Imagine stumbling on one of the world’s most significant mineral deposits of silver, lead, zinc and copper just by lifting a hefty rock.

That’s the incredible story of Mount Isa’s birth 100 years ago in the heart of outback Queensland.

When roving prospector John Campbell Miles found a heavy rock with a lead content of up to 78 percent in 1923, he marked the birth of a mining field.

Mount Isa Mines (MIM) Ltd was founded the following year and a thriving town began to emerge.

But Mount Isa is not just about its underground wealth; it’s a city teeming with a vibrant history and a tight-knit local community that revels in the outback lifestyle.

One of their greatest passions? Golf! In fact, this year, the Outback Queensland Masters golf series culminated in Mount Isa.

If you want to explore this fascinating city like a local, hop on the Best of Mount Isa Tour by North West Tours.

With affable driver Phillip McLeod as your guide, you will uncover the city’s secrets, including the best places to indulge in scrumptious pastries and succulent beef.

Fossils at the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre.

Mining is a vital part of the local way of life. While visitors can’t participate in underground mining directly, they can experience it through the immersive Hard Times Mine Tour at Outback at Isa.

Former miners lead the way, taking you 15m below the surface through a maze of tunnels.

You will ride a shuttle train, simulate drilling holes for fake explosives and experience the adrenaline of hearing them ‘explode’ while enjoying a well-deserved smoko in the crib room.

If you’re feeling daring, try sitting in an emergency refuge bay (ERB) unit, which provides safety for miners during mine disasters. But don’t worry, the doors won’t be shut!

Beyond mining adventures, Outback at Isa invites you to uncover the wonders of the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre.

Here you will marvel at fossils from the nearby Riversleigh fossil site, one of Australia’s richest fossil deposits, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratory where dedicated researchers work tirelessly to reveal the hidden stories within those ancient rocks.

For a taste of Indigenous culture, the absorbing Bush Tucker Tour awaits.

Led by the knowledgeable Kalkatungu (Kalkadoon) guide Matthew Neb, you will embark on a fascinating one-anda-half-hour trail exploring the garden surrounding Outback at Isa.

The entry to the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum.

Here you will discover endemic plant species First Nations people use for food, shelter, dyes, medicine and clothing. But that’s not all; Mount Isa also holds some curious and mysterious sites that beg to be explored.

Journey into the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum where you will be transported back in time.

This hospital was built out of fear that the city’s mineral riches would make it a target for invasion. Volunteers dug deep beneath a hill to create timbered tunnels and you can explore them on a guided tour with a twist!

Another intriguing spot is the Tent House, the last survivor of 179 similar structures constructed between 1932 and 1959 during a mining boom and housing shortage. Its authentic early 20th-century decor will transport you to a bygone era.

For golf enthusiasts, the Mount Isa Golf Club is just 7km from the city centre.

This year the club hosted the final stage of the Queensland Outback Masters, offering participants a shot at a $1 million hole-in-one prize.

But the Masters series is not just about winning; it’s also about embracing the experience, discovering new places, meeting new people and having fun.

Just ask the 2023 series winners Robyne Clayton, from Queensland, and Peter Skeers, from New South Wales, who had a blast throughout the journey.

The emergency refuge bay unit shown on the Hard Times Mine Tour.

Robyne, an RACQ member from Charleville, had a unique and heartwarming experience during her Outback Masters journey.

RACQ came to the rescue when her car broke down in St George.

For a while, it seemed like Robyne’s plans were dashed. However, with the help of fellow golfer Sally Jones, from Red Cliffs, Victoria, she got back on track.

Sally offered Robyne a spot in her van and they became firm friends during the rest of the tour, bonding over their shared passion for golf.

Next year’s Outback Queensland Masters, from June 2024, will cover an exciting horseshoe route, starting from the iconic Birdsville Dunes Golf Club, passing through Boulia, Winton, Barcaldine and Charleville, culminating in Quilpie where the $1 million hole-in-one prize will again be up for grabs.

This all-bitumen route offers plenty of dinosaur moments to explore, with many fascinating centres to visit along the way.

So, are you ready to pack your golf clubs and join this incredible adventure?

The Outback Queensland Masters beckons, promising a unique blend of golf, history, natural wonders and a vibrant community that will leave you with unforgettable memories and maybe even some new friends.

STORY KERRY HEANEY

The writer travelled with the support of Outback Queensland Masters.

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