, there existed a thriving town named Mary Kathleen located six kilometers from a uranium mine, with a peak population of over 1,200 inhabitants until the early 1980s.
This town featured a school, cinema, sports facilities, and a post office. However, following the mine’s closure, both the mine and town underwent rehabilitation to permit nature to reclaim the area.
Now accessible to overnight campers, the remnants of Mary Kathleen offer an explorative experience perfect for urban adventurers and photography enthusiasts, with haunting structures and breathtaking views of the striking blue waters at the open-cut mine site.
4. Underground Hospital and Museum
The Second World War profoundly impacted the northern territories of Australia, especially after the bombing of Darwin in February 1942. Given Mount Isa’s vital copper deposits and minimal military presence, it was deemed vulnerable.
As a precaution, the Mount Isa District Hospital was relocated underground, where three parallel tunnels totaling 100 meters were excavated, complete with a vertical ventilation shaft.
This facility contained all essentials of a hospital from that era, including a surgical theater, delivery unit, and separate wards for men, women, and children.
Ultimately, Mount Isa was never subjected to an air raid, leading to the tunnels being abandoned until they gained heritage listing in 1999, subsequently reopening as a museum highlighting this significant historical facet.
5. Mount Isa Lookout
The defining peak of Mount Isa rises prominently above the rodeo grounds on Townside, offering panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding bushland.
A splendid way to spend an evening is to visit the lookout with a picnic, where one can witness one of the most picturesque sunsets imaginable.
An interesting feature is the signpost that indicates directions and distances to various global locations, including the North and South Pole, Nouméa, Rome, Edinburgh, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.
6. Riversleigh Fossil Centre
The World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, situated in the southern region of Boodjamulla National Park, boast some of the most significant fossil deposits globally.
Preserved in limestone approximately 350 kilometers north of Mount Isa, this site offers a remarkable record of mammalian evolution within Australia’s isolated environment.
The fields continually yield astonishing discoveries, such as the newly identified marsupial lion in 2020. For those who may not wish to embark on a lengthy journey into the outback, there is a visitor center adjacent to Outback at Isa that underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in mid-2020. This center features high-tech ambient soundscapes and lighting to showcase impressive fossil specimens dating back 25 million years, interactive displays, and life-sized models of ancient mammals.
7. Lake Moondarra
The source of water for both the city and Mount Isa Mines is Lake Moondarra, a reservoir on the Leichhardt River, located a few kilometers upstream and surrounded by ochre-red hills.
This lake was constructed in 1958, and its Aboriginal name translates to “plenty of rain and also thunder.” The enchanting oasis of freshwater offers beautiful views along the sealed access roads, making it an ideal recreational location.
Boasting several sheltered areas, it is regarded as one of the finest spots in Mount Isa for barbecues, with breathtaking sunsets.
While strolling along the lake’s edge, one may observe cormorants, pelicans, ducks, and galahs, and the waters are regularly stocked with barramundi, which can be fished without a license, though catch limits apply.
8. Telstra Hill
Located a few kilometers east off the Barkly Highway, Telstra Hill is topped with an unofficial lookout, easily identified by the telecommunications tower on its summit.
Although unmarked, there is an older path leading to the peak, which is best traversed on foot. Due to limited tree cover, visiting Telstra Hill is advisable outside of the summer heat, either early in the morning or late in the day.
Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Mount Isa and its arid surroundings, especially during dawn or dusk.
9. Splashez Public Pool
For families seeking recreation on a hot summer day, the Splashez Public Pool in town offers a host of amenities.
Of particular note is the ample shading provided by extensive sails over the main 50-meter pool and the landscaped areas, where visitors can unwind.
The facility includes a separate children’s pool and an engaging play area with various water features.
Additionally, there is a café on site serving snacks and full meals, accompanied by barbecue facilities with ample covered seating.
10. John Campbell Miles Clock
This monument, located at the roundabout for Rodeo Drive and Miles Street, offers insight into Mount Isa’s European heritage.
Within lies the ashes of John Campbell Miles (1883-1965), an itinerant prospector who discovered one of the most lucrative deposits of zinc, copper, and silver in this remote area in 1923. The structure features a tower supported by three pillars, symbolizing Mount Isa Mines, Mount Isa Shire Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Interpretive plaques at the base provide information on topics such as Mount Isa’s mineral heritage and its traditional owners, the Kalkadoon people.
11. Mount Isa Family Fun Park
Before exploring the industrial sector on the western bank of the Leichhardt River, families can enjoy a well-kept public play area designed for children of various ages.
Under expansive canvas canopies, the park features modern climbing structures, roundabouts, swings, and slides, all set on safe rubberized surfaces.
A notable attraction is the zero-depth water playground, equipped with a variety of jets, sprays, and funnels.
Moreover, shaded barbecue facilities are available for when you need a break or a meal.
12. Mount Isa City Tour
Given the summer temperatures in the mid-40s, it is prudent to allow an experienced guide to navigate the city while learning about Mount Isa’s rich history.
This two-hour interpretive tour is conducted in an air-conditioned coach provided by North West Tours.
Starting from Outback at Isa, participants will observe the city’s stunning residences, discover the legendary rodeo, and learn about the indigenous flora flourishing in this remote region.
The extensive mining infrastructure, including the original Copper open-cut pit and the massive lead smelter, is a focal point of the tour. Additionally, visitors will be briefed on the monumental task of connecting Mount Isa by railway to the port at Townsville in the 1920s, alongside Casa Grande, the heritage-listed residence of the Mount Isa Mines’ managing director.
13. Lawn Hill Gorge
When planning a trip to Boodjamulla National Park, ensure to prepare extra fuel, water, and food for the extensive journey along the Barkly Highway.
While accessing this park can be challenging, it ranks among the most stunning national parks in the state, characterized by sandstone peaks, deep gorges, and sheer red cliffs.
A must-visit location is Lawn Hill Gorge, located along the creek fed by freshwater springs.
The gorge offers breathtaking scenery, with towering cliffs, cascading water, lush vegetation, and sparkling emerald waters.
Visitors can immerse in the creek and appreciate the serene beauty via kayaking (where freshwater crocodiles tend to be rather elusive). On land, hiking to the various lookouts within the gorge proves rewarding.
14. Riversleigh Fossil Fields
Dedicated travelers seeking unique experiences can find additional motivation to explore Boodjamulla National Park through the renowned mammal fossil sites at Riversleigh.
Acclaimed conservationist David Attenborough has labeled this site as one of the planet’s four most significant fossil deposits.
Although the current landscape appears stark and barren, it was once a vibrant rainforest teeming with diverse life millions of years ago.
The fossil fields span tens of thousands of hectares, and although only a small part is open to the public, it provides an intriguing glimpse into this remarkable site.
This Site D showcases fossilized remnants, featuring animals that are now extinct, such as the largest-known freshwater crocodiles and giant flightless birds.
