Whether you’re an amateur angler or a gun fisherman (or woman), the annual Weipa Fishing Classic is the far north’s premiere fishing event – and well worth the trip to the pointy bit of Queensland! For most of the year, Weipa is all about mining – but for one long weekend mid-year, the bauxite takes a backseat to bait.
Thousands of fishing hopefuls flock to Cape York from all over the country to compete in one of the biggest competitions in Australia. The waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria are rich with fish species – from Coral Trout to Mackerel; Mangrove Jack to Golden Snapper.
Apart from the glory of snagging a monster catch, competitors vie for the chance to take home a haul of prizes – including state-of-the-art fishing boats and tackle gear, as part of a $100,000 prize pool. And, over three days and two nights, there’s heaps of entertainment for the whole family – from net and line casting contests, to food stalls and live entertainment.
If you’re making the trip up north for the festival, there’s plenty of accommodation in town – including fantastic waterfront villas at the Weipa Caravan Park.
Keep an eye on the Weipa Fishing Classic website for details and dates of the 2019 event.