Mount Isa Destination Planner - 2023

WELCOME

TO MOUNT ISA

WELCOME TO NORTH WEST QUEENSLAND AND TO MOUNT ISA – the other side of Queensland! Here you’ll be able to revel in the breathtaking majesty and wonders of our rugged yet beautiful natural environment, the fascinating history of our city and its mining industry, and the Indigenous cultural wonders that stretch back many thousands of years. No matter what your age, you’re sure to find an activity that suits your interests – from water-skiing, fishing or swimming at Lake Moondarra, to four-wheel-driving throughout the region, exploring the North West’s ancient natural history and fossil record at Outback at Isa or even just a great meal at one of our many wonderful restaurants, cafés and pubs. Families can also enjoy Mount Isa’s Family Fun Precinct – which includes the Splashez Aquatic Centre, Family Fun Park and the Mount Isa Skate Park – or the many cool, leafy parks scattered throughout the city.

SO MUCH TO OFFER – We may be remote, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a wide variety of fun activities for people to participate in and enjoy across the city.

We would like to acknowledge and value Aboriginal people and their long, rich, cultural and spiritual connections to the Mount Isa area. This is evident in the stories, ceremonies, natural landmarks and the sacred objects embedded in the landscapes and waterways throughout this region today.

On your drive to Mount Isa you will travel through some of the most magnificent scenery in Australia. Coming in from the west you’ll pass through spectacular savannah grasslands, from the east you’ll see undulating ranges and from the south the remnants of an inland sea.

The staff at Outback at Isa can help with up-to-date road conditions or check:

www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au www.racq.com.au www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au

Images courtesy of Mount Isa City Council and Tourism and Events Queensland

FLIGHTS

QANTAS

Mount Isa to Brisbane and Townsville qantas.com.au or 13 13 13

VIRGIN

Mount Isa to Brisbane

virginaustralia.com or 13 67 89

REX

Mount Isa to the Gulf and Cairns

rex.com.au or 13 17 13

TRAIN

QUEENSLAND RAIL

QR operates the Inlander service between Mount Isa and Townsville. queenslandrail.com.au or 1800 872 467

BUS

BUS QUEENSLAND

Mount Isa to Brisbane and Townsville busqld.com.au or 1300 287 537

GREYHOUND

Mount Isa to Townsville and Tennant Creek (NT) greyhound.com.au or 1300 473 946

WEATHER SUMMER

(October - March) 21.9 / 35.6°C

Average Monthly Rainfall 70mm

WINTER

(April - September) 12.5 / 27.9°C

Average Monthly Rainfall 8.5mm

www.bom.gov.au

100 YEARS

OF MOUNT ISA

ABORIGINAL TRADITIONAL OWNERS

Before modern industry brought mining to the area, the region was famous for stone axes that were handmade by the Kalkadoons. Renowned for their exquisite sharpness and incredible durability, the axe heads were traded throughout Australia before the arrival of Europeans.

MINERALS, MINING AND MODERNITY

John Campbell Miles discovered Mount Isa’s rich mineral deposits in February 1923 when he picked up rocks and knew from their heavy weight that they had something important to offer. He took them to Cloncurry where a government official confirmed they were made of 78% lead. This was the birth of one of the most productive single mines in the history of the world. Mount Isa Mines Ltd was established in 1924 and was acquired by Glencore in May 2013.

Did you know

Mount Isa Mines is a mixture of open cut and underground mining methods. The Copper mine is over 1980 metres deep.

Mount Isa Mines has 4 mine sites in the region and provides work for over 3,200 employees.

EVENTSCalendar of

MARCH

11 Mount Isa St Patrick’s Day Races

APRIL

25 Anzac Day Service & Gunfire Breakfast

29 Saddles and Paddles

Gregory Downs Races

30 Gregory Canoe Classic

MAY

6 Mount Isa 100 Years Gala Dinner

7 Road to Rodeo Mount Isa

10–11 North West MPX

14 Mount Isa Mother’s Day Races

JUNE 3 Mount Isa Cup Races

23–24 Mount Isa Show

JULY

11–12 Queensland Ballet Community Engagement Program

16 MICE 100

21–23 Outback Queensland Masters

30 Quamby Rodeo

AUGUST

9 Isa Street Festival

10 Mailman Express

10–13 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

25–27 Camooweal Drovers Fest

SEPTEMBER 23 Spring Cup Races

OCTOBER

27–29 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic

NOVEMBER 11 Remembrance Day

DECEMBER 2 Christmas Carols

JANUARY 2024

26 Australia Day

E bookings@moondarraaccommodation.com.au www.moondarraaccommodation.com.au

Come stay with us just 4km out of the town. We have powered sites, single or queen rooms, family cabins, pool, BBQ area, laundries and a restaurant offering buffet breakfast and dinner 7 days. Workforce packages available.

CITYSIDE ACCOMMODATION

20 Fourth Avenue, Mount Isa

P (07) 4749 0007 E citysidemtisa@bigpond.com

www.citysidemtisa.com.au

Cityside Accommodation offers ensuited rooms and workers accommodation for overnight or long term stays. Free Wifi, BBQ facilities and offstreet parking. Located in a quiet area minutes from the City Centre.

JULIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK

Julia Street/Old Normanton Road, Julia Creek

P (07) 4746 7108 E jccaravanpark@mckinlay.qld.gov.au www.jccaravanpark.com.au

Artesian bath houses, new amenities, drive through sites, free WiFi + pets are welcome.

The private bath houses are an unexpected surprise in the Outback. Throw in some bath salts, sip on some chilled wine, snack on nibbles and enjoy the company of partner or friend or just on your own and enjoy the view.

