Mt Isa Qld 4825 (Pop 22 000)

Mt Isa is a bustling Outback service centre located 1 825 km n-w of Brisbane. It sits on the Leichhardt River which divides the town centre side (east) from the mining areas (west). ‘The Isa’ is a leading world producer of lead and silver with copper and zinc mining also of great importance. Original inhabitants were the Kalkadoon Aborigines and European settlement began in 1870s. The Leichhardt River was dammed in 1958 which guaranteed the area plentiful water supplies. Markets each Sat. International Mining Challenge (Apr/May), Isa Rodeo (world's 3rd largest) (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
City Lookout, Hilary St excellent city and mining area views. Frank Aston Rotary Underground Museum located within underground chambers in the former city reservoir with old mining displays and fascinating Aboriginal artifacts. John Middlen Museum, Church St interesting mining museum. Open daily. Royal Flying Doctor Service, Barkly Hwy follows the history of this unique organization with photo collections, displays and local memorabilia. National Trust Tent Museum, Fourth Ave fascinating look back at how the miners lived in 1930s & 40s. Underground Hospital, Deighton St built during WWII. Mount Isa Mine features Australia’s tallest free-standing structure (265 m) in the form of the lead smelter stack.

Nearby:
Lake Moondarra (20 km north) popular man-made recreational spot and important bird sanctuary. Mt Frosty (53 km east) old limestone mine and swimming hole but not recommended for children due to its depth (9 m). Lake Julius (110 km n-w) canoeing, bushwalking trails and Aboriginal cave paintings. The Cloncurry-Mount Isa Road runs 120 km east and provides a scenic drive of hilly and interesting landscapes whilst the surrounding areas are the more usual flat Gulf lands. Clem Walton Park features a lovely lake with prolific birdlife and is also the site of the old uranium ghost mining town, Mary Kathleen of which only some of its streets are still visible. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) NP (340 km n-w) one of Qld’s most picturesque parks featuring freshwater springs, sandstone ranges, Riversleigh fossil site, beautiful canoeing locations and freshwater crocodiles - take care if swimming.

Accommodation: Mount Isa has about a dozen motels, 7 hotels and 8 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 19 Marion St. Tel (07) 4749 1555 or 1300 659 660.