Once one of the busiest ports in Queensland during the Gold Rush days, is now a popular meeting place and fishing spot for toursits and locals. 'Doing a wharfie' (driving along the wharf) is a favourite Cooktown tradition.  This is also the starting point of the River of Life Walkway which meanders through parkland to the Post Office, telling the stories behind the historic sights you pass along the way.

Natures Powerhouse at the Botanical Gardens is our Information Centre with Inofmraiton on the Cooktown and surrounding areas.  Vera Scath-Johnsons permanent exhibition is a beautiful illustration of local flowering plants.  There is also a cafe & bookstore.

Originally a Convent school built in 1889, and now home to one of the best regional museums in Australia, with the Anchor and Cannon from the HM Bark Endeavour, and excellent Chinese and Indigenous collections.

June weekend every year, a fully costumed re-enactment of the landing of Captain James Cook and his first meeting with the Guugu Yimithirr people, the chance to fire the Cannon and the Fireworks display are just part of the entertainment available on this weekend. Come join our celebrations all weekend through the town.

Cooktown 2020 is a 48-day festival celebrating the arrival of James Cook 250 years ago, the scientific discoveries that were recorded during his 48 days on shore and the interactions that occurred between the crew and the Guugu Yimithirr people.

In the story of Cook and his exploration of Australia, Cooktown has three unique claims that underpin the significance of these anniversary celebrations:

48 days on shore

The Endeavour and its crew of 86 men spent 48 days (almost 7 weeks) in Cooktown – the longest and most significant land based stay during Cook’s east coast expedition.

During this time, Cook and his crew walked the shores of the Endeavour, climbed Grassy Hill and other ranges and explored the extensive coastline as they searched for safe passage out through the reef.

Visit www.cooktown2020.com for more information