Winter Holiday July 2012: BOULIA TO MOUNT ISA

We headed off towards Mount Isa on Saturday. The road was fairly good but very narrow with only enough bitumen for one vehicle, therefore whenever a vehicle was coming the other way we had to move off the bitumen to let them pass.   This was particularly the case for oncoming road trains.
The road was very flat with grassy plains on either side and unfenced paddocks so we had to watch out for wandering cows.   We decided to make a stop for the night at Dajarra, which is a very small town about half way to Mount Isa.    This stop was supposed to be $10 per night for a powered site, to be paid at the local council hall, but being Saturday no one was there. When we asked a local shopkeeper where we could pay he said if they don't catch up with you do not worry. So this ended up as a free camp and it was really only good enough for one night anyway.
The next morning we headed on to Mount Isa and decided to stay in a caravan park for three days to catch up on washing etc.   We called into the Information Centre to ask about caravan parks and decided to stay at the Mount Isa Caravan Park which is the closest to town.   Mount Isa is a large town with Coles and Woolies which we have not seen for some weeks. There are five caravan parks in Isa.    While in the Information Centre they told us about the underground mine tour which was on that afternoon and not again until Friday so decided to book for that afternoon.
This mine tour was very informative and well run.   We had to dress up in overalls, hard hat, gumboots and belts, we were given batteries and miners lamps.   We went down the mine in a cage and they had set up each section of the mine to show each part of the mining process. We had a go at a drill used for setting up charges to detonate the mine face, demonstration of the scoops used to clear the rock that was blasted out, demonstration of roof drilling shafts between levels of the mine and an explanation of the entire process of mining copper and lead.    The guide that we had was very experienced as he had worked in the mine for 30 years and could explain the difference between the way it was done in the old days and the present time. We were then given a cup of tea or coffee in one of the crib rooms which also contained core samples of the lead, silver and copper.
The next day we spent shopping, washing and generally looking around.   Went up to the ciy lookout which was a great view over Mount Isa, but I forgot to take my camera, so no pictures.
The next day we packed a picnic lunch and went out to Lake Moondarra which is 16km from Mount Isa and is the towns water supply. There are lovely picnic areas with tables and bbq's, toilets and is very well maintained.
The next morning we headed for Camooweal.