Mt Isa township from the lookout
Thursday saw us leaving our ideal spot and making a big trip up the road. We camped overnight at a free camping area at a WWII Air Strip. We arrived at lunch time and settled in at by about 4pm the place was packed with Caravans, motorhomes and anything inbetween. We met quite a few people during happy hour. The night was absolutely freezing. Two couples we have met since in Mt Isa, a couple from Busselton WA and another couple from Swan Hill. Thursday we drove a whole 50kms to Mt Isa and parked just out of town, we took Jimny out of the back and drove into town to check out the accommodation. We managed to get a lovely spot in the Copper City Riverside Caravan Park. We parked in an area normally used by the coaches and have a lovely view of the pool and with the camp kitchen. Great for havachat as he talks to everyone that comes in to cook their meals. Hey it gives me a break!!!
How is this for camping?Our own outside kitchen and swimming pool
We spent the night a little warmer as we had the heater on. Here you have the air con on during the day and at night you switch to heaters. Now about Mt Isa. Well it is one of the biggest cities in the world with an area of 41,000 square kilometres and a population of around 20,000 people. This region is described as an oasis in the Outback. Nestled in the Ochre red Selwyn Ranges on the banks of the Leichardt River, Mt Isa borders the Gulf and the Savannah Country to the North, the Simpson Desert to the West, the rich cattle country to the South and the pastoral grasslands to the East.
A statue of a miner
It is also very much a mining town and the town is dwarfed by the Mine which overlooks the town. Copper, lead and silver are mined here. They also hold a Rodeo which will be on in early August. Alas we will be miles away by then. It also has a street called Rodeo Drive which is paved by the names of legendary rodeo riders it is also known as The Mt Isa Walk of Fame. A lovely clean city and a great place to spend a couple of days. We leave tomorrow for more adventures heading towards Townsville.
The Mt Isa Mine overlooking the town
Talk again soon
1 comment:
Oh, Jan and Bill - so many memories of such a happy part of our lives - we spent 13 years there! I used to drive in the afternoons with the sun setting behind the mine and think 'I can never leave this place!' I have never seen such blue skies and stars at night, in my life!
Hugs - Lurline♥
PS - can you still go underground? A real buzz!
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