Brisbane to Alice Springs road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Brisbane to Alice Springs drive: Cloncurry and Mount Isa
Once in Cloncurry, the best attractions are Cloncurry Unearthed – which focuses on mining and minerals – and John Flynn Place. The latter looks at the life and work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service founder.
Cloncurry accommodation options include the personality-packed Gidgee Inn and the solidly decent Leichhardt Hotel Motel.
Longreach to Mount Isa drive: Into Mount Isa
On the Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive along the Barkly Highway, you might choose to stop at the Corella Dam swimming hole and eerie Mary Kathleen Township – now a ghost town.
7 great Mount Isa experiences you really ought to know about
- Hard Times underground mine tour – led by a miner.
- Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre tickets – with optional laboratory tour.
- Combo ticket for Isa Experience Heritage Display, Outback Park and Rodeo Hall of Fame.
- Small group scenic flight – flying over the vast mines.
- Lake Moondarra sunset tour – with drinks and food platter.
- Pay a visit to the bizarre World War II era Underground Hospital.
- Mary Kathleen abandoned mine and ghost town tour.
Things to do in Mount Isa once there include the Mount Isa Family Fun Park and the dino-focused Riversleigh Fossil Centre.
For activities, try the two hour best-of Mount Isa tour, outback scenic flights, a sunset drinks tour to Lake Moondarra and an unusual visit to the abandoned Mary Kathleen uranium mine.
Mount Isa accommodation choices include the colourful Copper City Motel, the well-located Icon on Isa and the kid-friendly Discovery Parks Argylla.
Next section: Into the Northern Territory.