Weipa is truly an experience like no other - a rare slice of real Australia, if you will. The gateway to Cape York and home to the best sunsets in Queensland, there is so much more to Weipa than meets the eye. Think pristine, tropical blue waters, stunning coastal landscapes, world class fishing, a rich cultural history and the friendliest locals you’ll meet this side of the cape; Weipa is a mining town with a difference, and there is absolutely no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful corner of Tropical North Queensland.
Where bush meets beach
Cape York is home to some truly stunning natural landscapes, untouched wilderness and abundance of unique and elusive wildlife, making it a fantastic destination to explore in your Hertz rental car. Situated on the sparkling tropical waters of the Arafura, Weipa’s true beauty lies in its remoteness and ruggedness - rich and vibrant red soils contrast against the deep turquoise waters of Albatross Bay. Weipa is also home to a surprising amount of wildlife, especially birds including the iconic Jabiru. Take a drive out to Lake Patricia and Lake McLeod for some of the best bird watching in Queensland. Of course, we can’t not mention the crocodiles - to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in the wild, Western Cape Eco Tours are a small family run business who run excellent wildlife tours daily, and are able to take you deep into croc country from the safety and comfort of their covered boats - the only way we want to see crocodiles!
While you’re in town, jump into your Hertz rental car for a drive along the coast to explore some of the best beaches in and around Weipa, including Nanum Beach and the secret local favourite beach just south of Rocky Point, where you’ll have endless stretches of white sand almost all to yourself. If you’re simply here to relax and soak up some of that famous Queensland sunshine, the beaches in Weipa won’t disappoint. They might not be great for swimming - this is the Far North after all - but trust us when we say, the sunsets are some of the best in Australia, and well worth sticking around for.
If there’s one thing Cape York is known for, it’s world class fishing - and Weipa is the epicentre of the action. Whether you charter a boat, join a fishing tour or throw a line from the shore, you'll be sharing the waters with keen anglers from all across Australia. Spots like Gonbung Beach, Kerr Point, Rocky Point and Evans Landing wharf are popular with locals and visitors alike, and all easily accessible with your Hertz rental car. You’ve come this far, so why not make it a day out on the water and join a guided fishing trip - Weipa Sports Fishing are the best in the business and know all the best fishing spots in the region. Once back on dry land, they’ll even take your winning catch of the day through to the kitchen of the Albatross Bay Resort, where their team of chefs will happily prepare and cook you the freshest Barra you’ll ever have - this is what the Far North is all about!
Experience a rich culture like no other
Weipa is a township built on strong community spirit - it won’t take you long after arriving to see why. The locals who are proud to call Weipa home are extremely welcoming and accommodating to travellers, and are some of the friendliest around. Weipa is well known for its laid back lifestyle and cultural heritage, including rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and a longstanding connection to the traditional lands of the Weipa area - a history that is still living and visible today. Don’t miss the Western Cape Cultural Centre, a long standing favourite, where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region. Weipa is also a proud mining town, with mining playing a huge part in the history and development of the town. You can experience for yourself on the unique Weipa Mine and Town Tour, which is for many, a highlight of any Weipa visit. For the ultimate Weipa experience, a Sunset Cruise on Albatross Bay is the perfect way to round out the day. Western Cape Eco Tours run an excellent sunset cruise which you won’t want to miss - think champagne, platters and canapes out on the water, while watching the sun set over the ocean - don’t forget your camera!
As the gateway to the Cape and beyond, Weipa is so much more than just a mining town. No matter the reason for your visit, any trip to Weipa is bound to be a memorable and unforgettable one, that offers a true taste of Australia’s wild and untamed north.
