Visitor Information
Visitor Information
Things to See & Do
Outback at Isa is also the official Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre — and we’re not shy about it.
Whether you’re exploring rugged landscapes, walking through historic mining sites, or encountering unique wildlife,
each journey promises to deepen your connection to the heart of the Australian outback.
There's plenty of things to see & do for all ages, so we’ll tell you where to go, what there is to see and do,
and we'll help you make the most out of your outback adventure.
We’ve got your back every step of the way!
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Discover relics of Mount Isa’s mining past with self-guided visits to old open cut pits, shafts, tunnels, and equipment scattered across the rugged outback landscape.
Mount Isa and North-west Queensland is a premier birding destination, home to endemic species like the Kalkadoon and Carpentarian Grasswrens. Key sites include Lake Moondarra, Telstra Hill, Mica Creek, and Pamela Street Water Tanks.
Join a Bush Tucker Cooking Experience in the Outback Park! Gather native herbs and ingredients to season Barramundi, Kangaroo, veggies, and Johnny cakes cooked on coals. Enjoy Billy Tea and stories by the fire with your guide while your meal cooks—a true taste of the Australian bush!
Embark on a guided Bush Tucker Experience and explore the rich knowledge of Indigenous culture. Discover edible native plants, traditional bush medicines, and survival techniques passed down through generations. Learn about the cultural importance of local flora and fauna, and how First Nations communities live in harmony with the land.
Just 188 km from Mount Isa, Camooweal is on the Queensland-Northern Territory border. Known for its droving heritage and laid-back charm, this historic town features iconic pubs, The Drovers Camp, stunning natural surrounds, and hosts the famous Camooweal Drovers Festival—celebrating the outback lifestyle and history.
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Wiliyan-ngurru National Park, near Camooweal, features ancient dolomite caves, sinkholes, and rich Indigenous cultural heritage. While cave entry is restricted, visitors can enjoy scenic walks, birdwatching, and bush camping. The park is best explored during the dry season and offers a unique glimpse into outback Queensland’s natural and cultural landscape.
7. Casa Gande
This Spanish-style mansion, built in 1949 for Mount Isa Mines’ top executive, stands as a symbol of the region’s mining legacy. Though not always open to the public, Casa Grande’s unique architecture and rich history make it an iconic and photogenic landmark in Mount Isa.
A central public square in Mount Isa’s heart, Centennial Place is a peaceful gathering space featuring shaded seating, landscaped gardens, and art installations. Built for community events and markets, it’s a great spot for locals and visitors to relax and soak up the town’s atmosphere.
Celebrate the legacy of Australia’s drovers at this living museum just outside Camooweal. With guided tours, fascinating stories, historical artefacts, and annual events, the Drovers Camp offers a unique glimpse into the tough but vital role of drovers in shaping the Australian outback.
Mount Isa offers excellent freshwater fishing, especially at Lake Moondarra and Lake Julius. Anglers can catch Barramundi, Sooty Grunter, Longtom, Sleepy Cod, Catfish, and Archerfish. The lakes are regularly stocked, and the best fishing times are April–May and August–November. Lake Moondarra also hosts an annual Fishing Classic in October.
Try your luck fossicking for semi-precious stones like garnets, staurolite (maltese crosses), and quartz around Mount Isa. It’s a hands-on, fun activity for all ages and a great way to discover the natural treasures hidden beneath the rugged outback landscape. Permits are required.
A stunning natural spring nestled between rocky outcrops, Fountain Springs is a peaceful oasis perfect for a swim or picnic. Rich in Indigenous and settler history, the site was once a vital water source and features prominently in local Dreamtime stories.
Join a high-tech treasure hunt using GPS to discover hidden caches throughout Mount Isa and beyond. A fun and adventurous way to explore the outback, geocaching takes you off the beaten track and rewards you with secret spots, scenic views, and a sense of playful discovery.
A tranquil riverside settlement located about 300 km north of Mount Isa, Gregory is a popular camping, canoeing, and fishing destination. Set on the picturesque Gregory River, it’s the perfect base for exploring the remote wilderness, relaxing under the stars, or connecting with nature in true outback style.
Experience the life of a Mount Isa miner on a guided underground tour led by former workers. Descend into a real mine, operate drilling equipment, and hear firsthand stories of hard work and camaraderie. This immersive tour brings mining history to life like nowhere else in Australia.
From challenging hill climbs to relaxed nature trails, Mount Isa offers a variety of scenic walks and hikes. Enjoy panoramic views, discover unique flora and fauna, and explore areas rich in Indigenous culture and history. Popular trails include those around Lake Moondarra and Telstra Hill.
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Indigenous Painting Class Experience
Join local Kalkadoon artist Barbara Sam, as she teaches you about the different symbols and how to incorporate your life story into a piece of art that resembles the vibrant colours and landscapes of the outback.
Step inside this engaging museum and discover Mount Isa’s mining origins, multicultural past, and unique outback lifestyle. Interactive exhibits, historical displays, and multimedia presentations bring the town’s story to life, offering insights into both Indigenous heritage and modern industrial development.
Celebrate Mount Isa’s legendary rodeo culture at this dedicated hall of fame. Learn about the town’s rodeo champions, iconic moments, and the evolution of one of the world’s biggest rodeo events. Exhibits include memorabilia, video footage, and fascinating stories from Australia’s rugged rodeo history.
