Weipa Qld 4874 (Pop 3 000)

Weipa is an isolated mining town on Cape York’s west coast in Far North Qld 2 462 km n-w of Brisbane. It was built by Comalco Aluminium in 1961 on the site of a former Aboriginal mission and reserve. Weipa is home to the world’s largest bauxite mine processing the product for shipment to Gladstone where it is manufactured into aluminium. A calcination and kaolin plant also operate here. The Weipa area was the first section of coastline explored by Europeans.

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Mining and fishing tours are available.

Nearby:
Weipa Shell Mounds (south Weipa) series of mounds containing some 200 000 tonnes of shells dating back over 800 years sitting on the banks of the Embley, Hey, Pine and Mission Rivers with several reaching up to 9 m. Mungkan Kandju NP (29 km north of Coen - central Cape York Peninsula) large wilderness park of rainforests, woodlands and melaleuca swamp between the McIlwraith Range and Archer and Coen Rivers. Bush camping and birdwatching both popular. Visit May-Oct. Jardine River NP (20 km south of Bamaga) rich in Aboriginal heritage, this wilderness park encompasses a large portion of the river’s catchment, as well as heathlands, woodlands, swamps and coastal dunes. See the carnivorous pitcher plants here as well as a number of stunning waterfalls. Bush camping in several locations. Visit May-Oct.  Iron Range NP (250 km east) protects the largest area of Australia’s lowland tropical rainforest and features rugged outcrops, mangrove forests and spectacular beaches. Bushwalks and bush camping. Visit May-Oct.

Accommodation:
Weipa has a hotel/motel and caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Tel (07) 4069 9799.