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Although this area has a population of less than 30,000, the diversification of nationalities and ethnic groups ensures that this modern city with its huge multicultural mix and large employment opportunities has entered the 21st century as the apex of Queensland’s mining industry. Large quantities of lead, silver, zinc and copper are sourced from the Xstrata Mt. Isa Underground mine, west of the town. This mine produces 6.2 million tons of copper ore and 5.1 million tons of lead-zinc ore annually, ensuring a secure future for Mt. Isa. The 155 metre high copper smelter stack dominates the skyline and spectacular views of the city and the mine can be enjoyed from the lookout on Hilary Street.
Visitors to Mt. Isa can experience a “miner’s life” when they venture underground at the “Hard Times” Tourist Mine. This fully guided tour takes you down into 1.2 kilometres of tunnels in an Alimak Cage. Each tourist is issued with protective clothing including a cap and lamp and you have the opportunity to try your hand at drilling into the rocks, walking through the maze of tunnels, riding on the underground railway and eating in the miners crib room. This tour enables you to understand the complexities of a miner’s existence.
“Outback at Isa” is the multi award winning tourist information bureau on Marian Street. This major attraction features the local flora, fauna, history of the area, life of the indigenous inhabitants and early settlements. The Mt. Isa mine theatrette gives you an insight into the history of the mining industry and associated events that shaped this inland city. Riversleigh Fossil Centre Laboratory at “Outback at Isa” opens a window onto the prehistoric animals that frequented the area surrounding Mt. Isa. Here the resident Paleontologist and trained staff can show you the fossilized bones of these fascinating extinct creatures. An “Outback Café” provides food and drinks throughout the day.
The Mt. Isa Underground Hospital and Beth Anderson Museum in Joan Street gives tourists a glimpse of life during the war years of 1942. After Darwin was bombed by the Japanese in that year, there were great fears that Mt. Isa may become their next target. With this in mind, an underground hospital, complete with an operating theatre, was constructed to care for patients and casualties in the event of a bombing raid. Fortunately, such an attack did not happen and the hospital has been lovingly restored and now reflects life for the Doctors, Nurses and Patients during those turbulent years. The Museum houses the medical equipment, memorabilia and history from that era and it is fascinating to walk through the many rooms with the myriad of displays showcasing such items as beds, cots, medicines, clothes, shoes and hats from the early to mid 20th century.
Visitors to The Isa have a choice of many restaurants and clubs in the city, however the Irish Club, located 2 kilometres from town on Nineteenth Avenue, has a Bistro, Café and Restaurant with A-la-Carte dining. Reputed to be the largest Irish Club in the world, one of its features is an original Melbourne Tram where you can enjoy cakes and snakes. A buffet meal can be purchased at Blarneys Bar and a Nightclub is located downstairs.
The Flying Doctor Visitors Centre on the Barkly Highway has operated here since 1964. Part of the huge network of Flying Doctor Bases which cover the remote areas of Australia, this Centre features a museum and outback shop where tourists can learn more about this wonderful organization and purchase souvenirs and clothing.
The small town of Camooweal is 185 kilometres west of Mt. Isa and is part of that city. Only 12 kilometres from the Northern Territory border, this is the last settlement in Queensland and is a vital link for the huge trucks and Road Trains that traverse the country. Established in 1884 as a service centre for the large cattle stations on the Barkly Tablelands, Camooweal has changed little during the last 125 years. Freckleton’s Historic Store was built in 1900 and when you venture inside, you step back in history. The original floors and shelves and exterior flagstone paving have seen many customers and travellers over the last century. The elderly owner is a member of the founding family and has never ventured from this small country town. The neighbouring building is preserved as a museum and is well worth a visit. The Camooweal Shire Hall was built in 1935 and is part of the town’s heritage and a good example of the architecture of that time.
From Camooweal, we said goodbye to Queensland and started our journey to the Top End.
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