'''Mount Isa''' [http://www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/] is a mining city in the north-west of the Australian state of Queensland, situated some 900 km west of Townsville and some 1900 km north-west of the capital Brisbane. Population 22,000. Geology is the key drawcard to Mount Isa, best represented in the World Heritage Riversleigh Fossil Field located near the city (250 km! - "near" for Queensland....).

Understand

Mount Isa is the birthplace of two Australian sporting greats: Greg Norman (golf) and Pat Rafter (tennis).

Mount Isa City municipality covers an area of over 43,310 square kilometres, making it geographically the second largest city in the world to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia.

Get in

By train

Mount Isa is served by '''The Inlander''' passenger train [http://www.traveltrain.com.au/traveltrain_services/Outback_Services/the_inlander/Overview.asp] which travels overnight between Townsville (via Charters Towers) twice weekly (977 km). The air-conditioned train offers twinette, roomette, triple bunk and coach accommodation, and has a club car for movies and food.

Get around

See

'''The Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo''' [http://www.isarodeo.com.au] is the biggest and richest event Rodeo Event in the Southern Hemisphere. During Rodeo Week, Mount Isa's population swells almost three-fold with travelers coming from all over Australia and overseas to witness the thrills, the excitement, the raw power and courage that is rodeo. It's where city meets country, east meets west, man meets beast. With a packed program of rodeo events - saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, rope & tie, steer wrestling and team roping, wild horse racing, ladies barrel racing and ladies breakaway roping. Every year it all seems to get bigger better and more fun!

  • '''Riversleigh Fossils Centre''', ph: ''+61'' (0)7 4749 1555 or 1300 659 660, (''email:mailto:riversleigh@mountisa.qld.gov.au , fax: +61 (0)7 4743 6296,'')[http://www.riversleigh.qld.gov.au/] Conveniently displaying the results of excavation at the World Heritage site
  • Do

    Buy

    Eat

    Mount Isa, for a city of its size, is a considerable dining experience for the hearty traveller and local. Selections such as Mexican, Italian, German and French are all represented, either in the CBD or on the major roads. As well as this, all the major fast-food giants such as McDonalds, KFC, Eagle Boys, Red Rooster and Subway all have outlets in the Copper City.

  • '''Abyssinia Cafe Restaurant''' [http://www.townviewmotel.com.au/index.php?pageid=3806], 103 Marian St. ph: 07 4743 3328. The Abyssinia Cafe is a Licensed Restaurant serving traditional Ethiopean Cuisine as well as standard Australian meals and Indian food. For the last 20 years, Almaz Taye (Leila) Cashmore has owned and operated the cafe building up a broad reutation for excellent food. The Cafe has been featured on '''SBS for Ethipoean Cuisine''' [http://www.sbs.com.au/food/occasion/213/Ethiopian_Feast]. Leila also runs the Townview Motel, which offers 24 rooms that include self-contained units. See the Sleep section for more info.
  • Drink

    Drinking aplenty in the Isa. The Irish Club, Buffs Club, Town Leagues Club and many many others are just a selection of watering holes in the city. Many outlets have happy hours and special promotions going all the time.

    Sleep

    Mount Isa offers a range of accommodation options to suit everyone's budget.

    Budget

  • '''Travellers Haven Backpacker Hostel''' [http://www.travellershaven.com.au/], 75 Spence Street, ph: +61 (0)7 4743 0313. A relaxed, family-run hostel only 10 minutes walk from the city centre. The Haven offers free pick-up and drop-off from the bus and train station, cooking and laundry facilities, air conditioning, swimming pool, internet and off-street parking. Dorms from $25.
  • Mid-Range

  • '''Townview Motel in Mount Isa''' [http://www.townviewmotel.com.au/], 103 Marian St. ph: +61 7 4743 3328. 4-star accommodation with 24 rooms that include Budget, Standard and 2 Bedroom Spa Suites. Most rooms include cooking facilities. There is also a 3 bedroom house for longer stays. The Abyssinia Cafe Restaurant is on site which serves traditional Ethiopean Cuisine as well as standard Australian meals and Indian food.
  • Get out

  • West to Tennant Creek. North to the gulf and Normanton.