DESTINATION: Mount Isa

Mount Isa is the largest and most important industrial provincial city west of the Great Dividing Range. It is located 887km west of Townsville. Mount Isa Mines is the largest single producer of copper, silver, lead and zinc in the world. The town is surrounded by cattle country and hosts one of the richest and largest rodeos in the world. The 3-day event is held in August.

Main Attractions

The Mount Isa Mine offers underground mine tours. Visitors are taken on a 4WD adventure through some of the mine's 600km of tunnels and can experience the day-to-day operations of a major underground mine. Tours operate twice daily, Mon-Fri, bookings required. Multi-award winning Riversleigh Fossils Interpretive Centre features displays of fossil discoveries from the Riversleigh area, some dating to over 30 million years. The information centre is also located here.

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Nearby attractions

Man-made Lake Moondarra, 15km north of Mount Isa, is an ideal recreational and picnic spot. The lake offers swimming, boating, canoeing, sailing and waterskiing and the surrounding area is a wildlife sanctuary. Lawn Hill NP, 332km NW, offers around 20km of walking tracks, some leading to high peaks and others to swimming holes. Facilities include a camping area, tent accommodation and a shop with essential items. Tours of the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Site are available. The site is 267km NW of Mount Isa. Lake Julius, situated along the Leichhardt River, 99km NE, offers the chance to see local wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles. Only a short distance from the lake are Aboriginal cave paintings, nature trails and an old goldmine. Camping at the lake is also possible.

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Region: Outback Queensland

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This is an area of diverse landscapes. Fossick for opals at Yowah, Cunnamulla and Quilpie, explore the universe's wonders at Charleville's Skywatch, seek out birdlife in saltwater and freshwater habitats and relax at the Great Artisan Spa in Mitchell. Central West and Matilda Country. Australia's most famous song, Waltzing Matilda, was written and first performed in this part of the Outback. more

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Tourist info

Riversleigh Fossils Centre, Centenary Park, Marian St, Ph: (07) 4749 1555

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