Award-winning Bush Dinners Monday nights during winter months – check for availability.

MOUNT ISA UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL & MUSEUM

63 Deighton Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4749 3087 E info@undergroundhospital.com www.undergroundhospital.com.au

In this fully guided tour you will uncover the story behind Australia’s first and only underground hospital. Learn of the extraordinary efforts made by local miners who volunteered their time to build a hospital underground.

Entry to the Tent House and Beth Anderson Museum included. Open 9:30am – 2pm daily, 1 April to 30 Sept. Oct to March by appointment. Bookings highly recommended. See website for tour times.

IBIS STYLES MOUNT ISA

Cnr Rodeo Drive & Camooweal Street, Mount Isa

P (07) 4743 3984 E h0575-re@accor.com

ibis Styles Mount Isa is located in the heart of Mount Isa, just a short walk from the main shopping area. Offering views of the city and the spectacular Mount Isa Mines, ibis Styles Mount Isa features 57 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar and paid secured off street parking as well as free unsecured parking.

The ideal option for business or leisure travel, ibis Styles Mount Isa is centrally located close to shops, restaurants and attractions.

GIUSEPPE’S CANTINA

Cnr Rodeo Drive & Camooweal Street, Mount Isa P (07) 4743 3984 E h0575-re@accor.com

We are embracing our rich Italian history and reinventing it with Giuseppe’s Cantina at the Verona. Italian Inspired. Animated food and drinks at its best! The menu presents a fresh take on classic Italian fare and combines traditional skills with modern ingenuity.

SUNSET TOURIST PARK

14 Sunset Drive, Mount Isa

P (07) 4743 7668 E ask@sunsettop.com.au

www.sunsettop.com.au

Come and see what true outback hospitality is like and enjoy a relaxing holiday or a short stay at Mount Isa’s most beautiful, friendly park!

Only locally owned/operated park in the Isa. Wide range of pet friendly accommodation with powered/ unpowered sites and a range of cabins to suit your budget.

Whether it’s a relaxing holiday or short stay, you’re bound to enjoy our award winning park.

THE DROVERS CAMP CAMOOWEAL

Lot 15, Barkly Highway, Camooweal

P (07) 4748 2022 E info@droverscamp.com.au www.droverscamp.com.au

Drovers Camp Festival – 4th weekend in August –1km east of Camooweal.

Droving Heritage Centre – Open daily to visitors May to Sept 9am–3pm. Guided tours May–Aug 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm.

Gift Shop, EFTPOS and Coach Tours welcome.

Bush Camping available throughout the dry season.

Caravan and RV parking can be accessed by turning left off Marian Street to Corbould Street, turn right on Ada Street, then follow signs and line markings to the parking area. There is no acccess to the parking area from Rodeo Drive.

RODEOTrail

Travelling through the outback? Don’t forget to pop into one of Western Queensland’s greatest campdrafts and rodeos along the way!

NORTH WEST

Quamby

Rodeo

July 30

Sedan Dip Races, Rodeo & Campdraft

August 18 - 20

Mount Isa Hughenden

Mines Rodeo

August 10 - 13

Cloncurry Julia Creek

Merry Muster

Aug 4 - 7

Boulia

Rodeo, Races & Campdraft

April 6 - 9

FAR WEST

Winton

Longreach

Campdraft

August 24 - 26

CENTRAL WEST

Barcaldine

Blackall

Blackall Campdraft

EAST

Biloela

Windorah

Sep 30 - Oct 1

Augathella Diggers Easter Rodeo & Fireworks April 8

Quilpie

THARGOMINDAH

Channel Country Challenge, Campdraft Gymkhana & Rodeo

April 14 - 16

SOUTH WEST

Cunnamulla

Cunnamulla Fella Round Up

June 29 - July 1

Roma

Roma’s Easter in the Country

April 6 - 11

ROMA

Roma’s Easter in the Country

April 6 – 11

BOULIA

Rodeo, Races & Campdraft

April 6 – 9

AUGATHELLA

Diggers Easter Rodeo & Fireworks

April 8

THARGOMINDAH

Channel Country Challenge, Campdraft Gymkhana & Rodeo

April 14 – 16

CUNNAMULLA

Cunnamulla Fella Round Up

June 29 – July 1

QUAMBY

Quamby Rodeo

July 30

CLONCURRY

Merry Muster

August 4 – 7

MOUNT ISA

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

August 10 – 13

Sedan Dip (100km from Julia Creek)

Sedan Dip Races, Rodeo & Campdraft

August 18 – 20

HUGHENDEN

Hughenden Campdraft

August 24 – 26

BLACKALL

Blackall Campdraft

September 30 – October 1

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND Mount Isa

Mount Isa is a hub of creative culinary locals, passionate about delivering world class meals in the Outback. Boasting innovative menus and décor to rival some inner-city cafés, hit the pavement to discover enviable coffee, incredible local beef and even some delicious gulf country barramundi.

BREAKFAST

Whether you’re after a healthy twist on the most important meal of the day, a hearty big brekky or a classic eggs benedict, Mount Isa has all your breakfast needs sorted. While the Xtra Mile Café boasts killer coffees, a daring mix of vegan, vegetarian and classic breakfast items with industrial décor to boot, Bambinos Espresso serves an all-day breakfast and lunch menu featuring classics like eggs benes and waffles, not to mention a discount for showing up with your keep cups!

For a larger group, you can’t go past The Coffee Club or Outback at Isa Café and even the Isa Hotel boasts an enviable breakfast menu until 11am.

LUNCH

With a plethora of pubs and clubs to enjoy there’s always menus a plenty for lunch in the Isa. Most clubs and pubs serve lunch until 2pm and we boast an enviable Parmi selection across all Isa Pubs and Hotels.

