Cooktown Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the eastern coast of Australia, in the heart of the lush Queensland region, lies the charming town of Cooktown. Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Cooktown offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

For history enthusiasts, Cooktown is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. It was here that Captain James Cook, the renowned British explorer, made his first landfall in Australia in 1770. The iconic Cooktown Museum is a must-visit, offering a fascinating insight into the town's rich past. Explore the exhibits showcasing Aboriginal culture, European settlement, and the impact of the gold rush era.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by Cooktown's pristine landscapes. Just a short drive away lies the awe-inspiring Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Embark on a guided tour and immerse yourself in the lush greenery, spotting rare wildlife and vibrant bird species along the way.

Indulge in a leisurely stroll along Cooktown's picturesque waterfront, where the tranquil waters of the Endeavour River meet the Coral Sea. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning panoramic views and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

For a taste of adventure, head out on a fishing charter or explore the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the vibrant coral formations and colorful marine life. Snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing are also popular activities to experience the wonders of this natural wonderland.

In the heart of Cooktown, you'll find a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Visit the James Cook Historical Museum, which showcases the history and heritage of the region through captivating displays and exhibitions. Don't miss the annual Cooktown Discovery Festival, a celebration of the town's heritage and a chance to experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

When it comes to dining, Cooktown offers a plethora of culinary delights. From fresh seafood caught daily to locally sourced tropical fruits, the town's restaurants and cafes showcase the region's finest produce. Indulge in a sumptuous meal while enjoying stunning views of the ocean or immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of a local pub.

Alternative names: Population: 3.2 thous. (2019)Elevation: 56 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 15°28'0"S, 145°15'0"E

Location

QueenslandAustralia

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Cooktown Top Attractions

Cooktown Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cooktown offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Grassy Hill, James Cook Museum, Cooktown History Centre, Mary Watson's Monument. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lookout • Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Grassy Hill
Grassy Hill Light, also known as Cooktown Light, is an active lighthouse located on Grassy Hill above Cooktown, Queensland, Australia, on the south side of the entrance to Endeavour River.
Museum • History museum
James Cook Museum
James Cook Historical Museum is a heritage-listed former convent and school and now museum at Furneaux Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built from 1888 to 1889 Hobbs & Carter. It was formerly known as St Mary's Convent and School.
Historical place • Museum • History museum
Cooktown History Centre
Cook Shire Council Chambers is a heritage-listed former town hall and now museum at 121 Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1876 to 1877 by Henry J Meldrum and John Sullivan. It was also known as Cooktown Post and Telegraph Office and is now known as Cooktown History Centre.

Memorial
Mary Watson's Monument
Mary Watson's Monument is a heritage-listed memorial at Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed and built by Ernest Greenway in 1886. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
Park
Gallop Botanic Reserve
Gallop Botanic Reserve, incorporating Cooktown Botanic Gardens, is a heritage-listed botanic garden at Finch Bay Road, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1878 to 1980s.
Memorial
Cooks Monument and Reserve
Cooks Monument and Reserve is a heritage-listed memorial at Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed in the office of the Queensland Colonial Architect and built by Hobbs and Carter in 1887. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 30 April 1997.
15°28'2"S • 145°15'0"E
Westpac Bank Building
Westpac Bank Building is a heritage-listed former bank building at 120 Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built from 1891 to 1891. It is also known as Bank of New South Wales and Queensland National Bank.
15°28'1"S • 145°15'0"E
Seagren's Building
Seagren's Building is a heritage-listed workshop at 124 Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1880s to c. 1900. It is also known as Motor Inn Motel and Seagren's Inn. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
Bridge
Annan River Bridge
Annan River Bridge is a heritage-listed road bridge over the Annan River at Development Road, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by John Henry Daniells and built from 1886 to 1889 by George Herbert Royce & Co. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
15°28'0"S • 145°15'0"E
Ferrari Estates Building
Ferrari Estates Building is a heritage-listed former bank building at 126 Charlotte Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Eyre & Munro and built from 1890 to 1891 by John Armstrong. It is also known as Bank of North Queensland. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
15°27'27"S • 145°15'14"E
Cooktown Powder Magazine
Cooktown Powder Magazine is a heritage-listed gunpowder magazine at Webber Esplanade, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built from 1875 to 1876 by Henry J Meldrum. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.
15°28'14"S • 145°15'0"E
Cook Shire Hall
Cook Shire Hall is a heritage-listed community hall at Helen Street, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1907. It is also known as Cooktown Presbyterian Church, Oddfellows Hall, and Standen's Hall. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 8 April 1997.
15°28'6"S • 145°15'0"E
Early Granite Kerbing and Channelling
Early Granite Kerbing and Channelling, Cooktown is a heritage-listed set of rainwater management structures at Adelaide, Charlotte, Furneaux, Green, Helen, Hogg, Hope and Walker Streets and Webber Esplanade, Cooktown, Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia.

Day trips

Cooktown – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cooktown, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Archer Point Light (Annan River National Park), Endeavour River National Park, Bloomfield Falls (Cape Tribulation).

10 milesSE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Archer Point Light, Annan River National Park
Archer Point Light is an active lighthouse on Archer Point, a conical, 60-metre-high grassy headland about 14 kilometres southeast of Cooktown, Queensland, Australia.
3.1 miNW
Conservation area accessible by boat
Endeavour River National Park
Endeavour River National Park is a national park in Queensland, Australia, gazetted to protect and preserve some of the natural and cultural resources in and around the mouth of the Endeavour River, immediately north of the small town of Cooktown.
34 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Bloomfield Falls, Cape Tribulation
The Bloomfield Falls is a cascade waterfall on the Bloomfield River near Cape Tribulation, close to Wujal Wujal, that is located in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree National Park in Queensland, Australia.
49 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Thornton Peak, Daintree National Park
Thornton Peak is a prominent mountain that rises above the Daintree Rainforest to a height of 1374 m. The mountain is located about 80 km northwest of Cairns within the catchment of the Daintree River.
1.9 miS
National park
Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook is an Australian national park located in Queensland, 1,554 km northwest of Brisbane. It was established in 1970 and is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.