Mount Isa Things to Do

The Outback at Isa is a big touristic complex located in the town centre. The Hard Times Mine is its main attraction.

This mine was once a real working mine, now tourists go down, wearing huge miner's suits and helmets. Yes, it's sooo touristy - but it was fun, and I really learned a lot. The tour was guided by a man who had been a miner in the past, so he knew what he was talking about. He explained so many things to us and was also very funny. The tour lasted about three hours, so you really get something for your money.
I have been to several mines in Germany and was not a fan of them, so I was not sure if it was really worth to go to this one, but I am glad I did.
You can even use some of the machinery under guidance of the guide, and he demonstrates more machinary to you. It was impressive how loud all this stuff is, and it really made me see how hard working here must be. My respects to all the people who do this!
You also get to go down in a huge lift, and go on the colliery railway.

Photography is not permitted inside, you need to leave all your stuff in lockers.
I recommend that you eat something before you go, as you will not eat or drink for three hours, except a small snack that is included. And there are no toilets!
It really was left in a very original state, you have to wear big boots and walking is sometimes difficult, so I don't recommend the tour to people with walking difficulties.

Fee: 49AUD for adults, 44AUD concession, 30AUD for children, 134,50AUD for a family.
Pre-booking is essential.

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As you can see in the picture, from City Lookout you have a wonderful view on the town of Mount Isa and the surrounding rock slopes. In the light of the setting sun, this looks really beautiful, as everything is illuminated in red and the rocks seem to glow. Thus, early evening is the best time to come here.

The lookout is located on a hill, you can walk up or go by car. It is a popular place and there were also some locals who enjoyed the view.
The way up starts in Hilary Street, close to the Outback at Isa.

"Without us, a lot of visitors to the Outback would be permanent residents"

In a country with a huge land mass and scarcely populated remote, isolated areas, the Royal Flying Doctor Services was born.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides primary health care in rural and remote areas, and performs emergency medical retrieval and inter-hospital transfers.

The Royal Flying Doctor Services Mount Isa Base covers an area of 500km in radius, and 40 - 50,000 people are looked after by the small crew of 3 doctors, 3 nurses and 4 pilots. These dedicated staff work around the clock to provide medical assistance to people in need. It is not unusual for them to see up to 480 patients in a month, just in clinic visits alone, without mentioning the countless evacuation.

The Royal Flying Doctors Visitors Centre is open to the public. You can learn the story about the outback's greatest miracle here.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm.

Admission
Adults $1.00
Children $0.50

Website for the RFDS Queensland section:

RFDS Queensland

16km north of Mt Isa is Lake Moondarra. - I think it was man made but I am not sure. It is a very popular spot for barbecuing and sailing. I was just happy to see some water again being all the way out there in the outback.
There were lots of kangaroos in the evening.

Frank Aston museum is partly underground and has displays on the history of Mt Isa and about the local aboriginal people.
There's also a lot of old mining gear and flying doctors radios and a huge crocdile skull.
It has a bit of everything.

The first metals in the area was discovered in 1923 and that is when Mt Isa got its name. It is a corruption of the name Mt Ida which is a goldfield in WA.
The mine is extremely rich in zinc, lead, copper and silver. There are 4600km of tunnels and you can get to see some of it on a 3 hour underground tour. There is also a two hour bustour above ground.

From this hill you can see all around Mt Isa, you can see the mine (excellent at night when you can see all the lights), and you can see just how far it is to London, North Pole or New York. Just look at the sign!

The City Lookout is right behind my backyard. From there you can have an unobstructed 360 degrees view of the city and beyond, not to mention the many photo taking opportunities.

Pic was taken from the lookout while walking my dog.