First off is the museum section of the tour. Earl (one of the tour operators) gives us a lot of good information on the history of the town, like what and how they mine here in Mount Isa.
After donning the overalls, gum boots, hard hat and a cap lamp we set out for a walk around the yard above the mine. Seeing all the retired mining equipment and vehicles was very interesting, especially coming onto the tour with little to no knowledge of what a mine site is really like.
The tour itself was very interesting and fun for all. Children will learn a lot about the mining industries and parents will enjoy hearing the stories from the tour guides. At the beginning of the tour you have your photo taken in front of the cage you go down in which is available at the end of the tour if you would like a copy as a souvenir.
Walking through the mine you get a feel for what it feels like to be underground without as much of the risk as the mine was made purely with tourists in mind. The mine is only (20 meters) deep but you still get the feeling that you are much further underground.
At the end of the tour, you get some time just to sit in the crib room and get a feeling for what it's like to be one of the miners taking a crib break! There is the nice bonus of sandwiches, a hot pastry and tea or coffee provided.
Once you are back at the surface you get a surprise of more souvenirs in the form of a pack of Outback at Isa playing cards and your name tag (from the beginning of the tour) and you also get the option to get the photo that was taken at the beginning of the tour.
If you have a few hours to spare, the tour is well worth the admission price, and by the end of it, you will have learnt a fair amount about mining and the town!
