Cooktown is one of Queensland’s oldest historic towns
Cooktown has its own domestic airport and is nestled between Mount Cook and the mouth of the Endeavour River, approximately 330 kilometres north of Cairns, or 200 kilometres north of Port Douglas. The exact distance and time it takes to travel to Cooktown varies depending on whether you choose to travel on the inland, all-vehicle Mulligan Highway (ex-Peninsula Development Road), the rugged, 4WD only Bloomfield Road, or arrive by helicopter, light plane or boat.
Cooktown is one of Queensland’s oldest historic towns and being able to immerse yourself in history is one of the main reasons thousands of visitors from all over the globe are drawn to the town every year. Several monuments and a museum showcase carefully preserved relics and information about the area’s rich, historical past from the 1770 arrival of Captain James Cook, to the Palmer River Gold Rush, indigenous art, and influx of Chinese migrants, as well as the region’s botanical history in a display of exotic plants and wildlife.
Ancient aboriginal lands and rock art paintings are another highlight of Cooktown. You can join organised tours departing from Cairns, Port Douglas, The Daintree, Tropical Tablelands and Cooktown,or self-drive to protected aboriginal sites to hear one of the regions great story tellers explain the meaning behind the art, giving a unique insight into Aboriginal spirituality and survival.
On top of history and culture Cooktown is also blessed with stunning, unspoiled natural beauty, great fishing and a laidback, friendly lifestyle. Enjoying the view from Grassy Hill lookout over the Endeavour river out to the Coral Sea, visiting secluded tropical beaches and battling a barramundi on the Endeavour River also rate as must-do Cooktown experiences.
Cooktown is accessible by all vehicles year round via the sealed Peninsula Development Road.
Local Highlights
Ancient Aboriginal Art
Be enchanted the magic of the Dreamtime with stories and tours of precious, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and paintings.
Fishing
From pristine Endeavour and Annan rivers, secluded tropical beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, Cooktown is a fishing paradise. Charter boats are available to fish the reef on half day or extended trips or you can hire a small dinghy or go fishing off the wharf or bank.
Grassy Hill
Walk or drive to the top of Grassy Hill and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Cooktown and see three of the town’s key monuments; Grassy Hill Lighthouse, Grassy Hill Sundial, and Captain Cook’s Grassy Hill monument.
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Sovereign Resort Hotel
The Sovereign Resort Hotel is a beautiful AAA 4-star rated resort situated in the heart of Cooktown, close to all historic sights, shops, wharf and museum.
(07) 4069 5400
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Local Festivals
The annual, three day Cooktown Discovery Festival celebration brings added colour and excitement to Cooktown each June with costumes from various historic periods significant to Cooktown, a re-enactment of Captain Cook’s emergency landing on the banks of the Endeavour River.
Sights to See
Part of Cooktown's relaxed charm is the fact that most museums and places of interest can be seen with a leisurely stroll around town. Some popular sites include The Post Office, "Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery", Cooktown RSL Club, Cook Monument & Cannon, Grassy Hill & Grassy Hill Lighthouse, Bicentennial Park – James Cook Statue, Milbi Wall, Queens Steps, Cooktown Wharf, Mrs Watson's Monument, Cooktown Railway Station, Old Cooktown Hospital, Cooktown Botanic Gardens, James Cook Museum, Nature’s Powerhouse and Cooktown Visitor Information Centre and Cooktown Cemetery and Chinese Shrine.
Visit the accredited Cooktown Visitor information Centre for sightseeing maps and friendly local information.
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