The Mount Isa experience lives, entertains and enthrals. From the fascinating insight into the mining industry development to the cultural diversity and quirkiness of daily life it’s an experience that should be shared with children of all ages.
Mount Isa as a family holiday destination is a must. Home to spectacular views, the biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, friendly locals and great food, there’s lots to enjoy. Activities we recommend with young kids include:
Outback at Isa
Outback at Isa is so much more than an accredited visitors centre, combining a visitors centre and booking office with three of Mount Isa’s major attractions. Located at 19 Marian Street, Outback at Isa offers a one-stop shop for travel information – including maps, brochures and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, it’s your first point of call for learning about this unique part of the world and your entryway to the award winning Hard Times Mine, the fantastic Mount Isa Experience and Outback Park and Riversleigh Fossil Centre.
Hard Times Mine is an experience like no other. From the moment you meet your tour guide (who has worked as a miner most of their life) to the kitting out in overalls and cap lamps the kids will be having fun. Descend into the mine at Alimak Cage and begin to explore the history of Mount Isa mining. See how tunnels are formed and shaped by the majestic boom drills and mucking units, get up close and personal with machinery and feel the earth rumble with the firing of the blast face.
Mount Isa Experience blends indigenous and white perspective to provide an insightful look into the building of a multicultural society. Outback Park is an extensive creative landscape with a central lagoon surrounded by lush native plantings and a Lawn Hill gorge inspired waterfall.
Riversleigh Fossil Centre is a hands-on museum providing a colourful and articulate overview of mining, pioneering and local history. The Centre is home to some of the most significant and exciting fossil deposits in the world.
Family Fun Precinct
Family Fun Precinct is Mount Isa’s premier recreational space for kids and is home to Splashez Aquatic Centre, the Community Skate Park and the Family Fun Park – the largest all abilities playground in Queensland. It can be found on Church Street, behind the PCYC
Splashez Aquatic Centre is a public council owned facility with a 50 metre swimming pool and a shaded kid’s wading pool complete with cool fountain and rapid river ride. There are barbecue facilities and shaded seating perfect for picnics. Often used for junior and senior squads and swimming carnivals it’s an ideal place to take the kids for a swim and escape the heat.
The Community Skate Park is a large concrete park with banks, rails, spine, moguls, small hips and blocks. Catering for all skill levels you will find kids of all ages riding BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters.
The Family Fun Park opened in 2009 and cost over $4.25 million to design and build. Built to be accessible to everyone it’s completely free and offers visitors:
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A pirate ship themed Junior Playground (ages 0-6)
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A challenging Senior Playground (ages 6 and up)
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A Waterpark with over 20 installations, sounds and lights
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100% ‘soft fall’ rubberised ground cover
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Liberty Swing
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Double Flying Fox
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A sensory garden
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A bike track
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Large grassed area
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Free BBQs
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Shaded seating
Lake Moondarra
Lake Moondarra, located 17km north of the city centre, hosts an array of bird life such as pelicans, cormorants, galahs and ducks. Obtain a species list from Outback at Isa and get the kids to see what they can spot.
Lake Moondarra is safe for swimming, boating, sailing and canoeing and is stocked with barramundi to lure little anglers. Permits are not required to fish at Lake Moondarra but catch limits do apply. Take a salad, hope for some fish and make use of the free BBQs.
Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum
The Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum is a heritage-listed former public hospital at Camooweal Street. Built by Mount Isa Mines in 1942 it was established during World War II in the grounds of Mount Isa District Hospital. Recognised as one of the world’s major deposits of copper, lead, zinc and silver, many feared Mount Isa to be a target for the Japanese.
The Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum is a great opportunity to show kids medical and nursing technology of the 1940s and discuss local improvisation during wartime. The hospital, built entirely underground is unique in Australia and offers considerable social significance.
Telstra Hill
Telstra Hill has long been a hot-spot for walkers with morning and evenings being the busiest times. A 3km round trip from the gate at the bottom of the hill it offers spectacular views of the city, sunrise or sunset. Some parts of the hill are steep but kids with good fitness should enjoy the walk and the reward of 360 degree views.
Hang with the locals
There’s nothing better than getting to know the people who call your holiday destination home. If you want to know where these locals hang out, it’s at the Isa Hotel, home to the best steaks in Mount Isa and great live music. Add the Isa Hotel to your itinerary and you’ll quickly understand why the locals love Mount Isa.
Need accommodation? The Isa Hotel also offers 40 mid-range modern rooms for superior accommodation in the heart of Mount Isa at an affordable price.
