What is Mount Isa known for?
Mount Isa is a mining city in northwest Queensland, known for one of the world's largest underground mines and for the Mount Isa Rodeo, one of the biggest rodeos in the Southern Hemisphere.
The city was founded after prospector John Campbell Miles discovered silver-lead ore in 1923. He named the area after his sister's name, Isabella.
Mount Isa Mines produces copper, lead, zinc and silver. The tall smelter stack is a landmark visible from much of the city.
Outback culture
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, held each August, attracts riders and spectators from across Australia. The event includes bull riding, bronc riding and festival activities.
Outback at Isa, a visitor center, includes the Hard Times Mine, where visitors can tour an underground mine, and the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, which displays fossils from the World Heritage-listed Riversleigh site.
Lake Moondarra, near the city, is a popular spot for swimming, fishing and picnics. Mount Isa covers a huge area and is sometimes described as one of the largest cities in the world by area. It is a regional center for the surrounding outback communities.