Cloncurry to Mount Isa road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

The drive from Cloncurry to Mount Isa in outback Queensland is 121km. Without stopping, the driving time is 1h24m. But good road trip attractions include the Burke and Wills Memorial, Corella Dam and Rigby Falls.

The Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive is a key leg on many outback Queensland road trips. You’ll tackle it if driving from Brisbane or Townsville to Darwin, and from Cairns to Darwin as well if you’re avoiding unsealed roads.

Mount Isa has a surprising amount to offer visitors, including an eerie uranium mine and ghost town tour, outback scenic flights and sunset drinks overlooking Lake Moondarra.

Book Mount Isa accommodation for from $121 a night.

Cloncurry to Mount Isa distance an driving time

The Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive is relatively short by Queensland standards. It’s 121km in distance, with a driving time of around one hour and 24 minutes. The drive is along the Barkly Highway, which goes to near Tennant Creek via Barkly Homestead in the Northern Territory.

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.

There are a few attractions worthy of a stop between Cloncurry and Mount Isa. The first of these road trip stops is the Burke and Wills Memorial, which commemorates the ill-fated expedition that tried to cross Australia in 1860-61.

Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive: Corella Dam and Mary Kathleen Township

Next comes the Corella Dam, a pretty swimming hole that offers free camping. It’s near the abandoned Mary Kathleen Township, should you fancy a meander through the eerie ghost town.

South of the Barkly Highway just after Mary Kathleen, is Rigby Falls. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle to get to this seven tier waterfall, however.

Cloncurry to Mount Isa road trip attractions: Telstra Hill

The last of the attractions on the Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive comes just outside Mount Isa. Telstra Hill is the best lookout in the area, with a 4.2km walking track to the summit. From the top, you can see out over the town and surrounding plains.

Things to do in Mount Isa once you get there include the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, underground tours of the Hard Times Mine and the Mount Isa Family Fun Park.

Mount Isa accommodation choices with a (much-needed) swimming pool include the Argylla holiday park, the well-reviewed Burke and Wills Motel and the good value Copper Gate Motel.

Mount Isa activity options include a two hour best-of Mount Isa tour, outback scenic flights, a sunset drinks tour to Lake Moondarra and an intriguing visit to the abandoned Mary Kathleen uranium mine.