Your Questions Answered…
General Information
What is Outback at Isa?
Outback at Isa is Mount Isa’s visitor information and tourism centre. Our precinct includes the Hard Times Mine, Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre, Isa Experience and Outback Park, Rodeo Hall of Fame, café, gift shop, event spaces and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Where is Outback at Isa located?
We are located at 19 Marian Street, Mount Isa, Queensland, with onsite parking available.
What are your opening hours?
Our centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Saturday to Sunday 7:30am - 2:00pm.
Is there an entry fee to visit Outback at Isa?
Entry to the Visitor Information Centre, café and gift shop is free. Admission fees apply to museum experiences, tours and selected activities.
How long should I allow for my visit?
We recommend allowing at least two to three hours to explore the precinct itself, and two days for Mount Isa. Visitors joining the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour should allow up to 3 hours.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available onsite, including space for cars, caravans, motorhomes and larger touring vehicles in our rear carpark.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes dogs are welcome in our centre and in a select part of our Outback Cafe. Unfortunately, domestic pets are not permitted in our Outback Park.
Accessibility and Facilities
Is Outback at Isa wheelchair accessible?
Many public areas within the precinct are wheelchair accessible, including the Visitor Information Centre and selected museum spaces. Some tours and outdoor areas have access limitations, so please contact us before visiting to discuss your needs.
Are toilets available?
Yes. Visitor toilets are available onsite, including accessible facilities.
Are showers available for travellers?
Yes. Travellers can access free cold showers or a five-minute hot shower for $2.
Can travellers fill their water tanks?
Yes. Potable water is available for travellers from the Outback at Isa carpark. Please ask our team for directions and current access information.
Is there somewhere to eat onsite?
Yes. Our onsite café offers meals, snacks, coffee and cold drinks. Café and kitchen hours may differ from the Visitor Information Centre’s operating hours.
Is free Wi-Fi available?
Yes, you can access our free Wi-Fi in centre. Just ask our friendly team for the password.
Tours and Experiences
Do I need to book tours in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays, rodeo week and the peak winter travel season. Tours may sell out or require a minimum number of participants.
Where can I book a tour?
Tours can be booked through our website, by telephone (0747491555) or in person at the Outback at Isa Visitor Information Centre.
What is the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour?
The Hard Times Mine is an immersive underground mining experience located 16 metres below the surface. Visitors wear PPE a hard hat and cap lamp while exploring approximately 1.2 kilometres of purpose-built tunnels with an experienced guide.
How long does the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour take?
Please allow approximately two to three hours for the complete experience, including preparation and changing into your mining equipment.
Is there a minimum age for the underground mine tour?
Yes. Children must be at least seven years old to participate in the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour.
What should I wear on the mine tour?
Wear comfortable clothing and socks. Orange overalls, steel-toed gumboots, a hard hat and a cap lamp are provided. Personal belongings can be left in the provided lockers.
Is the underground tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The underground tour includes uneven surfaces, stairs, confined areas and extended periods of walking and standing. Please contact our team before booking to discuss accessibility or medical requirements.
What is the Hard Times Mine Surface Tour?
The Surface Tour is an all-ages guided experience that explores Mount Isa’s mining story through selected Isa Experience exhibits, the machinery yard and the historic Winder House. It is a suitable alternative for visitors who cannot participate in the underground tour.
What is included in the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre?
The centre features interactive displays, a theatre and a reconstruction of the Riversleigh landscape as it may have appeared millions of years ago. Guided experiences also include a visit to the laboratory to learn how fossils are sorted, cleaned and extracted from limestone.
Can young children visit the museums?
Yes. Families and children of all ages are welcome in the Isa Experience and Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre. Age restrictions apply to certain tours and activities.
What can I see in the Rodeo Hall of Fame?
The Rodeo Hall of Fame celebrates the history, personalities and achievements connected with the Mount Isa Rodeo. Visitors can discover stories, photographs and memorabilia from one of Australia’s best-known rodeo events.
Tickets and Bookings
Can I purchase tickets when I arrive?
Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking tours in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Do you offer family or concession prices?
Family, child and concession ticket options are available for selected experiences. Valid concession identification may be required.
Are children under five free?
Children under five receive free admission to selected experiences. Please check the individual experience listing before booking.
What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Changes and cancellations are subject to our booking terms and the notice provided. Please contact us as early as possible if your plans change.
What happens if Outback at Isa cancels a tour?
Tours may occasionally be changed or cancelled due to guide availability, minimum numbers, weather, maintenance or operational requirements. If we cancel your tour, our team will contact you to discuss transferring your booking or arranging an appropriate refund.
Do you accept group and school bookings?
Yes. We welcome schools, coach groups, community organisations and private groups. Contact our team for availability, suitable experiences and group pricing via email at tours@outbackatisa.com.au
Visiting Mount Isa
Can you help me plan my stay in Mount Isa?
Absolutely. Our local team can assist with attractions, tours, accommodation, places to eat, local events, road conditions and ideas for exploring Mount Isa and the surrounding region.
Can you book accommodation and other local tours?
Our team can provide information about local accommodation, attractions and tour operators. Contact us to find out which services can be booked directly through the Visitor Information Centre.
Where can I find current road conditions?
Road conditions can change quickly in Outback Queensland. Check current information through Queensland Traffic and local council updates before travelling, particularly during wet weather.
When is the best time to visit Mount Isa?
Mount Isa can be visited throughout the year. The cooler months are especially popular for touring, outdoor activities and events, while summer visitors should plan around higher temperatures and possible wet-weather conditions.
What should I bring when travelling in the Outback?
Carry plenty of drinking water, sun protection, suitable footwear and a reliable means of communication. Check your vehicle, fuel availability and road conditions before travelling outside Mount Isa.
Are there free camping areas in Mount Isa?
Camping is not permitted in many public areas within the city. There are caravan parks, designated campgrounds and some roadside rest areas outside Mount Isa. Speak with our Visitor Information Centre team for suitable and current options.
Families and Activities
Are there activities for children?
Yes. Depending on availability, the precinct offers museum experiences, fossil activities, mini golf, remote-controlled vehicle activities, a sandpit, duck feeding and other family-friendly experiences.
Do children need adult supervision?
Yes. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult throughout the precinct and while participating in activities.
Do you run school-holiday activities?
Special activities may be offered during Queensland school holidays. Follow Outback at Isa on social media or check our events page for upcoming programs.
Café, Retail and Events
Can I visit the café without purchasing a museum ticket?
Yes. The café, gift shop and Visitor Information Centre can be visited without purchasing an attraction ticket.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We aim to accommodate common dietary requirements where possible. Please speak with our café team before ordering, particularly if you have a food allergy.
Can I purchase souvenirs and locally made products?
Yes. Our gift shop stocks Mount Isa souvenirs, gifts and a selection of locally inspired products.
Can I hire a space at Outback at Isa?
Yes. We have indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for meetings, functions, community events, markets, celebrations and private occasions. Download our events hireable spaces brochure or email our team.
Do you host weddings and private functions?
Yes. Our lakeside, garden and event spaces can be used for weddings, receptions and private functions. Download our events hireable spaces brochure or email our team.
Can I hold a children’s party at Outback at Isa?
Yes. Children’s party packages and optional activities may be available. Contact our team to discuss dates, catering and experience add-ons.
How can I find out what events are coming up?
Visit the events section of our website or follow Outback at Isa on Facebook and Instagram for announcements, special offers and upcoming activities.