Townsville to Darwin road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Attractions between Townsville and Darwin: Julia Creek and Cloncurry
Next comes Julia Creek, which has an artesian pool to bathe in and the quirky Julia Creek caravan park. But you’re better off continuing to Cloncurry.
Things to do in Cloncurry include John Flynn Place, which will teach you about the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There’s also Cloncurry Unearthed, which is ostensibly about the local mining industry and mineral discoveries. The best bit looks at the tragic Burke and Wills expedition, however.
Cloncurry accommodation picks include the charming Gidgee Inn and the solid Leichhardt Hotel Motel.
Townsville to Darwin road trip: Into Mount Isa
The Flinders Highway becomes the Barkly Highway in Cloncurry. And the Cloncurry to Mount Isa drive goes down the Barkly, pass the moving Burke and Wills Memorial and Corella Dam swimming spot.
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 include the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, underground tours of the Hard Times Mine and the Mount Isa Family Fun Park.
Mount Isa activity picks include the two hour best-of Mount Isa tour, outback scenic flights, a sunset tour to Lake Moondarra and a oddly gripping visit to the abandoned Mary Kathleen uranium mine.
Top Mount Isa accommodation options include the likeable four star Copper City Motel, the handily central Icon on Isa and the Discovery Parks Argylla caravan park.
Click through for the next section: The Barkly Highway.