DINNER

Giuseppe’s Cantina is a feast for the eyes and the body! Newly renovated with an Italian menu even Nonna would envy, enjoy some cocktails and soak up the Gnocchi in this little slice of Roma, a hit with locals and visitors alike. Another Isa favourite is Tapas; don’t let our proximity to its European origins fool you, Mount Isa can hold its own with a few hidden Tapas bars ready to host your dinner plans. The Xtra Mile’s Honeypot on Fridays boast generous and well executed Tapas menus and the Redearth Boutique Hotel’s à la carte menu is perfect for a little something special. Bookings for both are recommended.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL DISCOVERY CENTRE

Get up close to one of the world’s most significant fossil finds.

Last year the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre underwent a significant transformation, with the entire attraction receiving a facelift including a new science lab, interactive displays and fascinating tours. The upgraded Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre educates, fascinates and thrills like never before.

Outback at Isa’s resident fossil enthusiast, Alan Rackham, is so passionate about Riversleigh that he’s been volunteering in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area for more than three decades with palaeontologist Dr Michael Archer’s team from the University of New South Wales.

Some of the fossils from the Riversleigh fossil fields have been dated at more than 25 million years old, when the last remaining chunk of the Gondwana supercontinent broke away to become what we now know as Australia and Antarctica.

Considering Australia’s remoteness from the rest of the world as a result, it’s really not so surprising that some of the planet’s most unusual mammals have been discovered here; creatures like feather-tailed possums, marsupial moles and the extinct marsupial lion.

The Riversleigh fossil deposit is world renowned as one of Australia’s richest and most important fossil field discoveries.

If you are planning a trip to the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, be sure to make Outback at Isa your starting point. Alan conducts daily tours and highly entertaining talks at 10am and 2pm. Tours can be booked at the Outback at Isa visitor desk.

INFORMATION

19 Marian Street, Mount Isa Outback at Isa

P: (07) 4749 1555

E: info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.discovermountisa.com.au

Open 9am-4pm daily for selfguided access; guided tours 10am & 2pm most days. Closed New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

Riversleigh Lab Tours

Adult $38; Concession $30; Child $23; Family $99 (2 adults + 2 children)

2

GREGORY DOWNS

Gregory Downs is a very small community situated on the banks of the spring fed Gregory River which flows all year round. It’s a great little stopping place as part of a trip through the Gulf Savannah region or enroute to Boodjamulla National Park and Adels Grove Campground.

INFORMATION

„ Counter meals. Lunch 12.00pm-2.00pm. Dinner 6.00pm-8.00pm

„ Modern self-contained air conditioned units

„ Hotel

„ Unpowered van sites, van storage $10 p/day

„ Diesel & unleaded petrol, laundry, public phone, ice, eftpos

„ Contact the Gregory Downs Hotel on 07 4748 5566 or gregorydownshotel@bigpond.com

ISA EXPERIENCE HERITAGE DISPLAY

Discover how Mount Isa came to be the multicultural, prosperous city of today by visiting the old days at the Isa Experience Heritage Display.

It’s a self-guided display with an array of fascinating exhibits dating back to the earliest inhabitants of the land, the Kalkadoon Indigenous tribe. You’ll learn how Mount Isa’s founding father, John Campbell Miles discovered the riches that lay beneath the earth and staked the first mining claim in 1923.

Watch a short film on the big screen in the unique water tank theatrette. Discover the various cultures that have arrived in Mount Isa and continue to thrive even now. Learn about the Kalkadoons – who they were, how they lived and what became of their tribe upon white settlement in the area. Travel through the early days and witness how people went about their daily lives in the remote outback, all those years ago.

On display at The Isa Experience are a number of relics dating back to the city’s pioneering and mining past. They include a steam train and mining equipment that were state-of-theart back in the day and which have now been superseded by world-beating technology, developed in the Isa itself.

INFORMATION

19 Marian Street Mount Isa, Outback at Isa

P: (07) 4749 1555 | E: info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.discovermountisa.com.au

Open 7 days except for New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

Mount Isa Destination Planner | 2023

RODEO HALL OF FAME

Visitors to Mount Isa can enjoy the legends of the Isa Rodeo year-round at the newly-opened Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Located at the award-winning Outback at Isa, the Hall of Fame celebrates the early beginnings of the rodeo in 1959, including the contribution of Rotary and Rotarians, cowboys, characters and legendary stock which are part of the iconic event’s history.

The Hall of Fame will not only preserve the Isa Rodeo’s colourful history but will grow and evolve over the years.

The attraction is a must-see for any visitor to the Isa. It is interactive and the stories of the rodeo are brought to life through a variety of displays, from original score sheets to the protective clothing worn by bull fighters in the arena. The Hall of Fame is located in the Isa Experience and part of the admission to the heritage display.

INFORMATION

www.isarodeo.com.au

HARD TIMES MINE

5 Underground Tour

Journey below ground for an attraction unlike any other.

The Hard Times Mine 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, from its early twentieth century origins to today. You’ll wear orange overalls and standard issue miners’ boots for the tour as well as a hard hat and cap lamp so you can see everything just as the miners see it. Inside, you’ll be asked to turn off your lamps and experience just how dark pure darkness is!

Step into the Alimak Cage (mine elevator) and feel the excitement of the descent into the underground mine. Quite the sensory journey, you’ll spend over two and a half hours travelling through 1.2 kilometres of tunnels in relative darkness and hear trucks and blasts, all the standard soundtrack of a miner’s working day. If the noise doesn’t tell you how tough miners are, the deep vibrations surely will!

