20 Mount Isa fast and fun facts
Whether you’re interested in outback adventures, vibrant cultural events, mining or history, Mount Isa has something for everyone. Here is our list of 20 Mt Isa fast and fun facts. Even if you’re a local, you probably won’t know them all.
Geography
1. Mount Isa is often referred to as the “Oasis of the Outback”.
2. With a population of about 20,000, Mount Isa is the largest city in the Queensland outback.
3. Mount Isa is credited in the Guinness Book of Records as being the largest city in the world in terms of geographic area (40,977 square kilometres).
4. Mount Isa is 1,829 kilometres from Brisbane and 883 kilometres from Townsville.
5. The city has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 35 to 37 degrees.
6. The Lake Moondarra reservoir, located near Mount Isa, provides the city with water and is a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The city’s other water source is Lake Julius.
7. Mount Isa is surrounded by some stunning natural attractions, including the Selwyn Ranges and the Leichhardt River. They are both perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Economy and infrastructure
8. Mount Isa Mines is one of the most productive single mines in the world, producing copper, lead, zinc, and silver.
9. The Barkly Highway that passes through Mount Isa is the longest sealed road between Queensland and the Northern Territory.
10. The Inlander train connects Mount Isa and Townsville, offering a comfortable and scenic rail journey through the rugged Queensland outback landscape.
11. Mount Isa is a regional home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the home base of the School of the Air.
12. The Mount Isa economy generates $2.4 billion per year. Just over half of this amount is generated by mining activities, and about 30% of Mount Isa workers are employed in mining or mining-related activities.
13. Mount Isa has 13 schools.
History
14. The city was officially founded in 1923 after the discovery of substantial lead, zinc, and silver deposits in the region. The original inhabitants were the Kalkadoon people.
15. Mount Isa has long been a melting pot of various cultures due to the influx of workers from different parts of the world for mining operations.
16. In 1964, Mount Isa became the first city in Queensland to have a radioactive water treatment plant, which helped improve the water quality.
Events and attractions
17. Mount Isa hosts the annual Mount Isa Rodeo, the largest rodeo event in the southern hemisphere, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
18. The Underground Hospital, a military facility during World War II, is now a tourist attraction offering tours of its historic tunnels and rooms.
19. The Mount Isa Irish Club is a popular local venue for entertainment, dining, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
20. The Outback at Isa complex offers a range of attractions, including a mining museum, and the Riversleigh Fossil Centre that showcases ancient fossils.
The bottom line
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Mount Isa has something for everyone. It’s a great place to live, work or visit.
About us
Jays Real Estate has been Mount Isa’s premier residential and commercial real estate agency since 1981.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, renting or leasing any Mt Isa property, or you need your property professionally managed, then contact our team today for an obligation-free chat!
We’d be happy to provide you with advice and to answer any property questions you have.