Exploring Cooktown holiday activities
Visit places of interest
Explore Cooktown and see the history of Captain Cook via a leisurely stroll around town.
The history of Cook's First Voyage of Discovery and his stay and exploration of the area around the mouth of what is now called the Endeavour River is part of Cooktown's early history...
print your walking guide
Experience the history
Lt James Cook's exploratory visit in 1770 and The Palmer Gold Rush in 1873. James Cook Museum is administered by the National Trust of Queensland and is considered one of the most significant Trust museums open to the public.
James Cook information here
Exploring the reef
Cooktown is the closest Australian town to the Great Barrier Reef which lies just 10 kms offshore.
The home of the legendary black marlin, where the waters are so clear you can actually see fish taking the bait! So pack your rods and buy your bait then head off fishing for the day or for complete relaxation and magical photography opportunities of corals and marine life there are fishing trips
to the reef or up the Endavour River.
more information here
Bush walking
There are many walking trails around Cooktown with unspoilt beaches, glorious sunsets and the diverse ecology of Lower Cape York so pack your boots, camera and picnic lunch and hit the trails for your own private adventures.
Around Cooktown
The Wet Tropics
Discover the northern gateway to the Daintree National Rainforest Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Quarantine Bay, Keatings Lagoon, Archer Point, Black Mountain National Park, Annan Gorge, Trevethan Falls.
Here you will discover the diverse wild life and see natures eco system at work.
Wet Tropic information
Wet Tropics Management Authority
Hopevale
Explore the beautiful Endeavour Valley, Barretts Lagoon, Endeavour Falls, Isabella Falls, Elim Beach, Coloured Sands & Hopevale Aboriginal Art Centre.
Hopevale information
Laura & Lakefield
Lakefield, Quinkan rock art and Queensland's second largest park, Lakefield National Park, then have a taste of freshly roasted coffee at the Lakeland Coffee House & Store.
Laura & Lakefield information
Fishing Adventures
From pristine rivers, beaches and the reef, Cooktown is a fishing paradise. Charter boats are available to fish the reef on half day or extended trips.
Fishing information
Nugal-warra Rock Art
Guurrbi Tours offers you the opportunity to accompany Nugal-warra Elder and story-teller, Willie Gordon, on a visit to his ancestral rock art sites, set high in the hills outside Cooktown. Willie's magical tours, now listed by American Express as One of Australia's Ultimate Must-Do Experiences, follow paths trod by his ancestors through a dramatic landscape to sites including the Reconciliation Cave and an ancestral Birthing Site. Here Willie shares with his guests the stories, myths and legends behind the art, giving an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality. With his great smile and infectious laugh, he will also have you thinking about your relationship with the land and your place in the world. Two-hour and four-hour tours from Hope Vale are available, either self-drive or with transport from Cooktown provided.
More information here
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| Light house |
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| Cook landing |
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| Various tours |
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| Swimming Little Anand River |
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| James Cook Museum |
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| cooktown golf club |
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| Fishing at the wharf |
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| Finch Bay |
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| Botanical Garden and Information Centre |
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| Fishing |
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