Hundreds of people have been rioting in the outback Queensland city of Mount Isa after a suspected family feud spilled onto the streets.

The large-scale fight broke out in the suburb of Pioneer at about 4:30am after earlier unrest.

Three hundred locals began brawling, some pulled down fences and used the palings as weapons.

Others used bottles and one woman had a knife.

Police received numerous calls for help and all rostered staff went to the scene and those who were off duty were also raised for back up.

It took about 16 officers an hour and a half to end the riot, during which time a female officer was head butted, allegedly by the woman carrying the knife.

The officer was not injured.

So far 15 people have been arrested and charged with public nuisance and one was charged with serious assault police.

Mount Isa Police Inspector Trevor Kidd said there had been some tension in the Pioneer area.

"We will be talking to some of the elders in the community and in that general area there as to why it escalated," he said.

"We're looking at a family feud, so we'll follow up on that.

"The were fighting amongst themselves and it was further fuelled by alcohol.

"Unfortunately alcohol plays a big part."