You’ll wind your way through the tunnels and visit the crib room where the miners’ metal tags are hung on the board to indicate they’ve returned. Try your hand at an air leg drill, used to drill holes for the explosives to be inserted to blast through to the mine’s next stage.

Real miners lead the tours so look forward to some genuine stories from personal experience as you learn about the history of Mount Isa’s mining past. Hear about their rituals, mine culture and why a mining career often runs in families.

Did you know

INFORMATION

19 Marian Street Mount Isa, Outback at Isa

P: (07) 4749 1555

E: info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.discovermountisa.com.au

„ The fully guided tours run 7 days a week except for New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

„ Children must be 7 years of age and over.

„ No cameras permitted on tour.

„ Bookings essential.

The attraction was named after ‘Hard Times’, the faithful horse of Mount Isa’s founding father, John Campbell Miles. www.discovermountisa.com.au

UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL

Including the tent house and Beth Anderson museum

When World War II visited the shores of Darwin in 1942 and left North West Queensland vulnerable to invasion, Mount Isa’s authorities were concerned that their district hospital could be targeted by air raids. So, civilians – in particular, off-duty miners – built a new hospital underground in a matter of weeks. Carved out of shale rock, it consisted of three parallel tunnels joined at one end by a 20-metre-long tunnel, creating a reverse ‘E’ shape.

Separate male and female wards and a maternity/children’s ward existed and there was even a birthing room and surgical theatre, all underground. Equipped with electricity and telephones, the hospital was more than merely a makeshift facility.

Today, visitors can wander through the Underground Hospital and learn how it functioned. Exhibits have been installed based on photos from 1942 and include medical equipment and furnishings from the original fitout.

On your visit, you will also take in the Tent House, part of a community established in 1930 to accommodate the booming population as men arrived in Mount Isa to work in construction and on the new railway, and many brought their families with them. Hundreds of tent houses sprang up, thanks to the ready availability of canvas which formed the walls and roof, around a timber frame.

INFORMATION

Joan Street, Mount Isa

P: (07) 4749 3087

E: info@undergroundhospital.com

www.undergroundhospital.com.au

Open from 10.00am to 2.00pm in the cooler months: 1st April to 30th September. Enquire about opening hours from October to March. Be sure to arrive at least one hour prior to closing. Bookings recommended.

MOUNT ISA SCHOOL OF THE AIR

More proof of Mount Isa’s resourcefulness is its School of the Air, available to around 200 isolated outback students from prep to year 10.

It is in Abel Smith Parade, and visitors can join a tour to see just how lessons are delivered using mail, telephone and the internet. The catchment extends from the NT border in the west to Richmond in the east, Burketown in the north, Birdsville in the south and Winton in the south-east. Although students only come together in person for sports days and other special occasions during the year, the wonderful sense of community and culture of encouragement is palpable throughout the school.

INFORMATION

137-143 Abel Smith Parade, Mount Isa P: (07) 4744 8333 to book www.mtisasde.eq.edu.au

Tours start at 10.00am weekdays during the school terms. On-air lessons are Monday to Thursday; tours operate on Friday too, but without on-air lessons.

CITY LOOKOUT

Every proud city has its best vantage point. In Mount Isa, it’s the John Campbell Miles Memorial Lookout with its 360-degree views of the landscape and skyline.

Drop by when you arrive* to gain an excellent idea of the lay of the land. Take a selfie at the World Traveller signpost and catch an outback sunset as it unfolds; the sparkly night-time view with its city lights and billions of stars is highly recommended, or enjoy a casual meal at one of the shaded picnic tables.

Tip your hat as you pass by the plaque dedicated to Miles, whose ashes were interred in 1968 beneath the clock tower at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Miles Street.

Visit Outback at Isa, 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa for a free map to enable you to identify landmarks from the lookout.

LOCATION

Hilary Street, Mount Isa

P: (07) 4749 1555

*Not suitable for caravans

9 EXPERIENCE

Mount Isa has an energetic, eclectic music scene

JC MILES MEMORIAL AND CLOCK

Located at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Miles Street stands the copper monument. Beneath the stone marker are the ashes of John Campbell Miles who first discovered ore in Mount Isa.

RODEO DRIVE

Plaques in the footpath celebrating the bulls and riders who have achieved legendary status in the famous Mount Isa Rodeo.

Artworks around the Outback at Isa centre:

THE MINERS STATUE

By Queensland artist Scott Maxwell, cast in bronze this statue commemorates the miners who have lost their lives working in mines.

COPPER POUR

The giant bucket depicting a copper pour makes a great backdrop for family or group photos.

COPPER CREATIVITY

The 10-metre-long copper mural at Outback at Isa depicts the story of life in the ancient Riversleigh rainforest.

A STITCH IN TIME

Handcrafted by the Mount Isa Quilters for the Mount Isa 90th birthday celebration.

OUTBACK ARTISTRY

Three spectacular paintings by local artist Rowena Paine-Murphy.

MOUNT ISA REGIONAL ART GALLERY

Located at Outback at Isa, the gallery has an evolving program of exhibitions by local and national artists.

ART ON ZINC

Stretching from the Entertainment Centre to the Kalkadoon Arena at the Buchanan Park Entertainment Complex, Art on Zinc showcase local artists celebrating the city’s 90th birthday, mining, pastoral and community history.

COLES COMPLEX

The exterior façade and inside the complex on the Simpson Street side hangs original artwork, ‘After the Rain’, by local Indigenous artist Sheree Blackley.

ARTS ON ALMA

A hub for local artists to gather and create. The space hosts workshops and the gallery is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

ISA STREET FESTIVAL

The Isa Street Festival is held during Rodeo Week and features a street parade, open-air concert, entertainment and food and drink stalls.

MOUNT ISA CIVIC CENTRE

Local, national and international performances and entertainment.

