In the heart of the Gulf Country region in Queensland, Mount Isa is a city with a rich mining history and a wild west feel.
The city is situated on the land of the Kalkatungu people, who have lived and thrived in the region for more than 65,000 years. When you join the Outback at Isa Bush Tucker Experience, an Indigenous guide will take you through the native botanical garden, teaching you all about traditional bush methods used to make tools, medicine and food. You can engage with the oldest continuous culture on the planet, and hear about the knowledge of native flora and fauna passed down through generations.
Mount Isa makes a name for itself as the host of the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, held annually on the second weekend in August. Enjoy rodeo competitions, live entertainment, food stalls and more as crowds descend on the red dirt Buhanan park arena for a show like no other. The entire festival finishes with a huge free concert and fireworks display, meaning it’s fun for the whole family.
To escape the outback heat, head to Lake Moondarra – 17 kilometres from city centre. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, the lake hosts swimming, boating, sailing and canoeing on its calm waters. It’s even been stocked with barramundi to keep anglers happy. Around the edges of the water, you will find several shady picnic spots. Keep an eye out for the pelicans, galahs and ducks that live in the area too.
To see Mount Isa from a new perspective, the Hilary Street Lookout offers a 360-degree panoramic view over the city and surrounding area. The best time to visit is sunset, when the city lights mix with the sparkling stars. Make sure to pack a picnic, as there are plenty of tables available for use too.
To learn more about the history and importance of the region, join a day trip with North West Tours. They operate trips to Old Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine, first built in 1954 along with a township of 1000 people. Today, you can see concrete slabs where the original buildings stood, and look out over the now closed uranium mine. For something a little closer to town, join the Discover Mount Isa full day tour, where you will visit traditional dwellings, the Hard Times Mine, and stop at Lake Moondarra at sunset. It’s a great way to explore the vast range of things this outback city has to offer, while learning about its past.
For a different kind of tour, head to the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum. Carved into the hills surrounding Mount Isa after the bombings of Darwin in 1942, it is Australia’s first and only underground hospital. On a tour of this unique site, visitors can discover an impressive collection of antique medial equipment, wander the dark tunnels, and learn all about the colourful characters that made this place what it was.
The underground exploration continues at the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour, where visitors are kitted out in overalls and cap lamps before descending into Mount Isa’s historic mine via an Alimak Cage. Hear stories about the miners who worked these tough fields, see boom drills, and even try your luck with an air-leg drill. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience offering a new perspective on the mining industry.
There’s so much more to discover in Mount Isa! Read all about the fascinating bush tucker tour, or learn about colourful characters of the rodeo.
