Weipa is a mining town built by Comalco to house its employees and their families, government workers and support people for its Bauxite and Kaolin operations. Weipa has the largest Bauxite deposit in the world. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Weipa because of its terrific coastal location and abundant marine life.
Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 2611 kilometres.
Amenities consist of hospital, dentist, private medical centre and pharmacy, supermarket (not open on Sundays), post office, newsagency, specialty shops, bakery, butcher, cafe and Four Wheel Drive and fishing tackle supply stores. There is also a Centrelink office located at the shopping centre. The town’s two service stations (open daily) also have a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, ice and grocery items.
The nearby community of Napranum has a small supermarket which is open daily. A boat and car wash facility, along with several mechanical workshops and a hardware store are located at Evans Landing. The Western Cape Cultural Centre is also located at Evans Landing which provides local cultural and tourist information as well as exhibiting local artwork. The Western Cape Cultural Centre is open 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Friday and entry is free. Light refreshments and a great view of the harbour are offered.
Accommodation options in Weipa include a camping ground with self-contained cabins and a dedicated fishing lodge, a resort hotel, a motel, and budget (donga-style) accommodation.
Fishing in the Western Cape is great! Fishing can be shore-based at Gonbung Beach, Evans Landing, Kerr Point, Red Beach and Wallaby Island or on the banks of the creeks and rivers. With a boat. the Mission, Hey and Embley River estuaries and Port Musgrave (Mapoon) provide opportunities. Boat ramps are located at Rocky Point and Evans Landing in Weipa, Napranum, Cullen Point. Cloughs Landing and Mapoon.
Fish species to entice anglers are: Mackeral, Queenfish, Trevally, Mangrove Jack, Bream, Grunter, Tuskers, Jewfish and Estuary Cod. In deeper waters chasing Marlin and Sailfish is becoming popular.
Boats and houseboats are for hire and fishing tours/extended fishing charters are available – enquire at Weipa Tackle World.