MOUNT ISA

JUST BRILLIANT

GUIDES

Mount Isa

W E LCO M Eto

ISA MOUNT ISAW E LCO M E

to

Mount IsaBest known for its modern mining operations, Mount Isa also offers a myriad of things to see and do. Fishermen, birdwatchers and adventurers can all get their fill in and around Queensland’s largest outback town.

Prospector John Campbell Miles started the greatest adventure of all when he stumbled across a silver-lead-zinc outcrop by the banks of the Leichhardt River in 1923. Five hundred claims were soon lodged and this became Australia’s first company town, with one in five working for the mine.

Today, Mount Isa is the second largest city in Australia (geographically) covering a massive 43,310 square kms. The small town of Camooweal is one of its suburbs even though it lies 188kms west of the city. This multicultural town has residents from some 50 ethnic backgrounds and boasts a population of approximately 22,000 people. The area around Camooweal, a former droving centre, is teeming with 52 species of birdlife close to the Georgina River and the Camooweal Caves National Park.

Dominated by a 270m exhaust stack, ‘The Isa’ is home to the largest underground mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world. It ranks among the world’s 3rd leading producers of lead, the 5th largest producers of silver, the 10th largest source of zinc and is the 19th largest producer of copper. The city is thought to be named after John Cambell Miles’ sister Isabella or it may be a corruption of Mount Ida, a Western Australian goldfield. You can visit the mine in a two-hour surface tour and see how Australia’s largest underground mine operates.

Keen to cast a line and do some fishing? Pit your skills against barramundi, sooty grunter, sleepy cod and red claw crayfish at Lake Moondarra, just 15kms north of the city. The lake is the city’s main water supply and is surrounded by picturesque picnic and barbeque areas which the whole family can enjoy.

The lake is also home to many species of native birds and plants and is open for swimming, skiing and fishing all year round. Lake Moondarra has something to offer all lovers of the great outdoors.

For more information on Mount Isa, please visit www.outbackatisa.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre located at 19 Marian Street.

http://www.buffs.com.au

NORT

HRID

GE RD

To

Breakaway Estate

To Healy Heights

Outback at Isa

MOONDARRACARAVAN PARK

NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO

MINES

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM

ISA MOUNT ISAC U LT U R E

and HistoryThe Mount Isa region boasts plenty of activities to explore its rich culture and heritage.

Mount Isa was home to one of the fiercest Aboriginal groups, the Kalkadoons. To learn more about them and their culture, visit the Kalkadoon Tribal Centre and Culture-Keeping Place next door to Outback at Isa on Marian Street. Discover the area’s earliest inhabitants at the World Heritage listed Riversleigh Fossil Field in the southern part of Boodjamulla National Park, which is 250kms north-west of Mount Isa. The site is inaccessible at times during the summer months (due to rain), but you can drive there from April to October on a sealed road with a short stretch over a regularly maintained dirt road. Those with a 4x4 vehicle can get there in three to four hours on a dirt road. Check road conditions before setting out to make sure the road is accessible.

The Riversleigh Fossil Centre, located at Outback at Isa (19 Marian Street), brings to life the unique animals that once inhabited this unique part of Australia. The centre is open 8:30 - 5pm daily, except for Christmas and Good Friday.Visit the Isa Experience Gallery with its fascinating displays of Indigenous, settlement and mining history that are so much a part of Mount Isa. The continuously running audio-visual in the Mount Isa Mines Theatrette tells the history of Mount Isa.For something altogether different, be sure to experience the enthralling Hard Times Mine Underground Tour. The tour provides visitors with the opportunity to go deep into a mine via the Alimak Cage. Meanwhile a tour guide narrates stories of the challenges and triumphs of working underground.The Hard Times Mine Underground Tours are available seven days a week, but bookings are essential. Call Outback at Isa on 1300 659 660 for more details.

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM

ISA MOUNT ISAB I G G E R

than Bull DustThe first ever rodeo, the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo, was the result of an ambitious young Rotary Club and its vision to put Mount Isa on the map.

