Main Attractions
What can I see and do in Mount Isa?
Outback at Isa
Lake Moondarra
Rodeo Drive
The Fossicking Way
Lake Julius
Camooweal
Camooweal Caves National Park
Lawn Hill
Mount Isa, and the surrounding region, boasts a diverse range of attractions and activities that are sure to appeal to both visitors and residents.
These include the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil area and beautiful Lawn Hill Gorge, fossicking for minerals and gems, barramundi fishing, camel racing, the Outback at Isa Centre, and the picturesque Lake Moondarra, to name just a few.
Mount Isa also provides a variety of entertainment options
There are a number of clubs which provide a wide range of services, from live music to dining to poker machines. Youth activities are well catered for at the Police Citizens Youth Club.
Dining options in Mount Isa range from fast food franchises (such as McDonalds, Eagle Boys Pizza, Subway, Pizza Hut, Red Rooster, Domino's Pizza and KFC) through to restaurants offering a variety of international cuisine (including Chinese, Italian, German & Ethiopian).
Additionally, there are a number of hotels, motels, clubs, bistros and cafes offering a variety of choices for those looking to eat out. The Mount Isa Civic Centre provides a venue for a feast of cultural entertainment, ranging from theatre to cabaret to rock concerts.
The Centre also plays host to travelling exhibitions and is proud of its eclectic group of resident artists.
Splashez Aquatic Centre, with a 50 metre swimming pool, separate shaded adventure pool (wading pool depth), landscaped gardens and well stocked kiosk, selling hot food, cold drinks and ice creams, is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer's day
Splashez is open from early September until mid April and entry is $3.50 per person.
The latest movies are shown at Cinema Isa and Civic Video, located in the Turanga Shopping Centre, or Blockbuster, in the CBD, offer a wide range of DVD titles.
Outback at Isa
Visit the award winning Outback at Isa for the experience of a lifetime.
The Isa Experience Gallery captures the very essence of Mount Isa and it’s colourful history. Listen to the amazing stories of the pioneering men and women who faced the ongoing problems of heat, floods, distance and cultural difference to build Australia’s first company town.
The Hard Times Mine tour is an experience you will never forget. Let our experienced mine guides take you deep into the heart of mining country, get up close with the machinery and experience a day in the life of the historic Mount Isa Miners.
The Riversleigh Fossil Centre brings Australia’s prehistoric creatures to life. Explore the rainforests and caves of yesteryear, and learn about the amazing creatures that once inhabited our majestic country. Join a Lab Tour and see be amazed at the millions of years of history being uncovered before your eyes.
Lake Moondarra
Lake Moondarra is situated just 20 kilometres north of the city centre of Mount Isa.
The lake is a popular place for locals and tourists to visit because of its beautiful scenery.
The lake's safe, still water encourages swimming, waterskiing, sailing and canoeing. It has also been stocked with barramundi to lure anglers for an excellent spot of fishing.
There are several scenic picnic areas located around the lake with large shady trees providing a perfect place to relax and enjoy a barbecue. The barbecues are free of charge and have a woodpile that is restocked regularly.
Opening Times:
Daily 7.00am - 10.00pm
Rodeo Drive
The Rodeo Drive Isa Rodeo Walk of Fame is paved with the names of legendary rodeo riders- the Isa Rodeo’s All Around Cowboys- and champion feature stock including Spinifex, a horse so famous Slim Dusty wrote a song about him; and Blondie the little mare with a big heart who, for years, bucked off every rider until one year a competitor rode her out- later it was discovered she was heavily in foal at the time.
Also on Rodeo Drive is the John Campbell Miles Memorial, a tribute the man who discovered the rich mineral ore in the Selwyn ranges in 1923 which continues to be the lifeblood of the City.
The memorial housing Miles’ ashes was first unveiled in 1968, and has recently undergone a revitalisation involving the replacement of the original town clock with stained glass panels, each representing a pivotal or iconic aspect of Mount Isa’s heritage and culture- Rodeo Capital, Kalkadoon Warrior, Mineral Heritage and the Mount Isa logo. The significance of these panels is outlined on plaques at the base of the monument. The memorial is most spectacular after nightfall with the internal lighting shining out through the panels.
The walk along Rodeo Drive is an absolute MUST to gain an insight into the history of the Isa Rodeo, and the unique and colourful history of the City itself.
The Fossicking Way
Get off the beaten track along the Fossicking Way. The signed tourist drive highlights scenic and historic places of interest between Mount Isa and Cloncurry.
Take a drive to explore the history of the area with Mary Kathleen and Kajabbi now only ghostly reminders of their days as bustling mining centres.
A four wheel drive is a must to visit a number of the attractions, however some are located by the side of the highway.
Lake Julius
Off the beaten track, 110km north of Mount Isa is the stunning Lake Julius, offering a perfect retreat for a bit of peace and quiet.
You can choose the comfort of air-conditioned accommodation at the Lake Julius Active Recreation Centre*, or camp at the camping ground with a view that will take your breath away.
The Recreation Centre* caters for individuals families and groups both large and small.
Canoe hire is available for those looking for a relaxing way to experience the lake.
* Please note that the Lake Julius Active Recreation Centre has been closed for contract maintenance and is not accessible to the public at this time.
Any enquiries regarding this centre should be directed to the Booking Officer by phone on 07 4095 8323 or by email to info.lakejulius@srq.qld.gov.au
The lake itself is open during Recreation Centre maintenance, however, it is important to check the condition of the access road, as it can, at times, become impassible.
For current road conditions, please contact Sunwater on (07) 4783 0555.
For more information, visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au
Camooweal
Camooweal, located just 12km from the Northern Territory border, is the first stop for travellers arriving into Queensland.
Once a colourful droving centre, Camooweal's droving heritage has not been forgotten.
The Drover's Camp provides a fascinating insight into the past and the Camooweal Drover's Festival, held each year at the end of August, is an event which embodies the spirit of the Outback. It provides a chance for drovers, young and old, to share a yarn or two and show off the skills they learned to survive in the harsh land they travelled.
The shire hall is a fine example of colonial architecture and forms part of the town's national heritage. It houses a display of early photographs and two world war honour boards.
Camooweal Caves National Park
The Camooweal Caves National Park is located about 20kms from town the township of Camooweal and covers an area of 13 800 hectares of the Barkly Tableland.
The sinkhole openings that dot the landscape are the only clues to the natural beauty of the elaborate cave systems and deep vertical shafts that lie beneath the surface.
The best time to visit the park is early in the dry season, however always check road conditions with the Ranger or the local police when planning a trip to this park.
Visitors intending to explore the caves should be fully experienced in caving and be appropriately equipped.
Please notify the local police of your arrival and departure times at the caves for your own safety.
Lawn Hill National Park (Budjamulla)
A jewel in the crown in the North-West, this million-year-old gorge is a true oasis surrounded by the barren rocky features usually associated with this deserted area of Queensland.
Strictly managed and operated by National Parks rangers, the 282 000 hectare park stretches from the gorge, west to the Northern Territory border, south to the world heritage listed Riversleigh fossil fields and north to Bowthorn Station.
Lawn Hill National Park is situated approximately 400km north-west of Mount Isa and 200km south-west of Burketown.
Unsealed roads cover the last 200km from Mount Isa and the entire distance from Burketown. These roads can become impassable for extended periods after rain and travel by 4WD vehicle is recommended. Vehicles towing caravans should travel via the Burke and Wills Roadhouse.
Lawn Hill is a remote national park and visitors must be self-sufficient in food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
