Spread the love
Post Views: 8

Life really is a highway in the Queensland Outback! If you are keen on driving, and experiencing some of the most spectacular landscape in the world, here’s three highways that will get you to Mount Isa for the greatest show on dirt, the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo from August 8 to 10.

TICKETS ON SALE HERE

TIP: book your accommodation NOW because this famous Outback town fills fast for Rodeo – see below for a list of places to stay.

DRIVING TO MOUNT ISA:

In the Queensland Outback, they reckon all roads lead to Mount Isa, and while that saves on having to ask locals for directions, it’s actually only three roads, but they are three of the most iconic in Matilda Way, Capricorn Way and Overlanders Way. So before you settle in to watch the rodeo action this August, take your time in getting there and linger a little longer in the Outback.

Matilda Way: this epic outback adventure starts in the South East Corner and Brisbane. Head west on Warrego Way and link up to Matilda Way at Charleville, where the Cosmos Centre shows the stars in their full majesty. From there, head to Tambo and pick up your first souvenir, the Tambo Teddy – a cuddly handmade bear whose namesake has made this little town world famous. From there, 100km up the road is Blackall – home of the legendary Jack Howe, who put this town on the map after setting a world record for hand-sheared sheep – 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. From Blackall, drop in for a cold one at the famous Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe. Then – on to Longreach, check out the town’s pioneer slab hut accommodation, Salt Bush Retreat for a great night or more. The final stop before Mount Isa is Australia’s own Jurassic Park, the paleontological town of Winton and home to the Age of Dinosaurs Museum as well as the Waltzing Matilda Centre. From there – it’s on to Mount Isa! Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/user170863801/review/832463523/d706855837

Capricorn Way: leaving from Rockhampton, the Capricorn Way heads west and links up to Matilda Way. If you’re a human magpie and love all things shiny, then the Capricorn Way is your way to go.  The first stop is Mount Hay Park where you can fossick for ancient volcanic thundereggs (similar to geodes), then to the Central Highlands gemfields, where you can dig for sapphires! Keep heading west to Barcaldine, home of the Tree of Knowledge – the remains of the old ghost gum and the birth of the Australian Labor movement. From there, onwards to Mount Isa.

Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/user170863801/review/832463015/432c2fdfb2

Overlanders Way:  the Overlanders Way takes you from the reef to rodeo, departing Townsville for the 904-kilometre drive. First stop is Charters Towers, the centre of an internationally noted goldfield (fun fact: Charters Town was considered the second most important city in Queensland during the gold rush in the 19th century due to production of gold, peaking at 319,572 ounces in 1899). Next up is Australia’s Grand Canyon, the Porcupine National Gorge in Hughenden. Down the highway to Richmond where the giant sea monster known as the Kronosauraus ruled (yes it’s the home of incredible fossils), and then check-in to Julia Cree for a long, hot soak in the artesian baths. Cloncurry, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and a fantastic Outback town, is the last stop before Mount Isa!  https://vimeo.com/user170863801/review/832464069/07b2b6298f

WHERE TO STAY:

ON Site at Buchanan Park

A three day unpowered CAMPING SITE is $200 per site; a five day powered site is $350 per site) , and a five day unpowered site is 300 per site.  TICKETS ON SALE HERE

AAOK Moondarra Caravan Park

2 Moondarra Drive Mount Isa QLD 4825

bookings@moondarraaccommodation.com.au / 07 4743 9780 https://www.moondarracaravanpark.com.au/

Sunset Tourist Park

14 Sunset Drive Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 074743 7668 https://www.sunsettop.com.au/

Discovery Parks Mount Isa – nearly fully booked

185 Little West Street Mount Isa

[email protected] / 07 47434676 https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/

Argylla Discovery Park  –

https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/queensland/outback-queensland/mount-isa-argylla?propertyCode=QARG&arrive=2025-04-11&depart=2025-04-12&adults=2&kids=0&infants=0&sort=price-desc&maxSearchResults=30

Mount Isa Caravan Park

https://www.mtisacaravanpark.com.au/ 4743 3252 [email protected].au

Outback Motel Mt Isa

https://www.outbackmotelmtisa.com.au/

Abacus Motel Mount Isa

163 Barkly Highway Soldier Hill

[email protected].au / 07 47431500 https://www.abacusmotelmtisa.com.au/

Accommodation@Isa

149 West St Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 0411426064 https://www.accommodationisa.com.au/

COPPER CITY MOTEL

105 Butler Street Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected].au / 0459 593371  https://www.coppercitymotel.net.au/

Fourth Avenue Motor Inn

14 Fourth Avenue Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 07 47433477 https://www.fourthavemotorinn.com/

Leichhardt Accommodation

3 – 5 Camooweal Street Mount Isa QLD 4825

admin@leichhardtaccommodation.com / 0747433323 https://www.leichhardtaccommodation.com/

Ibis Styles Mount Isa

Cnr Rodeo Drive Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 0427377807  https://all.accor.com/hotel/0575/index.en.shtml

Overlander Hotel – still ¼ rooms left

119 Marian Street Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 0747435011 https://overlander-hotel.com.au/

Isa Hotel

https://www.isahotel.com.au/accommodation/

Redearth Boutique Hotel

Cnr Rodeo Drive & West Street Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 4749 8888 https://www.redearthhotel.com.au/

The Barkley Hotel

55 Barkly Highway Mount Isa QLD 4825

[email protected] / 07 47447777 https://www.barklyhotel.com.au/

Burke & Wills

07 47438000 reservations@burkeandwillsmtisa.com.au https://www.burkeandwillsmotel.com.au/

Travellers Haven

75-77 Spence Street [email protected] / 07 47430313 https://travellershaven.com.au/

Inland Oasis Motel & Restaurant

https://www.inlandoasismtisa.com.au/

Central Point Motel –

https://www.centralpointmotelmtisa.com.au/accommodation-mt-isa  [email protected]

Spinifex Motel & Serviced Apartments

79-83 Marian Street [email protected] / 07 4749 2944 https://spinifexmotel.com.au/

Townview Motel

0747433328 [email protected] https://www.townviewmotel.com.au/