With no ground, no stock and no experience, the Rotary Club established a rodeo organising committee and began the task of staging the first ever rodeo in 1959 with prize money totalling 500 pounds. Little did they know what they had created. Today, the combined Rotary Clubs of Mount Isa continue to present the Isa Rodeo. The event attracts the best local and overseas competitors and promises prestige and prize money in excess of $200,000. The Isa Rodeo offers nothing short of a two week long program of festivities including a ball, mardi gras, horse race, art and photographic exhibitions, ute muster and live entertainment. In August 2007, after 47 years, the

event said goodbye to Kalkadoon Park and relocated to the multi-million dollar Buchanan Park complex. The venue is a purpose built facility featuring a rectangular arena in line with the United States. The state of the art facilities can accommodate more than 5,500 people and includes a two-tier undercover grandstand, shaded grass viewing areas, corporate boxes and a conference room. Buchanan Park is a world class arena for a world class rodeo. The Isa Rodeo is more than just another event. The community plays an essential role in the festival from the dedication of the Rotary members to the enthusiasm of the Mount Isa community. It is this common enthusiasm that makes the Isa Rodeo a truly unique and great festival. Businesses and organisations also join in the rodeo spirit by participating in the Best Dressed Premises competition or entering a f loat in the Rodeo Mardi Gras. The Isa Rodeo occurs every August, so if you’re in Mount Isa at the time be sure to experience it.

ISA MOUNT ISAT H I N G S

to See and DoSCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION ABEL SMITH PARADE • Tours at 10am daily, during school terms

OUTBACK AT ISA• Visitor Information Centre, Hard Times Mine Underground Tours, Isa Experience Gallery and Riversleigh Fossil Centre • Open 8:30am – 5pm, 7 days

KALKADOON TRIBAL CENTRE & CULTURAL KEEPING PLACE • Centenary Park, Marian Street • Display of artefacts of the fierce fighting tribe indigenous to this area

MOUNT ISA CITY LIBRARY • West Street, and open Monday to Saturday

JOHN CAMPBELL MILES MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER • Marian Street, City Centre

CITY LOOKOUT • Hilary Street • Lookout with its global signpost offers a 360 degree panorama of the city

LAKE MOONDARRA • 15kms north of the city • Enjoy fishing for barramundi in the fully stocked lake with a wildlife sanctuary, attracting many species of birdlife, and picnic grounds and barbecue facilities • Enjoy water skiing, fishing and swimming

NATIONAL TRUST TENT HOUSE • Forth Avenue • Early style of housing unique to Mount Isa. Nearly 200 of these were built by Mount Isa Mines during the 1930s and 40s to improve conditions for workers

MOUNT ISA UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL AND BETH ANDERSON MUSEUM • Fully restored • Open 10am – 2pm (April to October)

MOUNT ISA MOUN

CloncurryThe Friendly Heart of the Great North West.

In 1861 Burke and Wills, with King and Gray, were the first known Europeans to come into the area on their ill fated expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burke named the river “Cloncurry” after his cousin, Lady Elizabeth Cloncurry of County Galway in Ireland.

In may 1867, Ernest Henry (honoured as founder of the town and the vast mineral wealth of the district) came this way searching for grazing land. Instead he discovered copper and named this the Great Australia. The town was surveyed in 1876 and subsequently named after the river.Over the years Cloncurry has been the focal point for many of Australia’s greatest innovations. Cloncurry was involved with the beginnings of Qantas, and the original Qantas Hanger is still in use at the aerodrome, where ‘Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service’ is still displayed above the hanger door. The airport was also on route for early planes coming from overseas and a stopping place for contestants in the great air races of 1919 and 1934. During

