Cooktown
Cooktown is a relaxed, unspoilt, small historic coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside in Tropical North Queensland. With it's laid back atmosphere and friendly locals, this is the perfect place to explore the rugged beauty of the lower Cape noted for it's pristine environment and Aboriginal culture.
Cooktown Highlights
Get away from the everyday - visit Cooktown
- Charlotte Street
Must-Do Attractions
A world of diverse environments and attractions await you in Cooktown
Be inspired - Aboriginal rock art tours
Experience world-class fishing
Spot a crocodile on the Endeavour River
Feel the history
Walk through the rainforest
Enjoy authentic farmstay hospitality
Swim at secluded waterfalls
Cooktown Botanic Gardens
Visit the tranquil Botanic Gardens
- Botanic Gardens
Grassy Hill
Admire the view from Grassy Hill
- Endeavour river
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail
Discover Cooktown on foot
- Finch Bay, Queensland. Courtesy Tourism Queensland
Getting There
Cooktown is accessible by land, sea and air 12 months of the year.
Drive by 2WD or 4WD on the fully sealed Mulligan Highway from Cairns or the adventurous 4WD Bloomfield Track from Cape Tribulation.
Alternatively experience a scenic flight by helicopter or a scheduled flight from Cairns.
The backpackers choice - take the daily bus service from Cairns to Cooktown.
Select the best transport for your budget on the travel page
Cooktown Museum
Relive the days of Capt James Cook
- Endeavour cannon
Shopping and Services
Stock up on supplies in Cooktown
- Cooktown, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland
Cooktown Experiences
Sunrise or Sunset atop Grassy Hill
Fishing on a calm day
Learning of aboriginal culture at ancient rock art galleries
Reliving the town's history at the James Cook Museum and Old Bank
A day trip to nearby waterfalls and swimming holes
Beachcombing along the deserted Walkers Bay
Walking through the Botanic Gardens to Finch Bay or Cherry Tree Bay
The June Discovery Festival and September Wallaby Creek Festival
Catching a local band at The Top Pub
Doing a 'wharfie' on a Saturday afternoon
