Things to do in Mount Isa, Queensland: Best attractions

The best things to do in Mount Isa, Queensland, are the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and Lake Moondarra. Other Mount Isa attractions include the Hard Times Mine tour and Mount Isa Family Fun Park.

Mount Isa, Queensland, is an outback town in the north-west of the state near the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is primarily a mining town, but the Boulia-Mount Isa Highway and Barkly Highway meet here.

If you’re doing a road trip through outback Queensland towards the Northern Territory, given the driving times to Mount Isa, there’s a strong chance you’re going to end up there at some point.

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, Queensland: Riversleigh Fossil Centre

Fortunately, there are a few things to do in Mount Isa. The top attraction in this Queensland outback town is the Riversleigh Fossil Centre. This showcases the wealth of fossil deposits found in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, which has proved to be paleontological paydirt over the years.

Guided tours show visitors how the fossils are found, identified and cleaned, while there are also sections on the big extinct mammals that once roamed Australia.

Mount Isa tours: Hard Times Mine

Other things to do in Mount Isa, Queensland, include the Hard Times Mine. This underground mine tour looks at mining life and history, as well as letting visitors have a go with drills and wear hard hats.

There’s also the Mount Isa Family Fun Park, supposedly the largest all-abilities playground in Queensland. This giant play area cost $4.25 million, and comes with an outdoor performance stage, water park, public barbecues and bike track.

Things to do in Mount Isa, Queensland: Telstra Hill and Lake Moondarra

Natural attractions around Mount Isa include Telstra Hill, which offers views of the town and surrounding plains. The walk to the summit of Telstra Hill is about 4.2km return, and it’s a great sunrise or sunset spot.

There are also several lakes around Mount Isa. Lake Moondarra, about 17km north of the town centre, is the most popular spot for fishing, boating and swimming.

Mount Isa accommodation and tours

Mount Isa accommodation choices with a swimming pool include the Argylla holiday park, the top-rated Burke and Wills Motel and the excellent value Copper Gate Motel.

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