MOUNT ISA THEATRICAL SOCIETY

With four performances a year this talented local group of performers put on a show that can’t be missed. Includes a two-course meal.

CINEMA MOUNT ISA

Showing all the latest movies on the big screen.

LOCAL PUBS AND CLUBS

Live music.

THARRAPATHA WAY

A 2km (one way) walk featuring art by local artists including awardwinning artist Chern’ee Sutton.

ANZAC MEMORIAL

On the Civic Centre lawn and Canon, in West Street.

FAMILY FUN PARK

Duckamucka sculpture by award-winning artist Christopher Trotter as well as a mural by local arts and school groups.

BATTLE MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL

On the road to Cloncurry stands the memorial commemorating the centenary of the battle between the Kalkadoons and the Europeans and native police.

ISA ST BRIDGE SCULPTURE

Located on the eastern side of the new Isa Street Bridge, the sculpture was created by Milynda Rogers and is made with remnants of the original Isa St Bridge built in 1932 and replaced in 2019.

MOUNT ISA LOOKOUT WATERTANK

Completed in 2019 by renowned artist David Houghton, the watertank sits atop one of the highest vistas in Mount Isa and depicts our local wildlife, sunsets and barramundi to name a few.

FAMILY FUN PARK MURAL

Located outside the Family Fun Park on Church Street, this colourful mural was completed in 2019 by the famous Sydney based artist, Mulga. A hit with kids young and old it shows a fun take on our local wildlife and native animals.

Grab a copy of the Mount Isa Arts and Culture Walk from the Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre.

Did you know

EXPERIENCE Family Fun

FAMILY FUN PARK

An ideal place to cool down or burn off some energy.

Featuring a water play park, toddlers play area, big kids adventure play area, bike track, grassy areas, sensory garden and free BBQs.

INFORMATION

Church Street, Mount Isa www.mountisa.qld.gov.au

FREE entry. Open throughout the year, 7 days a week.

Closed Wednesday mornings for cleaning and maintenance.

GALLIPOLI PUMP TRACK AND RECREATIONAL PARK

Opened in 2021, the FREE pump track is the perfect place for all ages to enjoy a scooter or bike with a toddlers peddle park, BBQs, toilets, shade and parking as well as a ninja warrior course!

Operative during daylight hours year round.

INFORMATION

25 Thorpe Street, Soldiers Hill Open year round during daylight hours

THE SKATE PARK

If you have a budding Tony Hawk or Corey Martinez travelling with you, let them loose at the Skate Park – they’ll love you for it!

EVERYDAY FAMILY THINGS TO DO

„ Isa Experience and Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre

„ Hard Times Mine

„ Catch a movie

„ Tenpin bowling

„ Check out the library for story time, board games and toy library

„ Mount Isa School of the Air tour

„ Retail therapy

„ Relax at a local café, pub or club, some even have kids club

„ Check the weekly What’s On on the Outback at Isa Facebook page

SPLASHEZ AQUATIC CENTRE

Splashez Aquatic Centre underwent extensive renovations in 2018 and now features a café, free BBQs and shower facilities as well as a 50m Olympic swimming pool and children’s pool area which hosts a fun river rapid from 11am daily. Entry to the pool is only $4 for access to all facilities, classes at an extra charge. Splashez host casual classes twice a week, see their Facebook page for class updates and updated opening times.

INFORMATION

61 Isa Street, Mount Isa P: (07) 4743 2137

www.mountisa.qld.gov.au

Open 7 days

Mon to Fri: 5:30am - 7:00pm (5:30pm Wednesday close) Sat: 7:00am - 5:30pm Sun: 9:00am - 5:30pm

LAKE MOONDARRA

&FishingRecreation

Just 19 kilometres to the north east of Mount Isa is Lake Moondarra, an enormous artificial lake on the Leichhardt River. Constructed in 1956 to supply water to the city and mines, its Aboriginal name means ‘plenty of rain and thunder’ and was chosen via a public contest in 1957. No trip to Mount Isa is complete without a visit to the lake. It is well-used by locals for fishing and leisure activities yearround. Birdwatchers come from all around the world to snap the impressive array of bird species that live around the body of water, including spectacular peacocks. Nature lovers appreciate the 800m-return Wallaby Walk for its breathtaking views from three vantage points, and proliferation of labelled native plants.

Before you head out there, pick up a few lunch provisions and plan to spend the day. The lake is famous for its waterskiing, tubing and canoeing. You can walk across the dam wall, let the kids loose on the playground equipment and cook lunch on the free barbecue at Warrina Park where big shady trees provide respite from the sun. Take a swim at Transport Bay where more free gas barbecues are available.

Refer to map on page 36

FRESHWATER FISHING

Launch your boat from the Lake Moondarra ramp and fish for barramundi, sooty grunters, alligator gar, forktailed catfish, jew, spangled perch, saratoga, sleepy cod and archerfish. In October, the annual three-day Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic attracts anglers of all ages and abilities from around the country to vie for prize money and bragging rights. With a dragon boat regatta, fireworks, yabby races, live music, food and drinks, it is coordinated by the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group and is a huge event on the city’s calendar.

WATERSPORTS

Head out to Lake Moondarra for some fun on the water: waterskiing, boating, fishing and swimming. Every third Saturday dragon boats are available for hire from the Canoe Club.

INFORMATION

Lake Moondarra is open from 6.00am to 10.00pm daily, free entry. Pets are not permitted at the lake and camping is only permitted during the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic (annually, in October).

the best of mount isa tour

WALKS, FOSSICKING & BIRDWATCHING

Slip on your walking shoes and get ready for a close-up look at Mount Isa’s local attractions. With its ideal outdoor environment and climate, it is a walker’s paradise. Whether you are attracted by the gorgeous outback views and want to feel closer to nature or you are keen to learn more about the historic city, seeing Mount Isa on foot is a fabulous idea.

