Outback Towns

Weipa

For the avid fisherman, camping enthusiast, 'twitcher' or just anyone that appreciates exploring truly unique landscapes...Weipa is for you!!

About Weipa

Weipa - A Natural Wonderland 

For the avid fisherman, camping enthusiast, 'twitcher' or just anyone that appreciates exploring truly unique landscapes...Weipa is for you!!

Situated roughly 800km north west of  Cairns, and only 200km from the very tip of Australia, the trip here is an experience in itself.

While a few do complain about the Peninsula Development Road, most appreciate the forces of mother nature in this part of the world and the fact that like some of our most unique outback towns, the remoteness of Weipa is the success of it's attraction.

Other alternatives are having your vehicle barged from Karumba, or a flight from Cairns which Qantas run daily, however the self-drive trip is something that has to be experienced atleast once.

You will experience an untouched wilderness with ancient waterholes full of Barramundi, bigger  than described in your best "one that got away" stories!

Also big, are the crocodiles that inhabit the waterways around Weipa, so take care and if not experienced, guided fishing tours are available.

Locals use the man made freshwater Lake Patricia and Lake McLeod for taking a dip or having a sail. The lakes make for a popular recreational area with picnic tables, BBQs and public toilets.

Home of Mining Giant Comalco

The township has basically been developed and supported by the mining company Comalco, which mines from some of the largest Bauxite deposits in the world.

From it's original Aboriginal heritage, the sleepy little village has now blossomed into a well serviced town of over 2000, most of which being Comalco employees.

Comalco’s main plant, offices and workshop facilities are situated at Lorim Point, this is where you can see bauxite being loaded onto ships.

Weipa mining is carried out at East Weipa (approximately 15 kilometres east of the township, on the road that leads to Coen) and Andoom is situated approximately 15 kilometres north of the township.

Like the local fishing tours, mining tours can also be arranged.

Weipa Attractions

Other interesting spots to check out are the mining museum in Lions park, which is free to visit and the Cultural Centre which highlights the history of local Aboriginal life on the Western Cape.

Weipa Weather

The typical tropical climatic seasons provide the ‘wet’ season between November and April, with an average rainfall of about 1700mm predominantly falling in this time and the ‘dry’ season between May and October when the rain is replaced by tourists.

 

 

 

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