Mount Isa for families: your holiday guide

With enough activities to keep the kids entertained for at least five days, plan to linger a bit longer in Mount Isa. Exploring what locals claim is “the largest city in the world” thanks to its mega footprint spanning 43,188 square kilometres, Mount Isa is also home to the “longest city road in the world” at 189 km linking the town of Camooweal.

But this won’t be the first time you hear the word large mentioned in Mount Isa. All sorts of things here are super-sized. From monster mining trucks that operate like ants underneath the surface covering an incredible 1600kms of tunnels, to giant smoke stacks billowing in the city heart, and if you time your visit for when the cowboys and cowgirls ride into town - you’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s largest (and richest) rodeo too.

But let’s get started with where Mount Isa’s most impressive action happens. Underground at Outback at Isa.

Scratch the surface

Kids as young as 7 can find out what it’s like to be a miner by going underground guided by a real-life miner on the Hard Times Underground Mine Tour. Dressed in the cutest safety jumpsuits complete with miner issue steel-toed gumboots and rocking a rock a hard hat and headlight, before descending 25 metres underground. Expect to wander a maze of winding tunnels, see the massive machinery in action and find out just how rich the deposits of the world’s largest single producer of copper and zinc-lead-silver really are. Kids can have a go on the air-leg drill and after a delicious smoko in the mess hall be thrilled by a mock rock blast. But fear not, this is a purpose-built mine for tourists. The real thing, but on a much smaller and therefore more accessible scale.

Above ground, Outback at Isa is also home to the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre - a must for every aspiring little Attenborough. Tracing a timeline dating back 25 million years, you’ll learn about the most significant deposit of fossilised mammals found anywhere in the world which details Australia’s native mammal evolution. The kids will love the interactive and immersive exhibits where they can dance with a 26 million-year-old relative of the biggest bird that has ever lived - the Dromornis Murrayi who could grow to a whopping 650 kgs. To get the most out of the centre, join a guided tour to go behind the scenes to see where palaeontologists unearth incredible fossil finds that even led Sir David Attenborough himself to claim, “Riversleigh is one of the great wonders of the paleontological world.”

Immerse in Kalkadoon Culture

Listen to stirring Dreamtime stories, admire intricate Indigenous paintings, rock carvings and tools before exploring an enchanting Miocene forest at the Kalkadoon Tribal Centre. The Kalkadoon people are the traditional custodians of lands in and around Mount Isa. Renowned for the quality of their stone implements and hand-crafted tools, learn about lore, share stories and immerse in the ancient heritage of Kalkadoon culture that has shaped these lands for thousands of years.

I’m a Survivor

If your kids are fans of the cult TV show Australian Survivor (we are too), don your family buffs and take a trip down memory lane to some of the most scenic spots where challenges and all that pretty pan footage took place. Filmed entirely in and around Cloncurry and Mount Isa, you’ll see the glassy, mirrored waters of Clem Walton Dam and its pedigree for anchor footage of dreamy birds in flight, dewy sunrises and those sultry outback sunsets. You can free camp right beside the lake too, so BYO caravan, camper, kayak and tinny and soak in Survivor-esque serenity just an hour out of Mount Isa.

Visit a ghost town

If you have a 4WD, take a detour on your way back to Mount Isa (not far from Clem Walton) to visit Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine. It’s here you will find the ghost town left by what was once a thriving ready-made township, built to service the needs of Mary Kathleen Mine. Further into the site, the open-cut uranium mine is now filled with rainwater, but the remnants of its radioactive past have turned the water the most brilliant shade of baby blue. Its size, scale and colours are breathtaking and has become quite an Instagram star, but best to stay well away from the side, and definitely no swimming. If you want to learn more about this fascinating part of Outback Queensland history, join North West Tours in Mount Isa for a tour with commentary detailing how and why the mine was originally built. Add a side trip to the nearby Ballara Mining Heritage Trail to discover stunning Fountain Springs, more old ghost towns and some spooky abandoned train tunnels if you’re self-driving in a 4WD.

Sunset spot with a side of peacocks

An oasis in the Outback, Lake Moondarra is another man-made lake built to primarily service the thirsty needs of the mining industry but is located closer to Mount Isa than Clem Walton Dam making it a perfect spot where locals like to cool down with a swim, fish and partake in some water sports. Pack your picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy lakeside where you’ll find beautifully landscaped parklands with sheltered eating areas, plenty of places to stroll and a bevy of peacocks eager to meet you. This fine flock adds some regal grandeur to lakeside promenading, but be sure to pack the camera, as they don’t mind posing for a selfie either.

Cowboys and cowgirls

If you can time your visit for when the Mount Isa Rodeo rides into town, you’ll be treated to one of the biggest occasions in the outback. Folk come from all around to battle it out in the bull-dust for Australia’s richest prize purse. Watch the brave bull riders, laugh at the comical clowns and admire the horsemanship of the country’s best rodeo talents, while out of the ring, join the festivities with street parades, market stalls and concerts.

Kids and camels

You can’t come to the outback and not get excited about seeing camels. But to guarantee a sighting of the less cantankerous than wild type, head to the outskirts of town where local camel whisperer Paul Keegan keeps his herd of loveable pets. Most of these caramel and chocolate-coloured cuties have been rescued from being culled on cattle stations. Take some carrots if you want to make new friends, but keep an eye out for Paul just to check with him first before feeding his beloved pets. Ask locals for directions.

Family favourite stays

If you have a van or camper, check out the Sunset Top Tourist Park with a pool for the kids to cool down in after a day of exploring. And our friends at Discovery Parks also have two caravan parks tp choose from too. If you don’t have your own home on wheels, Redearth Boutique Hotel has spacious family rooms, great dining options on-site, a kids undercover playground and is located centrally in the CBD. The comfortable Burke and Wills Motel is another great family option that has an outdoor pool.

Got more time to spend and a 4WD?

Take the 500km drive north-west to the breathtaking Boodjamulla National Park, home of Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Australia's most famous fossil location and the stunning Lawn Hill Gorge. Spend days winding through some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural gorges by kayak, splash around in freshwater swimming holes, and admire Rainbow Serpent Country, home of the Waanyi People.