The local community has been heavily involved in an ongoing project that has seen interpretive signs installed along the Mount Isa Cultural Walking Trail. The signs feature 10,000-step markers and provide information about local flora and fauna, artwork, Aboriginal culture and native plant gardens. The Tharrapatha Way has benefitted from native tree and garden plantings by the Indigenous community and provides an easy cultural walking trail that’s suitable for all abilities. Admire the 30 unique power poles painted by local children in 2014 in a competition designed to beautify the area.

If it’s views you’re after, then a slightly more challenging walk up to the Ray Donaldson Memorial Lookout should be on your itinerary. You can start at the top of Pamela Street and the vistas will become more beautiful the higher you walk.

Mount Isa Birdwatching Trail

FOSSICKING INFORMATION

Purchase your fossicking licence online at dnrm.qld.gov.au or at the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 13 Isa Street, Mount Isa Office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Your fossicking licence must be carried at all times when fossicking

FOSSICKING

You never know what you might find on a fossicking walk – gemstones, fossils, old relics, maybe even gold!

BIRDWATCHING

There are many popular destinations for birdwatchers where photo opportunities abound. In fact, Mount Isa is home to two endemic species; the Kalkadoon Grasswren and the Carpentarian Grass Wren as well as the very rare Yellow Chat. Our recently installed self-guided birdwatching trail encompasses the banks of Lake Moondarra, water tanks on Pamela Street and the local water treatment plant and horse paddocks.

Keep an eye out for the signs and explore the varying landscapes while keeping your eyes peeled for common and unusual species of local birdlife. You can also check out the Birdwatching Sign at the Lake Moondarra Lookout which will be your perfect guide in identifying the birdlife spotted at the lake.

Camooweal is another special location, particularly the banks of the Georgina River, which is a prime birdwatching location. Obtain a list of birdwatching spots from the Visitor Information desk and a map of our local self-guided trail.

CAMOOWEAL

Along the Barkly Highway from Mount Isa is Camooweal which is in fact a part of the city even though it is 189 kilometres away. Known as ‘the longest main street in the world’, the drive takes around an hour and a half.

Only a couple of hundred people live in Camooweal but tourists swell the population when they make the trek out to go camping in the outback and visit the location of the 500-million-year-old sinkhole caves. Whilst public access to the caves is not permitted, the site is still impressive to see from the safe viewing area at Great Nowranie Cave.

A key stop on the drive to the Northern Territory or Boodjamulla National Park, Camooweal is an authentic hidden bush gem in Mount Isa’s region. Grab a bite at the Roadhouse and head to the Drovers Camp before continuing on your journey!

At Camooweal Caves National Park, the rugged roads are best navigated in a four-wheel-drive but can be accessed by conventional vehicles in dry weather. Whilst camping is not permitted in the park, it is open 24 hours a day so you can head in and marvel at the kaleidoscopic changing sky at dusk and dawn.

The Nowranie Waterhole camping area provides an attractive bush oasis in the semi-arid landscape, not just for humans but also for the shy wildlife that comes out at night to feed. The national park is an adventure playground where mountain biking, trail-bike riding and four-wheel driving are favourite activities.

Camping is permitted along the Georgina River and is popular during the dry season. You can camp by an idyllic billabong where the birdlife is abundant and thriving. Pour yourself a cup of billy tea and revel in the quiet outback atmosphere. There are no designated sites and no showers or toilets; simply set up camp and get down to the business of serious relaxation.

GEORGINA RIVER

Free camping along the western side of the river. Popular spot for birdwatching.

DROVERS CAMP

At the Drovers Camp, you can immerse yourself in the bush atmosphere while enjoying the hospitality and informative talks given by the tough ex-drovers. Acting as an unofficial visitor centre during tourist season, the Drovers Camp is the first stop for guides and local info as well as maps. Take a free guided tour through the interpretive and historical displays.

A trip in late August is ideal to experience the Camooweal Drovers Fest where live music, photography and whip cracking competitions, memorabilia displays, bronco branding and hearty food makes for three unforgettable days of bush camping and fun.

INFORMATION

Drovers Camp

Lot 15 Barkly Highway, Camooweal

P: (07) 4748 2022

www.droverscamp.com.au

MARY KATHLEEN MINE Uranium Mine Tour and Sunset Tour

Mary Kathleen was originally a mining town but was abandoned in 1984 after uranium mining ceased in 1982. Clem Walton and Norm McConachy discovered uranium in 1954 and named the township after the latter’s wife. The following year, Rio Tinto Mining developed the open cut mine and an architect was commissioned to design the town six kilometres away. By 1963, the main supply contract had been fulfilled early and the works were shut down. Eleven years later, new supply contracts were established with Japanese, American and German utilities organisations and the mine was reopened. This period was known as Mary Kathleen’s ‘second life’ and lasted until 1982 when the uranium reserves were finally exhausted. The town’s buildings were sold and relocated and the mine site was rehabilitated.

Visitors can explore the area but the buildings were removed long ago and relics sent to the Cloncurry/ Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum in Cloncurry. Today, it is a ghost town with a bitumen road that leads into the bush and a giant, tiered pit that used to be the open cut mine. It now resembles more of a natural pool, reflecting the brilliant blue sky of a typical day.

There are other clues as to what used to exist in the town such as the grey and white checkerboard pattern tiles of the old ANZ bank and the concrete slabs of the former mine administration buildings.

