We would have loved to stay longer than one night at Mount Isa, but we are on our way back now through Queensland!
We also appreciated the local tips and memories growing up here from my sis-i-l Jodie! Here they are:
1. Town Lookout
A must! You can see the mine so well from here, and it explains what each building and chimney does. Copper, lead, zinc and silver are mined in the region. If you want to go underground – check out the Hard Times Mine.
2. Underground Hospital
Not what I was expecting at all to see in outback Queensland! Make sure you do the tour – it is a cracker! As is the story of how this forgotten piece of history was rediscovered.
Any other QLD Health employees out there might think this pic is cool.
I did, even though it has been over a decade now since I worked at Gympie Hospital.
3. Drive out to the Lake
Head up to the lookout, and parks – picnic with the peacocks and views!
4. Outback at Isa
Stop in here to get the lay of the land. It has a cafe, the Riversleigh Fossil Center and the local information centre – if we’d had time, I would have checked out more. They have package deals for the different experiences. But I did enjoy the sculptures out front!
5. Clubs and Pubs
When I asked about meals, recommendations included the Buffs Club (Bufflo Club), Irish Club (with a cosy fire going in the back bar at night) and to check out “revamped” Red Earth in town (previously Boyd’s Hotel). We did stop in at the unique Irish Club. I would definitely come back, and maybe tackle a club and pub crawl!
From one who knows, Jodie had one more tip – bring your winter woollies with you if you are there mid year.
Heatley has to give the BEST COFFEE ON THE WHOLE TRIP shout out to Bambino’s – a Mt Isa Cafe. It was so nice to sip leaf tea, served in a teapot! That is one thing I appreciate about returning home – plus a pretty cup and saucer. It was nice to see shops again, too.
And we really enjoyed our Chinese takeaway back at the caravan park. We camped at Argylla, on the eastern boundary of town, but still easy to reach everywhere.
Loved our windmill views here. And, that a jigsaw was on the go for everyone in the laundry. Plus a book swap in both laundries, bonus!
Mt Isa has five caravan parks to choose from – find them all in the CAMPS App, Caravan Park 6 and CAMPSPendium. There is also excellent free camping between here and Cloncurry, as well as Camooweal way.
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