Cooktown has a lot to offer every visitor.
There is so much to see in Cooktown as well as beautiful tropical scenery and views: the spot where Cook beached the Endeavour for repair and where the first reconciliation between Aboriginals and Europeans took place; the Gold Rush architecture; the Botanical Gardens; the famous James Cook Museum . . . and much more
Cooktown is arguably one of the birthplaces of modern Australia. Cook and his crew spent longer here in 1770 than anywhere else in Australia. The legacy of his charts led to the establishment of Cooktown as a port and vibrant town to access and serve the otherwise impenetrable Palmer River Gold Find in 1873
Uncover Cooktown's Fascinating History
Explore Cooktown
Cooktown and our Region is rich in both old and modern Aboriginal Art and Culture and we work together to promote our 'Two Cultures, One People' approach to sharing. Find a tour through Cooktown Cultural Aboriginal Tours in Charlotte Street, Visit Hope Vale, check out some of our great modern aboriginal artists at the Kuku Balkaway Gallery or enjoy the stories told in the Milbi Wall
Great Walks & Spectacular Scenery
From a wander around town to exploring the beaches or climbing Grassy Hill or Mt Cook there is a great range of walks with a wonderful array of scenery
Fishing, Birdwatching, Hiking & Kite Surfing
The fishing is fantastic both in the river and on the close reef. Fish yourself or take a charter. Cooktown is a haven for walkers, hikers and birdwatchers. The action seekers can try kite surfing
Cooktown is a great base to check out the Region with a choice of day trips; a gentle 2WD drive to Bloomfield Falls with a stop at the unique Lions Den Hotel is a favourite. Or take the Battle Camp Road to Laura and its famous Rock Art
There are some excellent tours operating out of Cooktown. A number of Aboriginal Art & Culture tours; Fishing charters; the very popular Riverbend Tour that shows off the beautiful Endeavour River and Hope Island and the Reef