A favourite local escape, Lake Moondarra offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and birdwatching just 17 km from Mount Isa. Surrounded by scenic bushland and picnic areas, the lake is also home to events like the annual fishing classic and provides a peaceful spot to unwind in nature.
Maltha Waru, meaning "Many Paths" in the Kalkadoon language, embodies the diverse artistic expressions and stories of the region. This workshop offers a platform for local Indigenous artists to showcase their talents and share their heritage through various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and wearable art.
For thrill-seekers and riders of all levels, Mount Isa features a range of dirt bike and mountain bike trails across rugged outback terrain. Explore natural gorges, rocky tracks, and scenic lookouts on two wheels. Popular with locals, these trails offer adventure, adrenaline, and epic views.
Follow this self-guided walking trail to discover murals, public sculptures, galleries, and cultural landmarks across the city. The walk highlights Mount Isa’s artistic flair and Indigenous heritage, offering an engaging way to explore its creative side while stretching your legs and learning about the town.
One of the best viewpoints in town, Mount Isa City Lookout offers panoramic views of the city, mine, and surrounding landscape. Ideal at sunrise or sunset, this elevated spot is easily accessible and provides a dramatic contrast between the natural outback and industrial skyline.
Perfect for families, this precinct includes a splash park, mini-golf, skate ramps, BBQ areas, and shaded playgrounds. It’s a popular weekend destination for locals and travellers alike, offering hours of fun and relaxation for kids and adults in a safe, well-maintained environment.
A smooth, looping track designed for BMX, scooters, and bikes of all levels, the pump track is a hit with both locals and visiting families. With its fun design and open layout, it encourages outdoor play and riding skills in a friendly and social setting.
This vibrant gallery showcases local, regional, and touring exhibitions in a contemporary space. A cultural hub for Mount Isa, it regularly hosts artist talks, workshops, and events, making it an essential stop for art lovers and those wanting to experience the region’s creative pulse.
Built during WWII to protect patients from air raids, this fascinating underground hospital tells the story of wartime innovation and resilience. Guided tours reveal the preserved wards, operating theatre, and artefacts, offering a unique perspective on both history and healthcare in remote Australia.
Join expert guides for outback adventures exploring Mount Isa’s landscapes, Indigenous sites, and mining heritage. Options include 4WD tours, cultural experiences, and nature excursions. Perfect for those wanting to dig deeper into the region’s stories and secrets with local insight and comfortable transport.
Soar above the rugged outback on a scenic flight with NTAS. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Isa, Lake Moondarra, mine sites, and surrounding landscapes. A thrilling way to see the vastness and beauty of north-west Queensland from a unique and unforgettable perspective.
A peaceful green space in the heart of Mount Isa, this botanical garden showcases native plants and themed walking paths. Great for relaxing strolls, photography, and learning about the region’s unique flora, it’s a lovely place to escape the heat and enjoy nature.
A serene, culturally significant site featuring a tranquil waterhole surrounded by rocky outcrops and Indigenous rock art. Accessible by a short drive and walk, it’s a quiet place for reflection, photography, or connecting with the natural and spiritual heritage of the area.
Located within Outback at Isa, this interactive centre features fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Explore life from 20–30 million years ago through displays of ancient marsupials, crocodiles, and birds. A must-visit for families and anyone fascinated by prehistoric Australia.
A local favourite for short hikes and sunset views, Telstra Hill offers sweeping panoramas over Mount Isa and the surrounding ranges. A great spot for early morning walks, photography, or simply enjoying the colours of the outback sky at golden hour.
Three Steps, also known as the Three Sisters, is a natural rock formation just outside Mount Isa, where the landscape mimics three cascading waterfalls carved into stone. The rocks are shaped like distinct tiers, resembling steps or terraces, each layer telling a silent story of time, weather, and cultural memory.
Explore the eerie remains of an abandoned 1950s uranium mine and its once-thriving township. The ghostly ruins and turquoise mine pit offer a glimpse into the boom-and-bust mining era. A fascinating site for photography, history buffs, and those seeking outback adventure.
Recognised as one of the world’s richest fossil sites, Riversleigh offers a remarkable window into Australia’s ancient past. Located in Boodjamulla National Park, it features well-preserved fossils of extinct animals and provides unique insights into prehistoric life over 20 million years ago.
Pay tribute to the lifesaving service that supports remote communities across Australia. The memorial honours the dedication and innovation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which has been a crucial part of outback healthcare since the early 20th century.
Wugudaji – Adels Grove is an outback oasis near Boodjamulla National Park, offering crystal-clear emerald waters, shady trees, riverside camping, glamping, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. It’s the perfect base to explore Lawn Hill Gorge and the famous Riversleigh fossil fields in the stunning Gulf Country.
Tackle Mount Isa’s rugged terrain with off-road adventures designed for 4WD vehicles. From rocky escarpments to river crossings, the area offers thrilling challenges and stunning views. Great for experienced drivers looking to explore remote tracks and test their skills in the outback.
A historic outback pub located in the tiny township of Kajabbi, the New Kalkadoon Hotel is rich with local stories and charm. Stop in for a cold drink, chat with locals, and soak up the character of this remote slice of Queensland history.
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