Mount Isa is a city in the Gulf Country region of northwestern Queensland, Australia, located on the banks of the Leichhardt River approximately 1,829 kilometers from Brisbane. Founded around 1923, it has a population of approximately 19,000 and is the second largest city by area in Australia. The city emerged as a major settlement due to vast mineral deposits in the region, with Mount Isa Mines (MIM) becoming one of the world's most productive mines based on combined output of lead, silver, copper, and zinc.
The city sits in the Carpentaria Mineral Province, one of the world's richest mineral resource areas, and remains a top ten global producer of in-demand minerals. Beyond mining, Mount Isa serves as the major service and administrative center for North West Queensland and is surrounded by the Selwyn Ranges in prime cattle country. The area is located on the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon people, who for thousands of years engaged in hunting, gathering, fishing, and trade before European arrival.
Mount Isa hosts several notable annual events, including the Mount Isa Rodeo, held over three days and recognized as the largest and best rodeo in the southern hemisphere, and the Isa Street Festival. Other attractions include Lake Moondarra Barramundi Fishing Classic, the Hard Times Mine, and Outback at Isa. The nearby township of Camooweal, located 191 kilometers northwest on traditional Indjalandji-Dhidhanu lands, serves as a gateway between Queensland and the Northern Territory and features the Barkly Highway, claimed as the world's longest main street at 188 kilometers.