Mount Isa Rodeo

Having procured Akubra hats at Mansworld, the expedition proceeded to infiltrate the Mount Isa Rodeo for cultural observations.  We soon found the southern hemisphere’s best calf ropers, bull riders, and barrel racers.  The dark red earth of northern Queensland, Bob Katter’s own country, is in blood of these cowboys.

The local Rotary club and XXXX Gold Beer are both sponsors.

Someone got the wind knocked out of them.

Lord Bailey’s Brass Rat was the only clue that our party did not belong amongst the several thousand north Queensland rodeo fans.


The carnival.

Some proper bush vehicles.

No kangaroo stands a chance against this outback ute.

Mount Isa

The most prominent landmark of Mount Isa is the smelter smokestack that sits on the western side of town.  Mount Isa is a mining and cattle town.

The smelter complex.

Mansworld.  Later in the day, the expedition was outfitted with Akubra hats at this fine mercantile.

It is a long way to anywhere from Mount Isa.

At the panoramic overlook of town.

The rodeo grounds.

Mining is a dirty business.

A tourist “mine.”

The rodeo capital of Australia.

The Akubra hats were later instrumental in obscuring our presence amongst the locals.

Termite Mounds and Other Attractions West of Cloncurry

More termite mounds were sighted by the expedition chief biologist.

Mounds stretched to the horizon.

A brief stop-over was made at the Burke and Wills Memorial.  It was erected by the Cloncurry Shire Council, Mout Isa Mines LTD, and Mark Kathleen Uranium LTD to commemorate the expedition of Burke and Wills who crossed over that spot in 1861 in their fateful journey.

Excavation equipment headed for a mine.  This was a real traffic jam!

Approaching Mount Isa.