A great family holiday is one where the kids can learn, explore and play at the same time. It doesn’t mean that all the fun is to be had by the kids. In this guide we prove that adults can join in and discover their inner child too!
With spectacular views that will teach the kids how to appreciate Mother Nature, the biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, an amazing family park and exceptional local cuisines and friendly locals, Mount Isa ticks all the boxes.
Without further ado, here are the top things to do when in Mount Isa for the best family fun holiday of a lifetime!
Outback at Isa
This magnificent place is more than just an accredited visitors centre. It combines three of Mount Isa’s famous attractions and is voted as the Number 1 thing to do in Mount Isa for families and travellers alike.
Offering a one stop shop for all Mount Isa travel information, you can find maps, brochures, and even itineraries here at Outback at Isa.
What makes Outback at Isa stand out is in the wealth of knowledge held by the staff. Knowing all the secrets of the city, that only locals from generations would know, this is the place to learn about the unique world of Mount Isa.
Take advantage of the Hard Times Mine Tour, which offers a great hands on experience into a miner’s life underground. Jump into some orange overalls, put on a matching hard hat with a lamp, don some gum boots and prepare yourself for a treat.
Kids will absolutely love this whole other worldly adventure as they enter the Alimak cage and descend into the depths of a replica mine – they won’t be able to tell the difference! Wander amongst the rubble and mining machinery as an ex-Isa miner will tell you first-hand stories about life as a miner back in the day. The grown-ups stand a chance to impress the young ones by having a go at the air drill which will make the earth rumble!
For an above ground experience, head to the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and Laboratory or the Isa Experience.
A hands-on museum that exhilarates through colour and history, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre provides a deep overview of mining, pioneering, and local history on top of being home to significant fossil deposits.
The Mount Isa Experience gives insight into the building of a multicultural society with the indigenous and white culture. Educate the family with some Australian history while having fun together. Once done with the Isa Experience, head to the Outback Park which promises beautiful views of lush native plants and a Lawn Hill Gorge inspired waterfall. Bring along a picnic for the family and take shade under one of the many enormous trees, as you watch the kids run around and burn their energy over the large greenery.
Family Fun Precinct
No family holiday is complete without some fun out in the sun. The Family Fun Precinct is the ultimate recreational space for kids to have maximum fun. Here you’ll find the Community Skate Park, the Splashez Aquatic Centre, and the Family Fun Park (the biggest Queensland all abilities playground).
The Skate Park is the ideal place to be for skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMX bikers, and scooter riders. No matter your age of ability level, there are tons of rails, hips, spines, blocks and banks to have a go at. It’s pretty awesome to hang around even if you don’t have equipment as you watch the pros practice in admiration.
A public facility, the Splashez Aquatic Centre has its own 50-metre swimming pool and a shaded kids pool that has a cool fountain and awesome rapid river ride. Surrounded by barbecue facilities and tons of shaded seats for families, don’t forget to bring along a picnic to enjoy with everyone. Take the kids for a swim and escape the hot Queensland sun!
Opened in 2009, the Family Fun Park cost over $4.25 million to have designed and built. Access is free and it offers an amazing array of fun facilities such as:
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A pirate ship at the Junior Playground (age 0 to 6)
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A challenging Senior Playground (age 6 plus)
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A water park with over 20 sounds, lights and installations
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Soft fall rubberised ground cover for safety
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A liberty swing
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A double flying fox
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A sensory garden for exploration
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A bike track
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Massive grassy areas
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Free barbecues for cooking up a storm
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Shaded seating areas for everyone
A visit here will guarantee to entertain everyone no matter the age for hours on end!
Lake Moondarra
Kids absolutely love water and nature, so why not bring them out to the lake that’s filled with wildlife and fun?
Head to Lake Moondarra, which is located only 17 kilometres North of Mount Isa. The wildlife in Lake Moondarra is vast with a species list available at the Outback at Isa. From ducks and galahs to pelicans and cormorants, get the kids to see how many different wildlife creatures they can spot!
Dip your toes or jump in the lake for a swim. You can even boat, sail, canoe or fish for barramundi. Although fishing permits aren’t required at Lake Moondarra, there are catch limits that apply. Finally, prepare a picnic or get in touch with Little T Creative who specialise in gourmet picnic hampers and settle in for a chilled out afternoon by the water.
Hang out with the locals
There’s no better way to get to know a place than to talk with some locals. If you want to know where the locals are, head to the Isa Hotel which is home to the Rodeo Bar & Grill – serving the best steaks in the city followed by great live music.
Accommodation comes easy at the Isa Hotel, with large and spacious family rooms that offer comfort at an affordable price. A stay here will help you quickly understand why Isa Hotel is a local favourite indeed.
Image credit: Family Vacation Critic
