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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

Visit three fascinating attractions in one location.

Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum

1 km

While at Mount Isa why not try these Tours

North West Tours

5 km

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

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Yagurli Tours

331 km

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

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Balloon Aloft Burketown

332 km

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

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Red Dirt Tours

411 km

Red 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.

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Elite Aviation Services Pty Ltd

411 km

Based in Winton, Queensland, Elite Aviation Services offers helicopter and plane scenic flights and charters over the spectacular landscape around Winton and the Diamantina River.

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Cobbold Gorge Tours

464 km

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

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Fox Helicopter Services

493 km

Fox Helicopters operate a selection of scenic flights to Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains National Park.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Extended Tours

526 km

Explore Outback Queensland and beyond with Outback Aussie Tours, a multi-award winning touring company and Savannah Guides accredited operator.

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Talaroo Hot Springs Tours

551 km

In 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.

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Big Red Tours

575 km

Luxurious outback hospitality – relax in their quality 4WD coach and enjoy their hospitality with a professional local tour guide.

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Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

576 km

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

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Outback Pioneers

576 km

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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