Cape York Weekly FREE – #033 | Monday, May 10, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
‘BEST FISHING IN AUSTRALIA’
Fishing identity Mark Berg has fished most of the waters in northern Australia but had yet to visit Weipa. It’s fair to say he was blown away when he visited the Cape last week with locals Kurt and Jaime Gane from Far North Fishing. “It’s got to be the best place in Australia for fishing offshore with light tackle ... if not the world,” he said. With TV cameras following his every move, Mark’s trip will be showcased to the world later this year. Full story and pictures – Page 6
TOURISM OPERATORS EYE MASSIVE SEASON
Road finally open By MATT NICHOLLS
CAPE York’s tourism season has officially begun after the Peninsula Developmental Road was opened to travellers at 4pm on Friday. Businesses all over the Cape, from Laura to Weipa, Portland Roads to Bramwell Station and the Archer River to Punsand Bay are expecting 2021 to be the busiest season on record. “This is the year for Weipa,”
said Lisa Hill from Western Cape Eco Tours, which she operates with husband Dave. “We are starting to see more and more people include Weipa as part of their itinerary and for good reason,” she said. “There’s plenty to do here now and people who do come here don’t leave disappointed.” Ms Hill said Cape York should expect a major influx of tourists this year as a result of COVID-19.
“People are looking for domestic adventures this year and that is good news for us,” she said. “It puts pressure on all of us though to make sure our visitors have a good experience. “If they have a great time, they’ll spread the word and we’ll keep building on 2021.” While the pandemic might be good news for the tourism industry this year, it had a devastating impact in 2020.
A number of tourism operators had to close down completely, including Western Cape Eco Tours. “We had no choice with the Cape biosecurity bubble and some of the social distancing requirements,” Ms Hill said. “But we’re back and looking forward to a big season.” Hardus van Wyk and Megan Hall own and operate the Weipa Mine and Town Tour and also had to put the bus on hold last year.
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However, they were able to stay afloat through other employment and are now looking forward to a massive year of tourism. “We’ve already got a lot of days booked out,” Ms Hall said. “We will run as many tours as we can to accommodate everyone but people expecting to drive into town and get on a tour could end up disappointed if they don’t book in advance.” Continued – Page 2