The superb view from Grassy Hill is a sight not to be missed with views up the Endeavour River and out to the Coral Sea and reefs.   The hill is steep, but accessible by road (not suitable for coaches or caravans). Energetic walkers enjoy the excercies

 

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.

There are numerous waterfalls to venture to from Cooktown - Isabella Falls & Endeavour Falls to the North of Cooktown and Trevethan Falls, Home Rule Falls & Bloomfield Falls to the South of Cooktown.

Natures Powerhouse at the Botanical Gardens is our Information Centre with Information 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.

**Wet Season Hours - Tues - Sat 9.30am - 3.30pm**

Cooktown & Cape York Expo 2021 runs from 11th - 20th June 2021

For Further information visit: www.cooktownexpo.com.au

11-13 June 2021   -   Reconciliation Rocks Concert

* Free Reconciliation Rocks Concert featuring Troy Cassar-Daley, Busby Marou and Mau Power

* Featuring some of the regions best know Indigenous and non-Indigenous performing artists

* Indigenous back in time showcase featuring bush tucker tasting, weaving, spear throuwing, regional Indigenous art exhibitions, language workshops and story telling

* Live re-enactment of the first recorded act of reconciliation between Captain Cook and the Guuyu Yimithirr bama

* Reconciliation Rocks precinct Official Opening and smoking ceremony

* The Warrma and fireworks - local dancers from First Nation's communities, both within our Shire and surrounding areas, tell their stories of the dreaming, indigenous history and legends through dance, theatre, music in a choregraphed performance with special visual effects.

*Key events hosted in partnership with Cape York Indigenous communities

* Fun fair and side show alley

* Cape York and Torres Strait Islands Regional Arts Showcase

 

14-17 June 2021   -   Cape York Business Expo

* The Cape York Business Expo will be held from 14-17 June at the Cooktown Events Centre/PCYC, which will accommodate up to 55 stands

* Hosted in conjunction with Clean Growth Choices, the Cooktown & Cape York Business Expo will host a Symposium on Wednesday 16th June

* Businesses and groups from across Tropical North Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula will be showcasing their products and services in the Business Expo at the Cooktown Events Centre.

* Visitors will be able to divide their time between talking with exhibitors and learning from a variety of speakers who will be scheduled on stage throughout the week.

 

18-20 June 2021   -   Discovery Festival

* Live performance and re-enactment of the landing of Captain Cook and his interactions with the Guugu Yimithirr bama

* The Endeavour Ball (ticketed)

* Cape York Regional Street Parade

* History Tours, talks and stories from the Gold Rush

* Botanic Gardens tours, Banks Florilegium and Vera Scarth-Johnson botanic art exhibition, botanic art workshops

* The Cooktown Cantana - Botanical Reflections - a musical work of reconciliation especially commissioned for Cooktown Expo 2021 (ticketed)

* Live music from a variety of musical talent

* Fun fair and side show alley

* Under the Sea and Ocean Illumination Lantern Parade

* Farewell Concert and Warrma

* Fireworks