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.
The Burke & Wills Motel at Mt Isa is located in the centre of town and offers 56 modern, comfortable rooms.
MoreThe Isa Hotel is the place for you to meet, socialise and be entertained, in a town where people are the defining feature.
MoreRedearth Boutique Hotel brings a premium accommodation experience to the heart of Mount Isa.
MoreThe Outback Motel Mount Isa is the perfect location to stay on your next trip to Mount Isa, catering for both business and vacation travellers.
MoreGuests love Nightcap’s laid-back approach to quality accommodation and convenient location just six kilometres from the Mt Isa airport.
MoreSet by the banks of the beautiful Leichhardt River, the holiday park Discovery Parks. Mount Isa is an excellent base to explore.
MoreNestled alongside a spring fed creek, Sunset Tourist Park is conveniently located close to the town centre with shops, cafes and a great bakery.
MoreThe park is perfect for the stop over, take a dip in the pool or just relax poolside reading a book.
MoreOffering outstanding accommodation for corporate guests and travellers, the Abacus Motel Mount Isa is situated close to the airport (4-minute drive).
MoreAOK Moondarra Caravan Park provides quality accommodation to the travelling public and caravanners for long or short term stays in Mount Isa.
MoreNorth West Tours specialise in small group tours around Mount Isa and beyond.
MoreYagurli Tours is an Indigenous owned business operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples.
MoreBalloon Aloft is partnering with Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon experience with a difference this June to September.
MoreRed Dirt Tours is your Winton touring specialist and offers a number of tours to the spectacular natural and man-made attractions of the Winton region.
MoreBased in Winton, Queensland, Elite Aviation Services offers helicopter and plane scenic flights and charters over the spectacular landscape around Winton and the Diamantina River.
MoreDeep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.
MoreFox Helicopters operate a selection of scenic flights to Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains National Park.
MoreExplore Outback Queensland and beyond with Outback Aussie Tours, a multi-award winning touring company and Savannah Guides accredited operator.
MoreIn the heart of the Gulf Savannah Way in outback Tropical North Queensland, Talaroo’s magical landscape is alive with the culture of the Ewamian people.
MoreLuxurious outback hospitality – relax in their quality 4WD coach and enjoy their hospitality with a professional local tour guide.
MoreWhether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!
MoreOutback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.
MoreQueensland isn’t just a haven for sun-seekers and beach lovers; it’s also home to some of the most remarkable dinosaur finds on the planet. From towering giants to ancient marine predators, the fossil-rich landscapes of Outback Queensland hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of prehistoric life. Let’s embark on an awe-inspiring journey through Queensland’s […]
With tailored accessible accommodation and thrilling experiences, you can embark on an accessible Outback Queensland journey that promises excitement and great memories. The town of Winton is the home of Banjo Patterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’, Boulder opals, the quirky Winton Music Fence, and a fantastic array of events so there’s plenty to see and do. It’s […]
Step into the heart of Outback Queensland and discover a world of accessible adventures, comfortable accommodation, and exciting experiences to create lasting memories of your visit. In the Southwest region, Eromanga is Australia’s farthest town from the ocean. It’s best known for the discovery of some of the world’s most significant (and largest) dinosaur fossils […]
Once upon a time, when dinosaurs roamed the land, Outback Queensland resembled a landscape of temperate forest unlike the dusty plains we see today. Fast forward 95 million years and scientists are slowly (and literally) piecing together the bones of Outback Queensland’s history. With a dinosaur trail at its heart, along with exciting discoveries found […]
Richmond – 1,252km north-west from Brisbane The Kronosaurus Korner Museum is another unmissable stop on Outback Queensland’s unique and exciting dinosaur trail. Located in an area that was once an inland sea, the museum is home to marine species, pterosaurs, birds, fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, gastropods, plants, bivalves and echinoderms all found in the Richmond area. […]
Winton – 1,355km west from Brisbane No-one in the world creates dinosaur experiences like Outback Queensland and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum is among the world’s best paleo-themed adventures. Here you can browse the world’s largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection, learn where and how dinosaur bones are discovered and watch the Preparation Laboratory get […]
Near Winton, 1362km north-west from Brisbane Imagine being pampered in 21st-century style and comfort within an exquisite landscape known as Dinosaur Country and your dream will probably look very much like Rangelands Outback Camp! Located on a jump up (or mesa) on Rangelands Station, a working cattle property, this is ultra-luxe glamping at its best. […]
There’s no doubt that Australia has an obsession with big things; after all, Australia is a VERY BIG country and Outback Queensland has many BIG things to fill it!