World War II, Cloncurry was the site of a major US Air Base. The railway reached Cloncurry in 1907 and it remains an important railway town today. Cloncurry is a rural town that derives its main income from the mining and pastoral industries. The town itself is nestled on the banks of the Cloncurry River. The river and Chinaman Creek Dam, situated approximately 3kms from the town centre, provides the town’s water supply. Many residents supplement household supplies during the summer months with private bores. The Cloncurry River catchment area begins in the Selwyn Ranges and flows into the Flinders River where it continues on to empty into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The average annual rainfall of Cloncurry is 500mm, with the heaviest falls being experienced between December and March. Cloncurry is noted for having Australia’s highest recorded temperature in 1889, which reached a scorching 53.1 Celsius.A visit to the museums such as Mary Kathleen Memorial Park or John Flynn Place will open the eyes of any budding historian to the richness of Cloncurry’s history. John Flynn Place is an interesting museum boasting a number of historical artefacts and great displays.The Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre and Museum are located at the Mary Kathleen Memorial Park. Be sure to drop in and check out the regional memorabilia onsite as well as find out about all the local attractions.

ISA MOUNT ISAC A L E N DA R

of EventsFEBRUARY• Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball,

Mount Isa

APRIL• Dirt & Dust Festival, Julia Creek

MAY• Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo,

Mount Isa

• Isa Fest Music Festival, Mount Isa

JUNE• Mount Isa Cup, Mount Isa

• Cloncurry Annual Show, Cloncurry

• Mount Isa Annual Show, Mount Isa

JULY• Rockhana Gem & Mineral Festival,

Cloncurry

• Quamby Rodeo, Quamby

AUGUST• Cloncurry Merry Muster, Cloncurry

• Mount Isa Mardi Gras, Mount Isa

• Mount Isa Rodeo, Mount Isa

• Camooweal Drover’s Camp Festival, Camooweal

SEPTEMBER• Mount Isa Casa Grande Ball, Mount Isa

OCTOBER• Mount Isa Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic,

Mount Isa

DECEMBER• Mount Isa Carols by Candlelight,

Mount Isa

For more information on events in the Mount Isa

region, please visit www.outbackatisa.com.au.

MOUNT ISA MOUNE S S E N T I A L

services

POLICE/ FIRE/ AMBULANCE 000

Mount Isa Police Station 4744 1111 7 Isa Street, Mount Isa

MEDICAL

Mount Isa Base Hospital 4744 4444 30 Camooweal Street, Mount Isa

Leanne’s Family Medical Centre 4743 3033 71 Camooweal Street, Mount Isa

Leichhardt Medical Centre 4743 2877 13 Isa Street, Mount Isa

Sonic Health Plus 4749 5300 99 Railway Avenue, Mount Isa

DENTAL

National Dental Care 4743 4944 76-78 Camooweal Street, Mount Isa

Pamela Pather Dental 4743 6588 Shop 2 Turanga S/C East Street, Mount Isa

PHARMACY

Amcal Pharmacy 4743 2677 22 Simpson Street, Mount Isa

BANKS & ATMS

Major banks and ATMs are predominantly located along Simpson and Miles Streets in Mount Isa.

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–O John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: info@johnbatman.com.auWeb: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Outback at Isa.

Images courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Freecall 1800 339 493www.johnbatman.com.au

Our extensive range of products and services is second to none. From ELECTRICAL TO BEDDING, GUEST AMENITIES TO LUGGAGE RACKS, KEY TAGS AND MORE, you will find what you need at John Batman Group.

With our entire selection online, we offer what no other company in the South Pacific can...everything for your motel rooms in the one place, with all the information you need to make an informed choice for your purchase. Unlike so many others, we are open and honest about our pricing. No hidden fees, extras or delivery costs.

Browse and shop at your leisure, add products to your own wish list, sign up for industry newsletters or simply look around at what’s new in accommodation supplies and trends.

And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for or prefer the sound of a voice to the click of a button, our customer service team are only a phone call away for comprehensive, honest and valued advice that isn’t all about just making the sale.

When you buy from John Batman Group, you are buying quality backed up by the highest level of customer service.

Jump online to discover more.

John Batman Group We’ve been in your rooms for fifty years }

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising SalesNed Surla

Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary

DistributionMichael McDonaldDeborah Harris