Once a town with a population of around 1,000 people, Mary Kathleen used to boast all the services that are necessary to any town. Where there used to be tennis and basketball courts, churches, a town pool, a school and a petrol station, the area has now been reclaimed by nature. Wild brolgas wander about in peace and camels, who can be seen moseying along without a care in the world, have become quite the drawcard for visitors. It is possible to drive around exploring the last remnants of civilisation that used to exist there and come to your own conclusions about the minimal structures and footprints left behind. Some visitors like to try their hand at fossicking and collecting gemstones. Mary Kathleen is a safe place to bed down for the night in a caravan, campervan or tent.

INFORMATION

Take a tour with North West Tours

P: (07) 4749 1555

www.northwesttours.com.au

Bookings Essential.

Make a day out of it, grab a copy of Cloncurry Trails, $29.50 from the Outback at Isa gift shop and explore the many 4x4 trails in the area.

Sit back and relax

at Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre and watch a short film all about this once thriving town.

National Park

Rich in Aboriginal history, Boodjamulla (meaning Rainbow Serpent Country) is a wonderland of red sandstone ranges, creeks, 60-metre-high gorges, waterholes, rocky outcrops and rugged escarpments.

Over millions of years, Lawn Hill Creek carved out the gorge which flows throughout the year thanks to the freshwater springs and limestone plateau that lead to it. Opened in 1984 by then Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Boodjamulla is made up of around 290,000 hectares of national park and 130,000 hectares of resource reserve. For 17,000 years, it has been home to the Aboriginal Waanyi people who consider Lawn Hill Gorge sacred. Today, they even help to manage the park and take pride in showing it off to tourists.

Visitors can follow a number of walking tracks that each offer their own vistas or paddle in crystal clear emerald-hued water. Hire a canoe and make your way up the gorge to the breathtaking Indarri Falls or take a guided cruise along the creek to view some spectacular scenery. Or, capture the most incredible sunset on a tour of Harry’s Hill. (Some guided activities are only available from 1st April to 1st October each year.)

Adels Grove, located 10 kilometres from Lawn Hill Gorge, sprawls across 30 hectares and was established in 1920 by French botanist Albert de Lestang, whose name is the origin behind ‘Adels’. He was determined to grow tropical fruits and trees in the area and even today, hundreds of samples of his seeds remain in Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens.

Aside from the exquisite natural beauty, the park is known for its rich and significant fossil fields. Well preserved, the Riversleigh Australian Fossil Mammal Site is open to the public and offers a fascinating insight into evolution on the Gondwana ancient supercontinent.

Dirt Road

319km

418km

Camooweal

Mount Isa

Adels Grove Reserve

Four Ways

ADELS GROVE

Adels Grove Camping Ground is an eco-sensitive Tourist Camping Park on Lawn Hill Creek, located 10 kilometres downstream from Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Adels Grove is set among a plantation of exotic trees initially grown by the French Botanist Albert de Lestang. The resort is an oasis retreat for the dusty, tired traveller: a perfect place to refresh, relax and recover. You can lie back and watch the cool aqua water meander through the park.

Adels Grove operates tours of the surrounding Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park as well as the Riversleigh Fossil Fields. As a World Heritage Australian Fossil Mammal Site (listed in 1994), Riversleigh contains the richest and most extensive known mammal deposits in Australia and is among the world’s 10 greatest fossil sites. Three day tours run from Mount Isa on a regular basis.

Just 10 kilometres away is one of Queensland’s most scenic National Parks, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill). Boodjamulla has a strong hold with the Waanyi people. With over 20 kilometres of walking tracks and plenty of swimming, canoeing and cruising to do, you’ll be kept busy.

Birdwatching is always rewarding in the Lawn Hill area. With over 120 species of birds there is plenty to keep you going.

INFORMATION

For camping information and bookings P: 137 468 www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Bitumen

Cloncurry

MOUNT ISA Street Festival

Timed to coincide with the festivities of the annual Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the Isa Street Festival and Street Parade is a family-friendly evening that is jampacked full of fun and entertainment and simply cannot be missed.

Held on Wednesday August 9 and organised by Mount Isa City Council, the Isa Street Festival brings Mount Isa’s CBD alive with an exceptional party atmosphere.

From roving street performers to rocking live bands, a large sideshow alley featuring all of your favourite rides and snacks, delicious street food, market stalls and fireworks, the festival has something for everyone. Be sure to add it to your list of must-do events when you’re in town for the Isa Rodeo!

This year’s headline act is none other than Australian rock royalty Daryl Braithwaite. The former lead singer of Aussie rock band Sherbet, whose hits include ‘Howzat’ and ‘Summer Love’, Daryl is also well-known for his hit singles as a solo performer, including ‘The Horses’, ‘One Summer’ and ‘As The Days Go By’. Daryl will be accompanied by a live band and is sure to keep the party going.

The other main event of the evening is the Street Parade. The parade snakes its way through the Mount Isa CBD, where throngs of excited crowds gather to line the streets and watch colourful and richly decorated parade floats meticulously crafted and put together by local school students and organisations, as well as other parade entrants, make their way past and to cheer them on.

The kids will have a great time on the rides and picking out their favourite showbags at the Sideshow Alley, the roving street acts provide plenty of fantastic photo – and selfie! – opportunities and are a hit with the kids, the tempting street food is impossible to resist, and the market stalls offer a range of jewellery, clothing and other perfect gift ideas. There is also a licensed bar area where you can sit back and relax while you people-watch and enjoy the festivities around you.

The Isa Street Festival is a highlight for many during Rodeo Week and you are all but guaranteed to have the time of your life.

The vibrant party atmosphere and infectious community spirit on the night is something you’ll never forget and will want to experience again and again.

RIVERSLEIGH World Heritage Area

The Riversleigh World Heritage Area is a wonder of Australia’s ancient natural history.

