Mount Isa may be a long way from where you call home but the city is fully accessible by sealed roads, rail and plane.
Drive
The main highways in and out of Mount Isa are suitable for all vehicle types and there are also 4WD accessible sites in the region for the off road enthusiast. On your drive to Mount Isa you will travel through some of the most magnificent scenery in Australia. Coming in from the west you’ll pass through spectacular savannah grasslands, from the east you’ll see undulating ranges and from the south the remnants of an inland sea.
Distances & Directions
Brisbane to Mount Isa – 1825 km
Sydney to Mount Isa – 2400 km
Melbourne to Mount Isa – 2597 km
Cairns to Mount Isa – 1250 km
Townsville to Mount Isa – 904 km
If you have any questions regarding travel in the Outback or getting to Mount Isa contact the Visitor Centre in Outback at Isa.
Road Conditions
Visit the Queensland Traffic website or RACQ Road Conditions for information on current road conditions. Staying safe on Outback roads means staying informed about current road conditions especially during the wet season!
Flights to and from Mount Isa
Getting to Mount Isa by air is a very easy feat. With flights leaving daily from Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, our airport is the gateway to Outback Queensland and provides superior travel experience to visitors and residents alike.
Mount Isa Airport is located off the Barkly Highway approximately 8km from the city. The airport offers a bar and café serving hot and cold beverages and light refreshments. Magazines and newspapers are also available. The café opening times correspond with arrivals and departures. The cafe is located in the terminal before passing through security into the Departures Lounge. Free WIFI is also available at the terminal. For more information please visit the Mount Isa Airport website.
Qantas
Brisbane to Mount Isa 2hr 40min and Townsville to Mount Isa 1hr 40min. Check current flight schedules here.
Virgin
Brisbane to Mount Isa 2hr 40min. Check current flight schedules here.
Rex
Mount Isa to Cairns. Check current flight schedules here.
Train
Visiting Mount Isa by rail is a magical way to see the enthralling nature of the Outback. Travelling along the Overlander’s Way, travellers can exit the train at any time and stop off at many destinations. With trains leaving Mount Isa and Townsville twice a week, many locals and tourists alike enjoy the enchantments of locomotive transport.
The Inlander offers comfortable Economy seating and lounge so you can sit back and relax while the scenery unfolds. Most journey’s occur overnight so guests can nap, sleep and enjoy a stunning Outback sunset. The on-board lounge car serves light refreshments and beverages and guests are more than welcome to bring their own. Travelling to Mount Isa by Rail is the perfect, stress free way to travel west!
For booking and timetable information see the Queensland Rail website.
Bus
Bus Queensland
Bus Queensland operates daily services between Mount Isa and Brisbane with additional services between Townsville and Mount Isa three days a week. Book through Bus Queensland or call 1300 287 537.
Greyhound
Greyhound operate daily services between Mount Isa and Brisbane, with additional services to Townsville and Tennant Creek (Northern Territory) Sunday & Wednesday. Bookings can be made through Greyhound or call 1300 473 946.
Bus Charter Services
For those looking for charter bus services, airport to hotel transfers, event shuttle services and more contact Mount Isa Coaches.
