Cooktown - the gateway to the wilderness - was founded in 1873 as the port for the Palmer River Goldfields. This was more than a century after Captain James Cook spent 48 days in 1770 on the banks of the Endeavour River repairing his ship. Every June the town celebrates Cooktown's status as Australia's first, if brief, European settlement at a Discovery Festival which includes a colourful re-enactment of Cook's landing. A highlight of a visit to Cooktown is an extended tour of the James Cook Museum - built in 1888 as a convent school run by Irish nuns. The Museum documents Cook's voyages, Aboriginal and natural history, the gold rush days and their Chinese legacy. Walking tracks in the area allow for visitors to explore areas of beach, bush and mountains. Closer to town is Grassy Hill where one can share the same view as Captain Cook.

DISTANCE FROM BRISBANE (State Capital):
- 2,047 kilometres on North Coastal Road
- 2,137 kilometres via Peninsula Road

Nearest Highway: Peninsular Development Rd -334km Inland Road/Bloomfield Track - 248km Coastal Road.

Several well-known Aboriginal cultural experiences can be enjoyed in the region where you can appreciate the richness of Aboriginal history and living culture. The Torres Strait Festival held annually on Thursday Island and the Laura Dance and Cultural Festival held biannually in June represent 25 Aboriginal communities from all over the north. Split Rock and Quinkin Aboriginal rock art paintings are some of the oldest and best preserved art forms of their kind and have been added to the World Heritage List. Local experienced guides can also arrange for tours to learn about the region from an aboriginal cultural perspective.

Facilities are found at local parks and gardens in Cooktown. Further a field, any of the national parks have picnic areas for your use. For more information contact the local visitors centre at the Botanical Gardens.

The tropical coastal, mountain and rainforest areas offer an excellent range of birds in a relatively small geographical area. Hundreds of species live in the Cooktown region. Every walk and drive is an opportunity to see local bird life. Visit the local estuary inlets or Mulbabidgee/Keatings Lagoon. There is a birdhide located along the walking trail. Take your camera and you might catch a shot of the Radjah Shelduck, Magpie geese, Jabiru or the seasonal Torres Strait Imperial Pigeon as well as parrots and cockatoos.

Cooktowns diverse flora and fauna can be found within easy walking distance of the town centre. Ranging from the mangrove lined banks of the Endeavour River to the tropical rainforest of Mount Cook National Park, through the Botanic Gardens and onto Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay, along the sand dunes and beaches. Trails cater to all fitness levels. All the national parks in the surrounding areas also have great bushwalking tracks. For more information contact the local visitors centre and the National Parks and Wildlife centre.

There are a number of camping and caravan parks with comfortable amenities are located in and around town. Some permits may be required for camping in national parks. Contact the Parks and Wildlife centre or the local visitors centre for more information.

Check all road and weather conditions before entering the area. Detailed maps will indicate suitable vehicle and road conditions. RACQ, local authorities and vehicle hire outlets can advise on current conditions for travelling. Also check that your insurance covers wilderness and remote areas north of Cairns. The ´Bloomfield track´ north of Cape Tribulation is suitable for four wheel drive vehicles only. Lakeland Downs to the southwest, Lakefield and Cape Melville National Parks to the North, Black Mountain and Daintree National Parks to the South will all allow you access to the many swimming holes, beaches, lush rainforest and spectacular lookouts.

Children and adults will delight in staying a few days on a farm with the opportunity to experience a stay with a difference. From birdwatching and animal feeding to bushwalking and fishing - everyone will have fun. Looking for nocturnal animals during a night spotlighting expedition is always exciting. Farmstay in the Cooktown area will also allow you be centrally based with the advantage of being close to town.

There are five local beaches and lots of other spots both north and south of Cooktown where local fish can be caught with the right bait. Mangrove Jack, Barramundi, Queenfish, Trevally are just some of the fish that can be caught locally and tournaments held regularly. Check with local authorities regarding seasonal size limits as well as the species that are protected.

Sportfishing safaris can be arranged where all gear is supplied from one day up to several days. Black Marlin is always a popular challenge with fishing tournaments held regularly.

Mangrove Jack, Barramundi, Queenfish, Trevally are just some of the fish that can be caught locally. Tours can also be arranged. The lack of farming and the plentiful mangroves around the Endeavour River are tow factors which have combined to make Cooktown a place where you are almost guaranteed catching a fish.

Scuba Diving and snorkelling are popular activities that locals and visitors participate in throughout the year. Organised trips can be arranged where qualified instructors are ready to teach you the basics on your journey out to the reef should you require assistance. You can then safely snorkel or try an introductory dive. Even for inexperienced swimmers, most tour operators provide full instruction, supervision and floatation devices. Diving trips range from full day tours to extended five day trips.

Learn all about the towns history by taking walking the scenic trail around town and visiting all the famous local town buildings, mangrove wetlands cemetery, beach and Grassy Hill. The Power house Interpretive Centre, museum and art centre are interesting places to answer many of your questions. The Botanical Gardens is also where the local visitors centre can be found. Restaurants and cafes in the town centre are just the spot to refresh you energies on the way.

Swimming is popular throughout the year. There are five swimming beaches and the local pool to choose from. Some sightings of crocodiles have been noted during the summer months in creeks, waterholes, rivers and beaches.

Cooktowns diverse flora and fauna can be found within easy walking distance of the town centre. Ranging from the mangrove lined banks of the Endeavour River to the tropical rainforest of Mount Cook National Park, through the Botanic Gardens and onto Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay, along the sand dunes and beaches. Trails cater to all fitness levels.

Cooktown is the located right on the coast. As such swimming, fishing, snorkelling and diving are popular sports participated in all year round. Reef tours can also be arranged where qualified instructors are ready to teach you the basics on your journey out to the reef should you require assistance. You can then safely snorkel or try an introductory dive. Even for inexperienced swimmers, most tour operators provide full instruction, supervision and floatation devices. Diving trips range from full day tours to extended five day trips.

Coaches travel regularly through Cooktown and surrounding areas to Cairns, Cape York and beyond to ensure that visitors without a vehicle don´t miss out on all the wonderful things to see and do in the area. Tours are also available to connect you with many of the attractions. For information check with the local visitors centre.