Exploring Weipa: Complete Guide to Working Holiday in Remote Far North Queensland
If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in the heart of an Australian mining town, Weipa is the ideal destination for you. This remote corner of Far North Queensland is not just a travel experience, but a true adventure that will immerse you in authentic Australian life. Here we tell you how we got there and what you can expect if you decide to take this trip.
Where is Weipa?
Weipa is a small mining town located in the far north of Queensland, Australia. It is located approximately 816.9 kilometers from Cairns, which is equivalent to a trip of more than 10 hours by car, or about an hour and a half by plane. This remote place is known for its mining industry and unique natural environment.
Getting to Weipa: An Adventure from Air and Land
Our trip to Weipa began with a unique experience: a flight in a small plane with propellers. Upon landing at the airport, we were surprised by its modest size; It looked more like a house in the middle of nowhere than an airport. The scenery I could see through the window was impressive: a small town next to the beach, to then see mining trucks hard at work clearing the forest to extract minerals was truly impressive.
The cost of the flight in May 2019 was approximately $300 per ticket. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a humid heat characteristic of the region, and a tree with flowers that I recognized from a previous trip to Easter Island: the Frangipani.
Domestic flight to Weipa
Settling into the Campsite: A New Beginning
The owner of the campsite picked us up at the airport and gave us a warm welcome. He was friendly and explained to us what we needed to do and when to start working. He also gave us essential information: we had to be careful not to be near the water because it was a crocodile zone, be alert for snakes, and be careful with our rooms since there were robberies in the area. Although the first day we were a little scared because of what our boss had said, the sunset on the beach gave us indescribable relief and beauty.
Our accommodation was $90 a week, although we soon discovered that some positions offer free room and board, so we kept that information in mind for the next job. At the campsite they paid us 25 dollars an hour, we worked four days and had two days off. The hours depended on how many passenger arrivals and departures there were.
The first week of work was very hard because it was the first time I worked as a maid. We had to make beds, clean the cabins and the hardest and most disgusting thing was cleaning the shared bathrooms at the campsite. Many times we encounter unpleasant surprises.
Our supervisor was Australian, however her English was very difficult to understand. I don't think I understood what she was talking to me about for a month, but sometimes it was unpleasant to work with her because she made us feel bad or she didn't like how we worked. But in the end they got used to us, so this experience was very valuable for the following jobs.
We worked four months at the campsite, with this my friend managed to meet her 88-day requirement to be able to extend her Working Holiday visa.
A little bit about the place where I was working
Learnings and Memorable Moments
During the four months in Weipa, I gained essential skills and unique experiences. From learning to fish and riding an ATV to camping in remote places and seeing nighttime sea luminescences, Weipa was a rollercoaster of emotions. The heat, cold beers, and beach bonfires became an integral part of our daily routine.
The last days in Weipa were sad because I was leaving a place that I really loved, more than the work, the people I met there and how I felt at home. As a farewell we went to the “Tip of Australia” which is the furthest part of the state of Queensland. The distance is almost 7 hours driving on an unpaved road in the middle of nowhere, with many indigenous communities. I think we spent 3 or 4 days getting to know, visiting places that I never even dreamed of seeing, and to this day I still want to go again.
We finished our adventure in Weipa, we said goodbye to the beautiful people we met and our ticket was purchased to Brisbane. We arrived at the airport, however, it was closed for maintenance and we had to leave the town's military base. They took us by escorted bus. As there was no direct flight to Brisbane, the route would be Cairns, and then Brisbane.
Tips for Travelers and Backpackers
Review working conditions : Make sure you are familiar with the salary, holiday and weekend rates, and any additional benefits.
Learn basic cleaning vocabulary : If you work in hospitality, familiarize yourself with the basic terms in English.
Prepare for the weather : Bring mosquito repellent, a hat, and sunscreen. Temperatures can be very high and humidity intense.
Take advantage of local resources : Sign up at your local library for free books and visit public pools.
Shop wisely : Visit the supermarket before closing to get discounts on groceries.
Buy an emergency kit : Having a first aid kit is an essential part of your trip. Bring all the remedies you usually take, as well as medication in case you get sick. The Best and Worst of the Experience
The Best and Worst of the Experience
Successes:
Explore a unique place: Weipa is a destination that offers an authentic and different experience.
Connect with locals: They can guide you to the best places and give you an authentic insight into life in the region.
Acquiring a bicycle: It is an economical and practical way to get around the town.
Mistakes:
Improve English: It is crucial to be able to communicate effectively in the workplace.
Limited luggage: Having just a pair of havaianas is not enough for such a varied environment.
Planning: Make sure you plan well for your move to a remote location.
Final reflection
In short, my time at Weipa was a formative experience that taught me both about working in a remote environment and about life in Australia. If you dare to undertake this adventure, a journey full of learning, challenges and unforgettable moments awaits you.
