Getting to Mount Isa by plane, bus or train
Mount Isa might be a remote outback town, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have travel options to get here. Read on to find out all about your public transport options to get to our little slice of outback paradise.
Catching a train to Mount Isa from Townsville
Travelling to Mount Isa by rail from Townsville is a great way to take in the outback scenery along Overlander’s Way. It’s also cheaper than flying, though the trip obviously takes a lot longer. The comfortable Inlander service currently operates twice a week from Townsville on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It returns to Townsville on Sundays and Thursdays.
It’s about a 21-hour trip either way, with food and beverages available for purchase during your trip, or you can BYO. You’ll travel through Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek and Cloncurry along the way.
Catching a bus to and from Mount Isa
Greyhound offer services to Mount Isa from Brisbane and Townsville.
- It’s a Monday to Friday service from Brisbane to Mt Isa, and about a 27-hour trip.
- Services from Townsville run on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and it’s a 12-hour trip.
Return trips are also available:
- Mount Isa to Brisbane trips run daily from Wednesday to Sunday.
- Mount Isa to Townsville trips run three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday).
Prices for catching a bus to and from Mt Isa to Brisbane or Townsville are comparable to catching a train. Both are cheaper than flying, but obviously take a lot longer.
Driving to Mount Isa yourself
Of course, you also have the option of driving your own vehicle to Mount Isa via sealed roads. Distances, routes and times obviously vary depending on your starting point and how many breaks or stopovers that you have along the way, but below is a guide to the distances from common starting points:
- 1,825 km from Brisbane
- 1,285 km from Cairns
- 904 km from Townsville
- 2,400 km from Sydney
- 2,597 km from Melbourne.
Always check the road conditions before you drive, especially during our wet season between October and April.
Driving your own vehicle to Mount Isa would be a cheaper option than paying to have it transported from interstate.
Flying to Mount Isa
There are daily direct flights to Mount Isa from Brisbane and Townsville. They arrive at Mount Isa Airport which is just 8 kilometres from the centre of town. It’s a 2 hour, 40 minute-flight from Brisbane via either Qantas or Virgin. Keep an eye out for special price deals that are on offer from time to time.
If you’re travelling from Townsville, Qantas is your airline. It will take about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
If you’re flying to Mt Isa from other locations besides Brisbane or Townsville, then you’ll need connecting flights first.
Another option is taking the scenic route. The Rex Queensland Milk Run is a unique and unforgettable way to reach the rugged beauty of Mount Isa. This scenic flight meanders through the heart of Australia, offering breathtaking views of the outback. Experience the charm of small rural towns, from bustling Charleville to the remote outpost of Birdsville. With multiple stops, you can explore these captivating communities, immerse yourself in local culture, and truly appreciate the vastness of the Australian landscape. It’s more than just a flight; it’s a journey into the soul of outback Queensland.
The bottom line
As you can see, depending on where you’re coming from or going to, there are a range of ways to get to and from Mount Isa. The best option for you will depend on your needs and budget.
However you travel, make sure you have contingencies for cancelled flights or travel operators becoming insolvent. With Rex facing recent challenges, consider the risks and have insurance. Finder.com.au has some useful insurance tips that cover insolvency.
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.