Weipa may be a small town up in North Queensland, but it’s one town that packs a punch full of exciting annual festivities and events that will make any big town jealous.
Check out the below for the ultimate list of Weipa’s annual festivities and major events happening this year.
Weipa Fishing Classic
One of the best events that takes place in the peninsula, the Weipa Fishing Classic is certainly a classic you won’t want to miss.
The event is filled with amazing fishing experiences, enviable sized fish, awesome prizes that can be won by anyone – even if you don’t fish.
With thousand dollar prizes that can be won through fishing, the real draw is in the major prizes which can be won by those who paid for a nomination to be in the draw. And when we say major prizes, we definitely mean big ones. Previous winners have taken home prizes the likes of 5.2 metre Sea Jay Velocity Boats, Can-am Commander 800 DPS quad bikes and 18 carat gold pendants with diamonds. Prizes are worth more than $100,000 in total including fishing prizes, raffles, and random draws.
What makes the Weipa Fishing Classic that much better is in its inclusiveness. The event is perfect for everyone, and not just fishers.
Packed with licensed bars and food stalls serving seafood baskets, sausage sizzles, gourmet sandwiches, Asian finger foods, fish and chips, and so on, there’s plenty to keep your tummies happy.
To keep the kids entertained, be thrilled with jumping castles, fish throwing competitions, bubbles and a shooting gallery, glow sticks, show bags, stilts and balloons. There’s also a fishing simulator and a good ole’ game of tug of war.
Featuring live entertainment and of course, the quality fishing promising big fishes such as coral trout, barramundi, jew fish, mackerel, queenfish, trevally, king fish, tusker, grunter, fingermark, and reel fish.
And to wrap up the day for a quality fishing experience, head to the Albatross Bay Resort for a Catch and Cook experience. After all, you’ve done the hard work of catching the fish, now it’s time to leave the cooking to the experts at Albatross Bay Resort.
With skilled chefs that will cook your catch to perfection, and serve it with a side of salad and hot chips, you can put your feet up and enjoy the waterfront views as you relax your night away after the big fun at the Weipa Fishing Classic.
Weipa Bull Ride
The Weipa Bull Ride event typically occurs on a Friday and Saturday night in late August. The cabaret fun kicks off on Friday night, and the bull ride commenced on Saturday.
The line up begins with kids and baby bull rides in the afternoon, followed by bigger kids and bigger bulls, and by the time darkness falls, the adults take the show with the biggest bulls on rodeo.
Stalls are aplenty at the Weipa Bull Ride along with lots of fun entertainment such as raffles, comedy clowns, spectacular live entertainment and interesting lolly throws.
Once the big bull rides are complete, the night wraps up with a big party.
Weipa Pig Hunt
The Weipa Pig Hunt is a traditional event resulting from the incline of feral pigs on the peninsula. The event usually happens in late September and often brings along a local crowd and a local band to celebrate the hunt.
Weipa Running Festival
Happening every July since 2018, the Weipa Running Festival has promoted a healthier lifestyle in Weipa with a strong following of runners who come back every year. There are 5 races, which include a full marathon at 42.1km, a half marathon at 21.8km, a 10km run, a 5km run, and a 2.5km fun run.
Kid Events in Weipa
Summer Reading Club
Happening on 11 Jan 2021 and 18 Jan 2021, the Summer Reading Club takes place at the Weipa Library, promoting reading for children during the school holidays. It’s free for everyone to attend.
Sun Catcher Making
Taking place at the Weipa Library on 12 Jan 2021, you can finally learn how to make your own beaded Sun Catcher to take home and hang up to glisten.
Sand Art
Explore the wonders of Sand Art following the theme of Australian beauty. This event takes place at the Weipa Library from 10am to 11.30am on 14 Jan 2021.
Inflatable Time!
Head to the Aquatic Centre at 2pm to 4pm on 15 Jan 2021 and 22 Jan 2021 for a dip in the pool and a play on the inflatable obstacle course. Guaranteed plenty of fun for the kids.
Lemon Volcano
Experience the magnificence of turning a lemon into a volcano at the Weipa Library on 21 Jan 2021 at 10am to 11.30am. Learn the science behind chemical reactions while having fun watching a lemon blow up!
Bubble Wrap Crazy Crocs
Celebrate these prehistoric crocodiles that roam the Cape’s waters by creating a croc out of bubble wrap. Lots of fun and popping along the way. Happening in the Weipa Library on 23 Jan 2021 at 10am to 11.30am.
Where to eat in Weipa
With so many fun activities to do in Weipa, don’t forget to treat yourself to a decadent feast at the local favourite Albatross Bay Resort.
Whether you want to dine for lunch or dinner at the Sports Bar or head in for a fancier meal at the Deck Restaurant and Bar, a meal at the Albatross Bay Resort is a Weipa experience that simply should not be missed.
Promising the freshest locally seafood caught as prepared by highly skilled chefs, premium steaks grilled to perfection, a wide array of international cuisine including pastas, Mediterranean salads and duck confit, there’s something delightful for everyone.
Banner image credit: Weipa Fishing Classic
