Cooktown

Explore Cooktown

• Location: 15.4722°S 145.2522°E
• Population: 2631 (2016 census)
• Area: 1.19738 km2
• Postcode: 4895

Cooktown was named after Captain James Cook when he was shipwrecked in the Endeavour River in 1770.  This region also has a strong gold mining history with the Palmer River Goldrush.

Where is Cooktown

Cooktown is 266 kilometres north of Port Douglas and 326 kilometres north of Cairns.

Getting to Cooktown

Travel north from Cairns, then choose from one of two options; The first option is the Bloomfield Track is best done in a 4WD, taking you through the Daintree Rainforest and over several creek crossings. The second option is via the sealed Kennedy Highway and along the Mulligan Highway.   Visitors should be aware that large parts of this road are not fenced, and cattle and kangaroos are frequently on the road.  Travelling at dusk can be challenging. This region embraces its Indigenous roots and gold rush glory days. In and around Cooktown, you can explore botanic gardens, museums, and a port.

Where to stay

Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula have a range of lodging alternatives to suit all budgets. There are various lodging alternatives in hotels, pubs and caravan parks.  Further afield, book to stay on working cattle stations, stunning tropical islands and farm stay.

Accommodation 

• Seaview Motel
• Souvereign Resort Hotel
• River of Gold Motel
• Hillcrest Guest House
• Cooktown Caravan Park
• Cooktown Hotel

Top ten things to do and see

• James Cook Museum
• Botanical Gardens
• Isabella Falls
• Keatings Lagoon
• Grassy Hill for spectacular views
• Finch Bay
• Trevethan Falls for a refreshing swim
• Cedar Bay National Park
• Nature's Powerhouse
• Cooktown History Centre

This region features mountainous peaks,  unusual fauna, magnificent sunrises and flaming sunsets. Here you will find natural beauty, complex Aboriginal culture, and a colourful pioneering past. Explore the unique scenery and spend time with the traditional land caretakers who know this country well. Immerse yourself in nature by fishing, camping, bushwalking, and bird watching.

Nearby explore 

• Nugal-warra Rock Art
• Elim Beach
• Endeavour Falls
• Lion's Den Hotel
• Lizard Island
• Mount Cook