September school holidays are rolling in fast, and if you’re just like most parents, you’re probably scratching your head wondering what to do with the kids these holidays.
Why not try something different and expose them to a whirlpool of adventure, culture and entertainment in Weipa.
Renowned as a mining town, the township of Weipa offers so much beyond that, making it a fantastic place for families to spend the school holidays. It’s located in far North Queensland forming part of Cape York, and is the more secluded side of the Great Barrier Reef being on the west of the tip as opposed to east where Cairns is.
You can guarantee that marine life and wildlife here is spectacular, so buckle yourselves in and discover the best way to spend the September school holidays with the kids in Weipa.
Weipa Mine and Town Tours
Operating daily, the Weipa Mine and Town tours go for approximately 3 hours long and cost $45 for adults and $35 for kids between 12 to 17 years old. Kids under 12 are not permitted on the tours for safety reasons.
You will need to wear closed in shoes given the terrain and the tour departs from the Weipa Camping Grounds at 8.30am or 2pm. Bookings are essential by calling 0476840899.
Now what makes this tour stand out from many other activities you could be doing during the school holidays is none other than the amazing tour guide who is absolutely brilliant with vast knowledge of the history and region, surely to impress and amaze. The insights you will learn about Weipa will help you appreciate it that much more, from how it functions to what it took to become as developed as it is today. Other topics touched upon include the difference Weipa holds compared to non-mining towns, its ecology, and a deep dive into the Rio Tinto mine.
Many patrons have referred to Hardus’ (your tour guide) knowledge as being on par with David Attenborough when it comes to Weipa. So set yourselves up for an adventure off the beaten track as you jump on board a four wheel drive bus to get you to your destination.
Book early to avoid disappointment as these tours get booked out really quickly and you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss out on your chance for adventure.
Western Cape Eco Tours
If you’re looking for something that will wow the kids these holidays, there aren’t many things that will beat a wild crocodile adventure – and that’s exactly what Western Cape Eco Tours offer.
Talk about a one of a kind experience right at the heart of the Cape York Peninsula, tours are suitable for all ages (making a green light with the kids).
Don’t forget to bring along a hat, some water, sunscreen and sunglasses for added protection during your eco tour. There are toilets on board and tour is wheelchair accessible but be sure to call ahead so that the Western Cape Eco Tours team can prepare staff to assist you aboard.
There are four different tours as follows:
- Daily Wildlife Tour – which covers mining, history, shipping, local culture and wildlife including saltwater crocodiles and many bird species in the region.
- Sunset Cruise – a beautiful experience that explores the waterways as the sun descends, treat yourself to an antipasto platter, cheese, salami, complimentary beer, champagne, soft drink and water. There’s also a cash bar available onboard.
- Customised tour – include family friendly fishing, camping tours, coastal trips to Redcliffs and Pera, and more to cater according to your needs.
- Sunrise Cruise – great for the early birds with a champagne breakfast watching the sun rise over a ship loader.
The feedback for Western Cape Eco Tours is great, so don’t miss out on this chance to show the kids what it’s like to be an adventurous Aussie in the wild!
Weipa Sports Fishing
The ultimate fishing adventure, Weipa Sports Fishing offers a range of fishing opportunities such as fly fishing, lure fishing, heli fishing, and more. Casting a fly on crystal clear flats to throwing a lure up the creek, the experience you get from a trip out with the Weipa Sports Fishing team will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Lee Hodgetts, owner of the business, knows the waters like the back of his hands. His team are renowned for their massive catches, offering their customers a first class fishing adventure using custom built fishing boats, the best tackle, followed by exceptional customer service.
Weipa is known for being the barramundi capital and the variety of fishing opportunities is unmatched. From mangrove estuaries and coastal rivers to blue ocean waters, the opportunity is endless.
Plus, the added bonus of extreme fishing by helicopter ought to win the hearts of the uncertain. It’s spectacular scenery matched with the leisure of having your very own pilot who is happy to land wherever you wish for a fish.
An experience at Weipa Sports Fishing with the kids these school holidays will impress and be a memorable holiday for years to come.
Grab a meal at the Albatross Bay Resort in Weipa
There’s no better way to signify the bond of your family than to feast over a mouthwatering meal – so what better way to enjoy the best of school holidays this September than to grab a meal together at the Albatross Bay Resort?
The Sport’s Bar at the Albatross Bay Resort keeps a casual environment great for kids to kick back, relax and enjoy the awesome dishes that will have them asking for more. Favourites include wild caught local barramundi served with salad and fries, spaghetti carbonara, prawn linguine, mouth watering pizzas, grass fed beef burgers, to name a few. The dessert menu is interesting, with unique dishes like Nutella and strawberry pizzas, and banoffee pizzas.
There’s a kid’s playground to keep the young ones busy while you chill and embrace the beautiful waterfront views of Albatross Bay.
Reserve a table by calling the Alby team at (07) 4090 6666.