The Hard Times Mine Tour is more than a tour - it's an experience!

From the very beginning of the tour you know that this is something special. From the moment you meet your tour guide who has worked as a miner for most of his life, to the kitting-out in overalls and cap lamps, already you're having fun and can't wait for what comes next.

Descending into the mine in the Alimak Cage, you begin to explore the history of mining as the guides enthral you with their stories of the good times and the hard times that they had working deep under the earth. See how the tunnels are formed and shaped by the majestic boom drills and mucking units. Get up close with the machinery and try your hand at the air-leg drill, and feel the earth rumble with the firing of the blast face. These magnificent experiences will stay with you forever.

Please Note, Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.
Please Note, Children booking Hard Times Mine must be 7 years and above.
Bookings cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa showcases the fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Riversleigh is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites and home to one of the most significant fossil deposits worldwide that tells a unique story of the evolution of Australia’s wildlife.

In the newly renovated and upgraded Centre some of Riversleigh’s most unique fossil finds are exhibited with innovative interactive displays. Let the paleontological experts tell you their stories of Riversleigh in the movie theatre or wander through an impressive diorama to see what this ancient world looked like 25 million years ago.

Why not join a guided tour to find out how specimens are sorted, cleaned and the fossils extracted from hard limestone in our Riversleigh fossil laboratory – an experience that is educational and engaging for the entire family. You might even find yourself virtually digging for fossils!

Please Note, Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.
Bookings cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

The ‘Isa Experience’ is a must do for those interested in an in-depth look into Mount
Isa from its humble beginning, 100 years ago. Book a self-guided tour
and wander through the interactive and vibrant displays depicting Mount Isa from
the early days to the thriving town of today.
 
The display offers a glimpse into a town shaped as it is by its rich mineral bounty and mining heritage,
with a fascinating insight into one of the world’s largest mining complexes,
Mount Isa Mines. From early beginnings in 1923 the mining complex has grown to
become of the most productive single mines in history.
 
Enjoy our dual plasma display depicting the blending of the indigenous and white perspectives, as it 
dramatically concludes with the didgeridoo ‘morphing’ into the modern lead stack that dominates the 
city skyline. The Isa Experience gives an interactive and in-depth perspective to the development of a 
multi-cultural society that existed well before the term was coined. 
 
Explore the newest addition to the Isa Experience, Allan’s Outback Gems a stunning rock
collection found by Ian Leslie Allen (1931 – 2017). Known as the ‘Rock Man’ of
Mount Isa, Ian’s private collection was considered by many as one of the most
comprehensive private collections of crystals, rocks and minerals in Australia.
Generously donated to Outback at Isa, this collection will remain as a legacy
to his passion and serve as an inspiration to all those who view it.
 
Stroll through to the Outback Park which is an extensive creative
landscape that captures visitors’ attention, with a central lagoon surrounded
by lush naive plantings and a relaxing waterfall, inspired by nearby oasis Lawn
Hill Gorge. A bridge extends across the lagoon and the paths lead around the
park to various shaded rest spots where you can stop and relax or enjoy your
lunch. 
 
The Isa Experience is also home to the Rodeo Hall of Fame which was opened in 2018. The display
gives you a great insight into the history of the biggest rodeo in the southern
hemisphere – the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Learn about the most famous cowboys
& cowgirls, the most prestigious bucking horses and bulls, the people who
made the rodeo into what it has now become and much more.
 
Come and live the Isa Experience! You can visit the experience at your own pace,
anytime between 8:30am - 4:30pm, 7 days a week.
Please note: Bookings not essential but highly recommended. 
Tickets are also available for purchase from the information desk.
You will need to select a time when you book your ticket online, as maximum capacity
numbers apply to the Isa Experience Heritage Display. 
Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.

Please Note, Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.

Bookings cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.The Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa showcases
the fossils from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Riversleigh is
part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites and home to one of the most significant fossil
deposits worldwide that tells a unique story of the
evolution of Australia’s wildlife.

In the newly renovated and upgraded Centre some of Riversleigh’s
most unique fossil finds are exhibited with innovative interactive displays.
Let the paleontological experts tell you their stories of Riversleigh in the
movie theatre or wander through an impressive diorama to see what this ancient
world looked like 25 million years ago.

Why not join a guided
tour to find out how specimens are sorted, cleaned
and the fossils extracted from hard limestone in our
Riversleigh fossil laboratory – an experience that is educational and
engaging for the entire family. You might even find yourself virtually digging
for fossils!

Please Note, Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.
Bookings cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Plants were utilised in many ways such as food, seasoning, herbal drinks and medicines
used to treat common ailments. They were also used for dyes, cleaning,
clothing, crafting, building shelters, weapons and much more. These techniques
and knowledge about our native flora and fauna have been passed down for
generations by the legal custodians of this land, the Kalkatungu (Kalkadoon) people, as well as
other indigenous tribes such as the Gangalida, Yanuwa, and Garrawa who’s people
have lived and thrived in this harsh outback country for over 65, 000 years. 

The tour will also include a short guided informational session through the neighboring Fish Hatchery where you can get up close and personal with our native fish in the viewing tanks while learning about the different species and their connection to Aboriginal culture and history, as well as the Mount Isa history museum (Isa Experience) to not only admire some beautiful Aboriginal artwork and artifacts, but to understand their meaning and historical importance too. 

Please Note, Locals need to produce valid ID when checking in.
Bookings cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour, will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Local Kalkatungu artist Barabara Sam will be hosting traditional Aboriginal painting workshops at Outback at Isa, teaching you how to paint your own unique story! Inspired by her surroundings, Barbara paints using a wide range of colours and schemes depicting movement and emotions. Her painting style incorporates traditional methods combined with contemporary art.
Tea/ coffee, canvas and supplies provided!