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2007 Cam Fishing, Australia. All right reserved
Website design
by HAPPYapple web design, Sydney
Weipa TIME – by Alan “fish”
Philiskirk
Weipa, situated on the western coast of Cape York on the shores
of the Gulf of Carpentaria is the site of the world's largest bauxite mine.
With a population of approximately 2,500 Weipa enjoys a typical northern Australian
tropical climate, with the wet season or rainy season occurring from November
- April and the dry predominating for the remainder of the year.
The mid winter months are milder with daytime temperatures
ranging from 16 - 30 deg and providing a very comfortable climate to escape
the southern winters.
The town is well serviced with Woolworths shopping centre and a dozen specialty
shops, a hotel/motel and a resort and also a camping ground with self contained
cabins.
A hospital, private doctor and daily plane service from
Cairns. A nine hole golf course and bowls club, pistol range, motorcycle and
speedway racing also compliment the town's services.
As the majority of land around Weipa is Comalco mining lease or under indigenous
control, visitors need to ensure they observe access restrictions, and have
all the necessary permits required when venturing out.
History of Weipa.
The first recorded contact between Aboriginal and European
people occurred at the Pennefather River about 50km north of the township
in 1606.
Here, the Yupangati people first sighted sailors from the Dutch vessel "Duyfken"
under the command of William Jantz.
Weipa township development began in 1965 when Comalco began to mine the extensive bauxite deposits that had been discovered in the area.
Today the town boasts the best and most comprehensive facilities on Cape York Peninsula, a real oasis for travellers and cattle station personnel. Live export of cattle sheep and goats occur regularly through the dry season.
