Mount Isa Local Attractions

Described as the Oasis of the Outback, Mount Isa known to the locals as "The Isa" is located in North-West Queensland nestled amongst the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges on the banks of the Leichhardt River.

Mount Isa came into existence due to its vast mineral deposits discovered in 1923, the rich deposit is still producing high volumes of ore and is classed as one of the world’s greatest mines. The mine is the most significant landmark in the area with the 270 m tall stack from the lead smelter, built in 1978, being visible from all parts of the city and up to 40km out.

Mount Isa has grown from strength to strength over the years but the harsh picturesque landscape has barely changed, becoming one of the main draw-cards for visitors each year. Mount Isa brings out the adventurous spirit in everyone, with ample places to fish, camp, four wheel drive, or relax and enjoy an Outback sunset. The rugged terrain is a four wheel driver's haven, and visitors can explore the region just as the pioneers of the region did many years ago.

Mount Isa Rodeo

Mount Isa, the rodeo capital of Australia. With more than $200,000 in prize money up for grabs, Isa Rodeo attracts more than 800 national and international nominations annually. This is arguably the toughest, most satisfying title to have to your name.

Adel's Grove

Adel’s Grove, located within Lawn Hill National Park, alongside Lawn Hill Creek downstream from Lawn Hill Gorge boasts individual camping sites with the convenience a restaurant, small shop, payphone, small air strip and tours throughout the Park including Riversleigh Fossil Deposits.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

Boodjamulla National Park is one of Queensland's most scenic national parks, featuring spectacular gorge country, sandstone ranges and significant fossils. Numerous springs in the limestone plateau created Lawn Hill Creek and Gorge which is home to an amazing array of wildlife.

Riversleigh Fossil Deposits

The Riversleigh fossil vertebrate deposits are among the richest and most extensive in the world with deposits representing three different periods in time dating back as far as 25 million years.

Hilary Street Lookout

Spectacular at sunset or after dark with the streetlights and the illumination emanating from the mines, the lookout with its global signpost, offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and mine areas.

Clem Walton Park and Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine

Clem Walton Park has picnic and camping areas on the banks of picturesque Corella River or view the amazing remnants of the old abandoned open cut uranium mine, village and town of Mary Kathleen.

Lake Moondarra

Lake Moondarra is home to a spectacular array of flora and fauna. Picturesque picnic located around the lake plus safe, still water make it a popular spot for swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing.

Michaelangelo Grimaldi PhotoVision Studios

The PhotoVision Studio is the only fully equipped photographic studio in Mount Isa, specialising in weddings, portraits, special events, commercial, glamour and restoration photography.

Darryl Harris

Darryl was brought up on a cattle station, his love for horses and the outback brought out his passion and talent for photography with both remaining strong influences in his work.

Kalkadoon Tribal Centre and Cultural Keeping Place

The Kalkadoon Tribal Council and Cultural Keeping Place is the keeping place for the preservation of the culture and heritage of the Kalkadoon people.

Arilla Paper

Mount Isa's indigenous enterprise harnesses the creative energies and knowledge of local women to produce fine paper products made from local grasses, trees and reeds such as spinifex, buffle grass and river gum leaves.

Tent House

From 1932 to 1952 over 170 tent houses were built as temporary housing. These houses peculiar to Mount Isa were vital to the growth of Mount Isa. The National Trust Tent House in Fourth Avenue is a working museum.

Underground Hospital and Museum

The Underground Hospital built by the locals during WWII was dug to protect the hospital in the event of an air raid. The awarded heritage restoration is now open to the public by appointment only.

School of the Air

Tours provide behind the scenes appreciation of the organisation required to run a school without classrooms, where the teacher and students cannot see each other.

Royal Flying Doctor Service

The RFDS Mount Isa Base operates self guided tours incorporating a museum, aircraft display and video presentation of the amazing work provided to the region.

Golf Club

Mount Isa’s very own 18 hole golf course and driving range. Set in rugged surrounds built astride the normally dry Silverlena Creek the course is picturesque and majestic.

Tenpin Bowling

Mount Isa’s Super Goldpin Lanes is the local Tenpin Bowling Centre, fully air-conditioned with automatic scoring the alley is open seven days a week.

Isa Cinemas

Showcasing all the latest release movies, why not relax and watch a movie at the Isa Cinema conveniently located just a minute’s walk down Rodeo Drive.

Civic Centre

The Mount Isa Civic Centre is a multi-purpose venue providing entertainment, theatre, exhibition and library facilities.

Isa Visitor Information Centre & Outback at Isa

Outback at Isa hosts the regional Visitor Information Centre as well as an array of exciting tours, activities and attractions including the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, the interactive multimedia Isa Experience Gallery, Hard Times Mine tour, Aboriginal Site tours and the Outback Park with cultural activities held regularly in the outdoor amphitheatre.