Visiting Outback at Isa is the chance to see the world in a whole different way. See the world as miners see it – go underground at the Hard Times Mine. Go a step even further and try looking at a prehistoric world through the eyes of a Australia’s ancient mega fauna at the Riversleigh Fossil Centre.
The multi-award-winning complex offers a diverse range of activities from exhibits in the Isa Experience Gallery to the Mount Isa Mines Theatrette to the peaceful beauty of the Outback Park.
At Riversleigh Fossil Centre, come face to face with the prehistoric inhabitants of outback Australia. Riversleigh Fossil Centre opens the window into the prehistoric world that lies four hours’ drive to the north of Mount Isa. The World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil site is recognised as one of the richest and most extensive in the world.
Riversleigh Fossil Centre houses a series of exciting and informative displays and brings the once wet, tropical landscape and its long-gone inhabitants back to life. The theatrette, hidden away in a simulated limestone cave, screens a highly acclaimed film tracing the Riversleigh story with a commentary by Sir David Attenborough.
Take a guided tour of the laboratory where Outback at Isa’s palaeontologist and trained staff work to liberate fossilised bones of extinct creatures from limestone and piece the puzzle of their lives back together.
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f you want to learn more about the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields, book a three-day tour with Yididi Aboriginal Guided Tours. The small group tours operate from April to October, and encompass Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill National Park) and Adels Grove. See the fossils in situ and learn about ancient traditions of the Waanyi people from your indigenous guide.
Join a guided tour through Hard Times Mine’s 1.2km of tunnels where you will encounter the sights, sounds and sensations of underground life. This small-group tour begins above ground, where you change into specially designed miner’s equipment and protective clothing. After a briefing, you descend in the Alimak cage, under the historic P61 head frame, to the floor of the mine. Take a ride in the “mule” and try your hand at drilling on the air-leg drill. Tour guides with mining experience and knowledge provide expert commentary as you explore the underground setting, complete with fully operational machinery and real miners in action.
To complement your underground experience, wander through the Isa Experience Gallery where Mount Isa’s history comes alive. The ground floor exhibit is comprised of artefacts, specimens, photographs, illustrations, dioramas and state-of-the-art audio visual displays, giving you an introduction to all the major themes of the outback – indigenous culture, early settlement and the mining history that has shaped modern Mount Isa. The award-winning Landsborough Tree exhibit holds pride of place in this gallery. This inspiring audio-visual display gives both commentary and comparison of realities of life in the outback. On the gallery’s upper level is the Mount Isa Mines Theatrette with seating for more than 50 people. Two films screen continuously and include moving footage of the early days and development of Mount Isa.
Just when you think you must have seen all that this remarkable complex has to offer, you stroll into an outback oasis at Outback Park. Discover the lagoon, lush plantings and waterfalls. Walking trails lead you through the gardens to several sheltered seats where you can relax and listen to the cascading waterfalls. View fish, birds and aquatic plants from a purpose-built bridge spanning the lagoon.
Also located in the Outback Park is a cleverly crafted amphitheatre which looks as if it has been hewn out of the rock. This open air entertainment area provides seating for 200 people.
Outback at Isa’s Art Gallery opened in February 2009, and is the newest addition to the award winning complex. The art gallery features paintings, sculpture and photography works by local and regional artists.
The Visitor Information Centre is a great place to find out what the North West Queensland region and other parts of Australia have to offer. Staff can advise you about activities in Mount Isa or help you plan your journey through the outback.
The Outback Gift Shop is the perfect place to look for that unique gift for friends and family and the Cribb Room Café is a great place to finish off a day of exploration in this all-embracing complex, sit down for a cappuccino, meal or order takeaway.
Travellers will also appreciate amenities at the Outback at Isa complex including pay phone, internet kiosk and Wi-Fi, air-conditioned foyer, toilets, showers and a caravan dump point.
