Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum

Category: Museum
Region: Mount Isa
State: QLD

AUD $23.50

Adult

Duration: 

30m
In this fully guided tour you will uncover the story behind Australia’s first and only underground hospital. Learn of the extraordinary efforts made by local miners who volunteered their time to build a hospital underground.

Underground Hospital 

After the bombing of Darwin in 1942, there was a real fear that Mount Isa with its rich mineral resources would be next. Given that Darwin Hospital was also bombed, there was also genuine concern for Mount Isa Hospital. This prompted a discussion between the then regional District Hospital Director and Superintendent of the mines. Their idea for an Underground Hospital quickly became a reality, carved into the hills near the base of the regional hospital. Over a period of 15 weeks, miners drilled, blasted and mucked out a series of four timbered tunnels into the side of the hill. 

Tent House

Step inside the heritage-listed Tent House, a solution to the 1930s housing shortage in Mount Isa during the early mining boom years. Find out how a common tent was converted into a Tent House; an adaptation of materials to suit a hot, dry climate.

Beth Anderson Museum

The building currently housing the Beth Anderson Museum has a story of its own. It began life as a hospital in Kuridala, a heritage-listed abandoned mining town in the Cloncurry Shire.  

Today, visitors to the Beth Anderson Museum can view an impressive collection of antique medical equipment, rare historical items and colourful stories that offer a glimpse into Mount Isa’s earlier years. This is your starting point for the Underground Hospital Tour. 

When you are finished sit back and relax on the verandah with a cuppa and Anzac biscuit, included in your ticket. 

Refreshments and Souvenirs are also available for purchase.  

Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time to complete check in. 
Shoes must be worn. 
Your confirmation (electronic or printed) MUST be presented at the desk for entry. 
Entry is via 63 Deighton Street (corner of Joan St). There is NO access via Camooweal St or Doreen St as might be suggested by Google maps or other GPS. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Must arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time. Entry is via the corner of Deighton Street (corner of Joan Street). There is NO access from Camooweal St or Doreen Street as might be suggested by Google maps or other GPS. Shoes must be worn for this tour. Refunds will be given if cancelled 24 hours before the tour start time. Tour can be rescheduled to another time or day.

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