Top Tips for Travelling with Kids in Outback Queensland Let us assure you we have never received a complaint from kids being bored on an Outback Queensland adventure – in fact, the opposite, they can’t wait to go back again. To help you have the best family adventure too, here’s our top tips – direct […]
22 NEW REASONS TO VISIT THE OUTBACK IN 2022 There’s even more to explore in Queensland’s backyard in 2022! If you’re the person who likes to try new things before anyone else has even heard of them, it’s time to add Outback Queensland to your travel list. Whether you come by road, rail or air, […]
GEM HUNTING – FAMILY FOSSICKING FUN IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND Fossicking for gemstones is one of the most exciting activities for families to do in Outback Queensland. Not only will you experience iconic towns and amazing scenery along the way, you’ll have great fun looking for a gemstone souvenir to take home from your holidays. Speaking […]
Eromanga – 968km west from Brisbane Set in the vast Eromanga Basin, once an inland sea, this fascinating museum is an absolute must for dinosaur fans looking for a ‘hands on’ dino experience. The museum’s collection of mighty dinosaurs, megafauna and tiny microfauna marks millions of years of Queensland history, and includes ‘Cooper’, Australia’s largest […]
Let’s be honest; you don’t ever hear the kids screaming, “Muuum not another beach holiday, please!” But what if patting a dinosaur, learning to crack a stockwhip, or sitting in the cockpit of a 747 aircraft was on their radar? Hide the boogie boards, queue the playlist and stock up on snacks for a […]
If you’re thinking about a trip to Outback Queensland, this is your year. 2021 is set to be the year of Australian travel, and there’s no place better than the Queensland Outback. It has stunning and unique natural landscapes and holds our most diverse and unique history. From sacred indigenous sites to the spectacular sandstone […]
Travel along the Outback Queensland roads to the town of Aramac and you’d be hard pressed to believe that just north-east of the town is one of the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibitions. In fact, the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail has historically been something of a locals’ secret, but anything this wonderful is hard to […]
Choosing which road to take in an area that’s over twice the size of California (901,575km2 to be precise), can be a little overwhelming at the best of times. Throw in niche interests like dinosaurs, endurance events and pioneering history, and the decision of which of the nine drive routes you’re going to take becomes […]
The Natural Sciences Loop has it all – wildlife, gems, dinosaurs, stars, natural remedies, and hectares upon hectares of natural beauty. It starts in Charleville, through Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah and onto Eromanga and Quilpie before sending you back to Charleville.
Ever dreamt of walking amongst the dinosaurs? Ever wondered about the legend behind Waltzing Matilda? Ever wanted to see a stampede? Fulfil your outback dreams with a visit to Winton in Outback Queensland’s central west. As one third of the Australian Dinosaur Trail, it’s a designated dino district, with more fossils around town than locals. […]
It’s the Dinosaur Capital of the Australia, the birthplace of an iconic Australian airline, and where the legend of a jolly swagman waltzed into Australian history. Discover 11 things you didn’t know about Winton.
For a town recognised for its pre-historic creatures, it’s surprising to find modern history at every turn in Hughenden.
Capture this list of classic Outback Queensland images to sprinkle your Instagram feed with.
Scrap the beach and spend your school holidays in Outback Queensland. There’s plenty to see and do, and the kids might learn a thing or to!
Here are 9 scenic lookouts guaranteed to help you fully discover Outback Queensland’s endless horizons and ancient landscapes.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for… the dinosaur dig! We made it to Richmond where I accidentally asked “who is ready for some dinosaur hunting?”. Don’t say that. The response was 3 slightly nervous 5 year olds looking up at me, with one asking “ummm, are they friendly dinosaurs Mama, will they eat us?”. “Sorry kids, it’s […]
We finally made it to Winton, the start of The Dinosaur Trail. I think the kids half expected to see dinosaurs roaming the streets, I’m not 100% sure that our kids fully understood what “The Dinosaur Trail” really meant. All I know is that Winton was the place that was responsible for my 5 year old […]