Weipa
Weipa
is the largest town in northern
Cape York.
But it is on beautiful land with bright red soils and surrounded by blue waters that make even an industrial place look colourful.
Not all travellers turn in here, but I think it is worth it.
The mine itself is worth seeing, and there is some great fishing and good opportunities to see some wildlife.
Places in Weipa
It is quite a spread out town with a few different suburbs and places. South are Lorim Point and Evans Landing, west are the lakes and north are Nanum, Trunding, Rocky Point and Mission River. North from here are Red Beach and the road to Mapoon.
Things to Do in Weipa
Except from fishing and bird watching, there are not so many things to do for travellers. But there is one thing - the mining tour. It is quite interesting and it is the only way to get in here unless you work in mines. You won't get to leave the bus but you get to see how bauxite mining works.
Fishing
It is one of the best places in Cape York to fish. There are fishing spots everywhere - on beaches, headlands, river mouths. Some of the favourite spots are next to Mission River and Andoom Creek bridges, Evans Landing Wharf, Kerr Point and Red Beach.
Fly Fishing
If you have a boat, get away a bit from the coast. There are boat ramps in Evans Landing, Rocky Point, and Misson River and Andoom Creek bridges. There are a few places to hire boats, and many commercial fishing tours and fly fishing charters.
Louisas Walk
What I really like is that there is actually somewhere to exercise. There is a walking/jogging track that starts behind the Nanum shopping centre and goes through the backstreets and parks of Trunding to Rocky Point. It's a great track for a walk, jog or bike ride.
Wildlife Watching
It is surprising that in a noisy, industrial mining place like this, there is actually a lot of birds and other wildlife to see. Jabirus - Australia's largest storks that stand taller than a metre and have a wingspan of almost two, are seen in the lakes and on the beaches.
Fly to Weipa
There is an airport here, and you can fly directly to and from Cairns, and of course to other places. During the Wet Season, roughly from November to late May/early June when the roads are closed, this is the only way to get here apart from water-ways.
Airline Tickets
The number of the Airport is (07) 4069 7147. You can also ring Qantas, which runs a daily service between here and Cairns. Or you can check tickets' availability and book online at www.qantas.com.au. It is cheapest to book online, but if there are no tickets available, it's worth ringing the airline.
Accommodation
There is not a lot of choices of places to stay, but there are a few. Until now, there has been only one place to camp - Weipa Camping Ground. But there is a new place planned at Evans Landing. There is also a resort at Nanum, and a hotel in Trunding.
Live in Weipa
Living here is unfortunately expensive. The whole town is on a mining lease (or Aboriginal land), and this does not make things cheaper. As in many mining places, renting is more common than owning. But new suburbs with private houses have started to grow.
Did You Go to Weipa and What Did You Think of It?
Did you Go to Weipa?
What did you think about it? Or do you have a question or maybe a tip to other travellers? Let us know!
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