Weipa
Weipa is situated on the western coast of Cape York (Gulf of Carpentaria) 850 km north of Cairns.
Sunset over the Ocean at Weipa
Weipa is a modern town of 3,500 people, and the site of the world's largest bauxite mine which is operated by Rio Tinto Alcan. Tours of the mine can be organised through the Weipa Campground.
- Rio Tinto Alcan bauxite production
Weipa is located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula about 200km from the Tip of Australia. The town is approximately 800 km from Cairns and is accessed by the Peninsula Development Road via Lakeland Downs, Laura, Coen and Archer River. This road is often closed in the wet season between December and March.
The Weipa airport is located 15 km from town and there are daily flights from Cairns to Weipa with Quantaslink.
By road Weipa can be reached on the Peninsula Development Road
Weipa has a monsoonal climate with a wet season from December to March and the dry from April to November. There are light southeast to east winds in the dry season and the cyclone season is from December to March.
On arrival look for the Weipa Art & Information Centre, situated in Iraci Avenue, Evans Landing. There is local information on shopping, accommodation, banking and maps to help make your stay enjoyable. The Centre also offers an educational experience with a display on The Ghost Net programme and the Feral Pigs, as well as some local art and craft to take home. Camping permits, boat hire and Mine tours are available from Weipa Camp Grounds where you can park up for a night or two and watch the magnificent sunset from the beach. Also available at the Campgrounds, a beachfront Lodge and villas, fully self- contained units, laundromat, hire boats and town & mine tours.
Weipa has a modern shopping complex, the Nanum Centre, and opposite the Nanum Centre is the McNamara Centre which has a Post Office and retail shops.
- Weipa art and info centre
Lake Patricia and Lake Mcleod
These freshwater manmade lakes are popular recreational spots with picnic tables, BBQs and public toilets. Swimming is at your own risk as there have been reported crocodile sightings in the lakes
N.B. Estuarine crocodiles, sea snakes, marine stingers and sharks inhabit the waters so do not swim in the rivers or ocean around Weipa.
Uningan Bicentennial and Recreation Reserve
This reserve of open woodland, mangroves and palm forests covers an area of over 2,800 hectares. Nine km of walking tracks have been marked and there is interpretive signage
The mouth of the Pennefather River is a popular area for camping with white sand beaches on the south coast of the river, however there are no public facilities. Be aware that crocodiles are a real danger at deep water holes and around northern coastal waters.
A popular swimming location is Vyses Crossing, close to town, which has BBQ facilities.
Fishing
The fishing from Weipa is rapidly gaining world-wide acclaim. Located on a narrow peninsula between two major rivers, the Embley and Mission, there are many excellent fishing areas in close proximity. Take advantage of local advice with guided trips, hire a boat from a local operator or bring your own boat. Barramundi, mangrove jack, salmon, queenfish, trevally and mackerel are a few of the many commonly caught species, and mud crabs also abound.
The Weipa Fishing Classic competition usually takes place over the June long weekend.
The Weipa Bullride usually takes place in August.
The lands surrounding the town of Weipa are not public open spaces. While this does not mean that visitors are restricted to staying in Weipa visitors must obtain permits to enter DOGIT land.
Access to many areas can be gained by obtaining the appropriate permit via the applicable Community Councils:
Alcohol restrictions apply for these areas.
