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Once a haven for the Kalkadoon and now host to the largest rodeo in Australia, Mount Isa, known as the ‘oasis of the outback’, is a strange and curious place. The city, home to over 23,000 people, is one of the longest running mining towns in outback Queensland. Attractions include the Underground Hospital, City Lookout and Lake Moondarra.
Delve into the ochre hued world of rough riding jillaroos, smelting and smokestacks, and carefree charisma of the great Australian outback with cheap flights to Mount Isa. The city is home to Mount Isa Airport (ISA), which is a 10-minute drive from the centre of the city. The airport serves Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia. Popular international flights to Mount Isa depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Mount Isa is approximately 29 hours.
Dating back to 1959, the Mount Isa Rodeo is a huge part of the culture in Mount Isa. This exhilarating display of Australian mystique and grit will enthral and excite.
Queensland offers some of the best cultural experiences in Australia. Witness theatrical performances, play a didgeridoo, get a taste of bush tucker, and be captivated by aboriginal myths and legends.
The vast expanses of arid desert that make up the Australian outback are iconic. Its vast stretches tell stories of aboriginal people, offered havens for wildlife, and shaped Australia’s identity.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Australian Dollar |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.10 AUD |
| Language | English |
| Hub Airport | Mount Isa Airport |
| Time Zone | GMT +10 |
| Travel Adaptor | Standard type I |
Mount Isa experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with hot, windy summers and warm, dry winters. Average temperatures range from 37 degrees Celsius in summer to 8 degrees Celsius in winter. Rainfall is erratic throughout the year. There is no best time to visit Mount Isa. Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) bring pleasant temperatures, while winter (June to August) offers clear skies and warm temperatures. Summer (December to February) ushers in blistering temperatures. For cheap flights to Mount Isa, the best time to visit would be between November and March.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 24°C | 23°C | 22°C | 18°C | 14°C | 10°C | 8°C | 10°C | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C |
| High °C | 37°C | 36°C | 34°C | 32°C | 28°C | 25°C | 24°C | 27°C | 31°C | 35°C | 37°C | 37°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 102 | 94 | 60 | 8 | 16 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 32 | 67 |
Affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback’, host to one of the biggest rodeos in the world, and home to the largest single producer of copper, lead, silver and zinc, Mount Isa is a strange and interesting place.
For a glimpse into the sooty world of mining in Mount Isa, the Hard Times Mine is a working replica designed and operated by current and former miners. The Hard Times Mine offers insight into the industry that forms a significant part of the city’s past, present and future.
The underground hospital is listed as a National Heritage Site. Dating back to World War II, it offers a unique and eerie journey beneath the blistering city streets.
But there is more to Mount Isa than mines, minerals and history. The city is a warm and welcoming place that will invite you in for a beer and spend the rest of the evening entertaining you with Australian humour and charming you with Queensland charisma.
Mount Isa is a place of community, charisma and culture.
Compare several airlines, and book cheap flights to Mount Isa online with Travelstart!
South African Passport holders do need a visa for Mount Isa, and anywhere else in Australia. Ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months and 2 blank pages available for entry stamps.
See this guide on how to apply for your Australian visa.
The Australian High Commission is located in Pretoria.
Address: 292 Orient Street, Arcadia.
Phone: (+27) 012 423 6000
Although Mount Isa is considered a safe town, crime does happen, so it is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance at all times.
Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended. Leave your passport and other important documents in the hotel safe, and avoid flaunting wealth and carrying large sums of cash and valuables. Avoid venturing into deserted areas and walking alone at night.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Immunisation against Hepatitis B and rabies are recommended. Other routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio. Bottled water is recommended.
| Item | Johannesburg | Cape Town | Mount Isa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | R 90.00 | R 100.00 | R 250.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 22.00 | R 20.00 | R 53.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 19.00 | R 20.00 | R 48.00 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10.00 | R 12.00 | R 12.50 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 35.00 | R 35.00 | R 240.00 |
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