Cooktown
Queensland, Australia
Cooktown is located at the base of Cape York, and is a stopping place for those who are heading to the northernmost point of the Australian mainland. In 1770 Captain James Cook was the first european to visit the area when he came ashore to fix his boat the Endeavour.
Getting there
Cooktown is the furthermost north you can drive on the bitumen roads. It is 4 hours drive from Cairns.
Places to see and things to do
- James Cook Museum - housed in a building that was originally the Sisters of Mercy Convent. The museum includes the Endeavour Gallery which has an original anchor and canon from his ship.
- fishing on the Great Barrier Reef is a reason many come to Cooktown.
- you can also go snorkeling, the reef is the closest to the coast up here.
- walk or drive up to the Grassy Hill lookout, which has an old lighthouse there. A longer and harder walk is up to the 431m peak of Mt Cook.
- go swimming at Finch Bay.
- Stroll though the Botanic Gardens, and visit the very informative Natures Powerhouse Visitor Information Centre that is located there.
- take a walk around town, and around the surrounding area.following the Scenic Rim Track.
- The Gunpowder Magazine, built in 1874, may be the oldest brick building in Cape York.
- see the steps made for the Queens visit in the 1970s.
- visit the cemetery and learn about the events leading to Mrs Watson's death.
- visit Cooktown's Old Bank which has a photgraphic display of historical photographs.
- learn about the history of the town, and see where Captain Cook tied up his boat.
- just out of town, about 30 km south, is the Black Mountain National Park
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Nearby
More information:
- All Queensland towns
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