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ABOUT Mount Isa

Affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback’, Mount Isa is a gleaming mirage on the horizon for travellers from all directions. Nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mount Isa is a bustling melting pot of culture and industry and also home to the world’s third largest rodeo.

It’s grown from strength to strength over the years, but the harsh picturesque landscape has barely changed, becoming one of the main drawcards for visitors each year. Mount Isa has ample places to fish, camp or relax and enjoy an outback sunset. The rugged terrain is a four-wheel-drive’s haven, and visitors can explore the region just as the pioneers of the region did many years ago. The twin jewels in Mount Isa’s crown are the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park and its neighbour, the world heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields.

A must-see is the Outback at Isa complex, incorporating the award-winning Riversleigh Fossil Centre, Hard Times Mine, Sir James Foots Building, Outback Park and Visitor Information Centre. The Hard Times Mine is a working replica mine designed and operated by actual miners where you can gain an insight into the industry integral to Mount Isa’s economy. Mount Isa’s existence and its main financial base is the huge Mount Isa Mine, the world’s largest single producer of copper, silver, lead and zinc. In 1923, John Campbell Miles found a silver-lead ore outcrop. This rich deposit is still producing high volumes of ore and is classed as one of the world’s great mines.

Other attractions are the School of the Air, which provides an education to students on remote properties as far as 1000 kilometres away via satellite internet. Mount Isa is also home to one of Queensland’s largest Royal Flying Doctors bases, the National Trust Tent House, a WW2 Underground Hospital and the Beth Anderson Museum.

Places to stay near Mount Isa

Things to see and do near Mount Isa

While at Mount Isa why not try these Tours

North West Tours

North West Tours specialise in small group tours around Mount Isa and beyond.

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Yagurli Tours

Yagurli Tours is an Indigenous owned business operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples.

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Balloon Aloft Burketown

Balloon Aloft is partnering with Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon experience with a difference this June to September.

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Cobbold Gorge Tours

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.

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Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

Whether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!

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Outback Pioneers

Outback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Day Tours

Outback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours

The Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting our visitors with the romance of rail.

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Discovery Experiences – Undara

Only 3½ hours drive from Cairns and four hours from Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, you’ll discover a land so different in contrasts…. Undara.

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Eromanga Natural History Museum

The Eromanga Natural History Museum is committed to discovering, conserving and showcasing the fossil, natural and cultural heritage from the prehistoric and modern-day environments.

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Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’

Discover stars, WWII secrets and bilbies for starters on Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’ day tour in Outback Queensland. Morning tea, lunch and transfers included.

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WWII Secret Tag-A-Long Tour – Charleville

Discover why over 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel were stationed in Charleville during World War II.

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