Discovered in 1900 by W.E. Cameron and inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1994 for its outstanding representation of the evolution of Australian mammals and the quality of its fossils, the Riversleigh World Heritage Area is spread over 10,000 hectares in the southern part of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.

Naturalist David Attenborough has described Riversleigh as one of the world’s top four most significant fossil deposits, and it is Australia’s most famous fossil location.

Dating back more than 25 million years, the fossils have remained extremely well-preserved due to the area’s high concentration of calcium carbonate (limestone).

The remains of ancient mammals, marsupials, amphibians, fish, reptiles and birds can be found, many with their three-dimensional structure intact, which is why the site is so exciting and of such enormous palaeontological importance. The vistas at this location are absolutely breathtaking.

Walk the Riversleigh Fossil Trail, an easy to moderate 1-hour trek over an 800-metre distance. You’ll see the remains of the largest known freshwater crocodile and limb bones and gizzard stones of enormous flightless birds.

If you are staying at the Adels Grove Campground (Lot 3 Lawn Hill Gregory Road, Lawn Hill), half-day guided tours are available between 1st April and 1st October. Look forward to an informative morning learning about the history of the area and the types of animal fossils that have been recovered from it.

To camp at the Miyumba camping grounds 10 kilometres away, you’ll need to book in advance and purchase your permit from Adels Grove. Limited facilities are provided so you will need to be completely self-sufficient. Take along drinking water, rubbish bags and a fuel stove for cooking your meals.

Roads in the Riversleigh area are unsealed, and accessibility can be unpredictable. During the wet season, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended as creeks can rise rapidly with little warning. Although the roads are normally well maintained it is advisable to call Outback at Isa on 07 4749 1555 and check road conditions before you go.

Since being registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994, countless visitors have made the journey there and many have also stopped in at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre at Outback at Isa, 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa where an extraordinary range of fossils is on display.

INFORMATION

The tour includes morning tea and bookings are essential. P: 07 4748 5502 or visit www.adelsgrove.com.au

For additional camping information and bookings: P: 137 468 or visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

BUSH TUCKER TOUR

Walk alongside an Indigenous heritage bush guide as you explore the beautiful Outback Park right here in the heart of Mount Isa. Learn about traditional bush methods used to make tools, medicine and food firsthand.

The tour will also include a short guided informational session through the Mount Isa History Museum to not only admire some beautiful Aboriginal artwork and artifacts, but to understand their meaning and historical importance.

Your Bush Tucker experience also includes a guided visit to the neighbouring Fish Hatchery where you can get up close and personal with our native fish in the viewing tanks while learning about the different species and their connection to Aboriginal culture and history.

Outback Park was built to showcase the region’s native plants and provide a glimpse into the spectacular natural assets outside of the city itself. Wandering through, you may encounter some shy native birds and lizards who will provide wonderful photographic opportunities … if you’re quick. Revel in the tranquil beauty of the central lagoon which is surrounded by lush native foliage.

Pack a picnic lunch to bring along or grab something from the café. After taking in the water features, you can cross the bridge over the lagoon and follow the paths to find your favourite shady spot to sit, eat and relax in the fresh air.

Did you know

There is only one Barramundi hatchery in the world which provides the Southern Gulf strain of fingerlings located right here in North Queensland; The Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre located in Karumba!

INFORMATION

19 Marian Street Mount Isa, Outback at Isa P: (07) 4749 1555

E: info@outbackatisa.com.au

www.discovermountisa.com.au

Open 8.30am – 5.00pm 7 days a week. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Bookings recommended.

www.discovermountisa.com.au

ISA RODEO Australia’sOfficiallyBest

From humble beginnings in 1959, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is not just the biggest and richest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s also cemented its place as an icon of the Australian Outback.

The Isa Rodeo is held every year on the second weekend in August. This year it's the 10th - 13th August.

The rodeo is growing from strength to strength each year, and in 2022 with a total attendance of 34,574, it delivered an overall economic impact to Mount Isa of $6,724,067 and $10,007,192 to Queensland.

An extraordinary calibre of riders and a record number of entries at 956 featured in 2022, competing for the $300,000 purse.

While the rodeo competition in the spectacular red dirt Buchanan Park arena is world-class, there is always plenty to do during rodeo week.

The Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball kicks off rodeo week, celebrated on the Saturday night, followed by the Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ on the Tuesday night.

Wednesday night sees the free Isa Street Festival presented by Mount Isa City Council, with a street parade, sideshow alley, plenty of market and food stalls in the centre of town, and a huge free concert finishing with a fireworks finale!

Thursday morning is the Zonta Bush Poets Breakfast followed by the Mailman Express horse race and then the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships. Friday is the first full day of rodeo competition and features a spectacular opening ceremony in the evening, including the introduction of the cowboys and cowgirls. The weekend focus is on rodeo competition, also relayed live on the big screen, as well as live concerts on Friday and Saturday nights at the rodeo in the lead-up to the Sunday rodeo finals.

The rodeo is renowned for its live Rodeo Rock concerts and 2023 will be no exception. Previous acts have included Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Sheppard, The McClymonts, Lee Kernaghan, just to name a few.

The Isa Rodeo is a bucket-list item for many people and has achieved legendary status, with a huge week of amazing Outback hospitality and fun, competition and entertainment.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo has won numerous Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards for excellence in Festivals and Events.

Tickets to the event, along with glamping and 3 and 5 day camping packages will be available when the event launches in May 2023.

Every year the rodeo donates proceeds back into the local community, with these donations totalling over $6 million.

INFORMATION

Buchanan Park, George Street, Mount Isa For more information visit www.isarodeo.com.au

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