Weipa is the largest community on the
Cape York Peninsula with a
population of 3,500. This modern town lies on the west coast, and is fringed by the Gulf of Carpentaria. The worlds' largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto Alcan, is the reason for Weipa's development and visitors are welcome to take tours of the operation.
Weipa is very accessible, being reached by the Peninsula Development Road, via Lakeland Downs, Laura, Coen and Archer River. Whilst the road is regularly maintained, it is heavily corrugated and dusty and is subject to closure at times during the wet season between December and March. 4WD vehicles are recommended for driving this route and unless your caravan is of the heavy-duty, offroad type, you should probably leave it behind too.
How to Use this Trek Note
If you'd like to download this Trek there are two options:
- purchase our app ExplorOz Traveller. This will allow you to download all the ExplorOz Trek Notes to your GPS enabled smartphone/tablet/iPad or laptop and enable active route guidance along the route we provide as per the Directions. The app also allows you to edit/customise the route. In the app you will get all the words, images and POIs for each Trek exactly as on the website (excludes Wildflowers). For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage.
- Alternatively, if you already have another mapping software program (or an HN7 device) you can try downloading the data files we provide via the Download Trek button at the top of this page (or purchase EOTreks Route Files). Be aware that this doesn't include maps or text just the route line.
TIP | To purchase our maps for offline use, you will need to purchase an EOTopo map licence (available either in App Version, or Raster Version). |