Here for a good time, not a long time? We’ve got you covered!
Day One
Morning
Hop straight off the plane and visit our airport’s car rentals desk to sort yourself out with a vehicle (you’re going to need one).
Hungry? Mount Isa has a plethora of breakfast options to suit any taste and budget. From the breakfast hash at Bambino Espresso, to a Big Brekky at The Xtra Mile, you’ll never be hungry in Mount Isa!
Now that you’re fed and watered, head to the team at Outback at Isa to explore all Mount Isa has to offer. Check out the Art Gallery, Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and the Hard Times Mine, where you’ll find impressive boom drills and it’s all hands on deck to drill and blast the ore and fill the wagons before shift’s end. Try your hand at an air-leg drill, or down tools and pop into the crib room to enjoy a tasty snack. Tours run daily for those 7 years and older at Outback at Isa.
Afternoon
Pop into Zambrero’s for lunch and indulge in their slow-cooked pork or lamb burritos and some of Mount Isa’s best coffee from The Coffee Lab on your way out to Lake Moondarra.
Out at the lake, if you’ve got access to a boat, enjoy a day of water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. No boat? No worries! The lake is the perfect backdrop for a spot of four-wheel-driving and fishing. Finish off your visit with a swim and barbecue at Warrina Park, affectionately known as Peacock Park, with toilet facilities and Mount Isa Water Board -provided barbecues.
After a busy morning exploring underground tunnels and discovering dinosaurs, head up to the Lookout on Hilary Street to watch a stunning Outback sunset! Sunset times vary depending on the time of the year, but it’s well worth a visit here to watch the sun sink behind the hills and the Mount Isa Mines as a layer of silvery lights settle on the city after sundown as Mount Isa comes alive!
If you’re after a hearty meal in Mount Isa, you can’t go past the Isa Hotel’s Rodeo Bar and Grill – with a wide array of choices, from succulent steaks to pizza and kids’ meals, you’ll keep all the troupes happy with dinner here.
Looking for a fancy feast? The teams at the Burke and Wills and Ibis Styles Verona restaurants have menus catering to any refined palate and are perfect for a special occasion! Bookings however, are recommended.
Day Two
Morning
Sink into a decadent breakfast at the Coffee Club before a huge day of outdoor exploration!
Firstly, pack up the car and head east towards Cloncurry. After 60km, follow the signs at the Fountain Springs Rest Area through the gate towards the Fountain Springs signage. This track is on private land, and road trains are present, so please follow all UHF and gate instructions throughout the drive. Once on the dirt track, the falls should be 45-50 minutes (only 35-40km, however, it takes a minimum of 45 minutes due to the road conditions).
Fountain Springs has a consistent and flowing waterfall after the wet season (we might refrain from endoring free camping at the moment). There are no toilet or food facilities so be sure to bring everything you need with you, including food, water and sunscreen.
Or
Head east to the Mary Kathleen Mine. Don’t expect to cool off and take a dip here, however – this road trip is solely for your eyes only! The stunning crystal-blue water of the Mary Kathleen Mine is a sight to behold, as is the town itself, left behind after the closing of the mine and relocation of the town’s buildings, homes and stores in 1985. The turnoff is clearly signed from the Barkly Highway and is 57km from Mt Isa.
The old access road is bitumen but is not maintained, so take care when driving. This leads to a junction, with the former town on the right and the mine area to the left, after a 5km drive. The open pit is a stunning sight to behold, with its bright, turquoise water – however, it is still considered to be radioactive, so swimming is not advised.
On your way back, follow the junction road back to the old town and find the remnants of what was once a bustling mining town of more than 1200 residents.
Afternoon
When the waterhole fun has expired, head back to town and freshen up before exploring some of Mount Isa’s rich historical landmarks. The Underground Hospital and Mount Isa School of the Air are perfect options for an afternoon of immersive history and help you gain an understanding of the challenges and adjustments of living in the Outback.
Polish off your afternoon with cocktails at Arvos Tapas Bar, and for dinner number two, go Oriental! Indulge in dinner at the RedEarth Thai Restaurant or Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant and enjoy just a few of our many cultures here in Mount Isa.
Enjoy your last night in Mount Isa before jetting off from our local airport to Brisbane, Cairns or Townsville!
