What to Do and See

Outback at Isa Complex

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. 

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Riversleigh Fossil Centre

If you think fossils are a dry and dusty subject that only paleontologist and university professors would be interested in, you haven’t experienced the incredible Riversleigh Fossil Centre that is a part of the multi-award-winning Outback at Isa Complex.

The Australian Fossil Mammal Sites at Riversleigh and Naracoorte were inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1994 for the outstanding representation of the evolution of Australia mammals and the quality of their fossils, which are preserved in limestone. The Riversleigh section, which covers 10,000 hectares is located in the southern section of Boojamulla National Park in North-West Queensland. Naracoorte can be found over 2,000 kilometers away in South Australia.

Hard Times Mine

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.

Descending 15 meters into the mine at Alimak Cage, you begin to explore the history of mining as the guides enthrall you with their stories of the good times and the hard times that are had working deep under the earth. See how the tunnels are formed and shaped by the majestic boom drills and mucking units. Get up close with the machinery and try your hand at the air-leg drill and feel the earth rumble with the firing of the blast face. These magnificent experiences will stay with you forever.

Bookings are essential during peak season

Underground Hospital and Tent House

Explore Mount Isa Underground Hospital was constructed April 1942 following the bombing of Darwin, in the grounds of the Mount Isa District Hospital by off-duty miners from Mount Isa Mines. The hospital became a wartime make-shift hospital that was equipped with medical supplies and housed a maternity ward, surgery, outpatient’s department and a recovery ward.

Despite never being used, apart from a cool place to sleep for nurses on night shift at the city hospital, the underground hospital is definitely worth a visit.

Lake Moondarra

Lake Moondarra is an outstanding spot offering the tourists and locals a spot to go swimming, canoeing, boating, sailing and an excellent spot for barramundi fishing.

Mount Isa City Lookout

Everyone should make the short trip up to the city lookout for excellent 360-degree view of Mount Isa. The best time is at sunset, when the smelter stacks are silhouetted and the mine lights begin to twinkle.

North West Tours

Offer The Best of Mount Isa 2hr Tour – Explore the old and the new of Mount Isa,
Their 4 hour tours are
Lake Moondarra Sunset Tour – End your day relaxing in the picturesque surrounds of Transport Bay. Experience the serenity and sunset over Lake Moondarra whilst enjoying a beverage and generous ploughman’s platter and
Mary K Uranium Mine Tour – Originally discovered in 1954 by Norm McConachy and Clem Walton, the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine and Township had all the essentials that a population of that size needed – a post office, school, cinema, banks, hospital, supermarkets, swimming pool, sports grounds orchards and more.

The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

Mount Isa in the years of WWI was an isolated blip of far-flung pastoral leases, with the occasional prospector finding slim pickings. Yet this district saw its youth leave to sign up for King and Country on the other side of the world, some of whom were stockmen and horse breakers, skills much sought after by the Australian Light Horse.

Held every August, the Mount Isa Rodeo is the biggest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and an absolute must-see.