When the pockets are tight, it’s always good to know that there are still plenty of things to see and do in Mount Isa without having to spend a load of money to have a good time.
This guide contains a list of activities that cost little to nothing with the assurance of having a great time out by yourself or with friends and family.
Mount Isa City Lookout
If there’s one way to enjoy Mount Isa, enjoying the city lookout will definitely be at the top of the list.
Promising great views of downtown and the Mount Isa mines, the Mount Isa City lookout helps put the entire town into perspective. Face west and be spoilt with stunning sunsets that can at times be nothing short of spectacular should weather and cloud permit. A great time to snap a shot as the sun sets over the dusty little town, why not sit back, relax and enjoy it?
Your view of the backdrop is a full 360 degrees of Mount Isa.
The walk is fun as you enter the boardwalk that swings off from the car park headed to the top of the hill. It’s an easy walk that won’t leave you out of breath but with scenery that will take your breath away. The access is wheelchair friendly with some seating available under a shaded area above.
A local tip is to get to the lookout as early as you can as there are limited parking spaces available and tourists (along with locals) tend to fill up the spots quickly.
For those who would like to spend the day there, bring along a picnic as there are tables where you can eat and enjoy. Entertainment beyond beautiful scenery include hawks soaring above.
The drive is short from the town centre and promises great views of Mount Isa, the racecourse, surrounding hills, the shops, and the mine.
Lake Moondarra
Fishing in outback Queensland is a reality here at Lake Moondarra. Filled with fantastic spots to sink a line, the day will fly quickly with fun and serenity.
From coolibah-lines billabongs to gorges, waterholes and creeks stocked with yellowbelly, sleepy cod, catfish, sooty grunters and barramundi, a successful catch here won’t leave you disappointed.
You’ll also be thrilled to know that Lake Moondarra often gets stocked by the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group with a good variety of fish. Thanks to this regular stocking, rod and reel enthusiasts are able to enjoy the wonders of fishing at Lake Moondarra for many years to come.
A visit to Lake Moondarra isn’t just great for fishing but for spending quality time with friends and family. With plenty of fresh, green open spaces to run around or lounge and picnic spots along with barbecue pits to cook up a storm, there are plenty of facilities to facilitate an awesome day out.
You can even catch peacocks grazing along the lake among many other wildlife creatures such as pelicans and hawks wandering around. For further exploration, go for a walk on the dam wall.
For even more spectacular views, come in time to watch the sunset. The ideal spot for magnificent, picturesque views is the Lake Lookout as it overlooks Transport Bay too.
Only a short 16 kilometre drive from town, a visit to Lake Moondarra is a must for anyone looking to have a great time without having to spend a bucket load of cash.
Telstra Hill
Breathtaking views that guarantee to fascinate, Telstra Hill gives you an overlook of Mount Isa town and its surroundings. An amazing view at sunrise and sunset, waking up early and staying up a little late is worth it. Stay even later as the town starts to light up and enjoy silent, starry skies that will have you looking up to spot constellations.
There are some caravans camped at the top of the hill, which suggests that caravan spots are available overnight to give you the best views without having to wake up too early to drive up to catch them.
Up top, be overwhelmed with a stunning 360 degree view of Mount Isa which puts some perspective over the town. On a clear day, you can almost see through the horizon.
With views and scenery so stunning, it’s pretty obvious as to why Telstra Hill is one of Mount Isa’s most popular walking trails around.
Due to some steep inclines during the walk up, it is advised that you are of moderate fitness should you wish to walk up to Telstra Hill. There is easy access, and the walk up and back is around 3 kilometres total.
There isn’t much shade throughout the walk, so it is recommended to hike up early in the morning or in the evening when the sun isn’t too intense.
Be aware of your rubbish as there aren’t any bins along the way which does become an inconvenience, especially given the number of people walking back and forth Telstra Hill.
If you want to drive up instead, be sure to do so very slowly and carefully as the bends can be sharp. Nevertheless, the views are worth it with great photo opportunities that will leave you breathless with a peaceful mind.
Telstra Hill is approximately 2 kilometres out from Mount Isa when heading toward Cloncurry. There isn’t any signage for the turnoff so be sure to keep an eye out for the big telephone tower on the hill and the driver way that heads up.
A visit to Mount Isa is not complete without a walk or drive up to Telstra Hill for some truly stunning landscape.
Mount Isa Family Fun Park
On the road with the kids?
It’s time to get in on some family fun at the Mount Isa Family Fun Park. With plenty to do to keep the kids busy for the whole day, fun doesn’t have to come at an expensive price tag.
There are tons of different rides to go on with large spaces for bikes and scooters as well as a newly installed flying fox.
Tourists often miss out on a good time here due to no obvious signage pointing to the Family Fun Park, so be sure to get your directions correctly before heading here.
With excellent shade covers, fun water features such as splash pads, sensory gardens and great facilities including public bathrooms and showers for family fun time, those with children must make this Park a must visit.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring a picnic along or some food to cook up at the free to use barbecue pits. There’s also a good coffee shop nearby for parents who need some buzz while watching the kids have a blast. Hats and sunscreen are a must to avoid sunburns.
Outback at Isa
You will find the Mount Isa VisitorInformation Centre here at the Outback at Isa.
Comprising of knowledge packed information for tourists to learn and explore Mount Isa, you can subscribe to several different tours and experiences here. From the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour to the Isa Experience and Outback Park to a more serene and calm wander around the Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery or the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, there’s something for everyone no matter what age you may be.
For those who love fishing, learn more about the Mount Isa Fish Hatchery Project at the Outback at Isa.
It’s an entertainment hub that covers the most popular attractions in Mount Isa, allowing tourists and locals to learn more about the town’s history and sights.
With lovely, helpful and extremely knowledgeable staff that know their information like the back of their hand, you will leave Outback at Isa with a few local insights and fascinating facts.
Where to stay at Mount Isa
To complete a wonderful visit to Mount Isa, it goes without saying that retiring to a luxury accommodation at night is a must. One of the most commendable establishments that springs to mind is the Isa Hotel located at the heart of the town.
Perfect for those who want easy convenience thanks to location coupled with exceptional customer service and a truly welcoming experience, the Isa Hotel will not disappoint. It’s spacious and luxurious, which is exactly what you need to wrap up your active day.
