Map Of Cooktown And Surrounds
Introduction
Cooktown and its surrounding areas are one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. The region is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Cooktown and its surrounds. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or foodie, there is something for everyone in this amazing region.
Top Attractions
James Cook Museum
One of the most popular attractions in Cooktown is the James Cook Museum. The museum is housed in the restored 19th-century convent and features exhibits on Captain Cook’s voyage to Australia and the history of Cooktown.
Grassy Hill Lookout
Grassy Hill Lookout is a must-visit attraction when in Cooktown. The lookout offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Nature’s Powerhouse
Nature’s Powerhouse is a cultural and environmental interpretive centre. The centre is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of the environment and the culture of the Cooktown region.
Hidden Gems
The Bicentennial National Trail
The Bicentennial National Trail is a 5,330 km trail that runs from Cooktown to Healesville in Victoria. The trail is perfect for horse riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Finlayvale Cemetery
The Finlayvale Cemetery is a hidden gem that is worth a visit. It’s a beautiful cemetery that is surrounded by rainforest. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the early settlers of the region.
Food Scene
The Cooktown Hotel
The Cooktown Hotel is a must-visit for foodies. The hotel serves up delicious pub-style meals, including fresh seafood. It’s also a great spot for a drink and live music.
The Top Pub
The Top Pub is another great spot for a meal. The pub offers a range of dishes, including pizza and pasta. It’s also a great spot to catch up with locals.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Camping
Camping is a great way to save money when visiting Cooktown and its surrounds. There are a number of campsites in the area that offer affordable accommodation.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours are a great way to save money when exploring the region. There are a number of walking trails and self-guided tours available that are free of charge.
Outdoor Adventures
Fishing
The region is a great spot for fishing. There are a number of fishing charters available that cater to all levels of experience.
Hiking
The region is home to a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape. The trails range in difficulty, so there is something for all levels of fitness.
Historical Landmarks
Grave of James Cook’s Botanist
The grave of James Cook’s botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, is located in the Cooktown cemetery. Banks was a key member of Cook’s crew and played a significant role in the exploration of Australia.
The Cooktown Cemetery
The Cooktown Cemetery is a fascinating place to visit. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the early settlers of the region, including Chinese immigrants and Aboriginal people.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Nature’s Powerhouse Discovery Centre
The Nature’s Powerhouse Discovery Centre is a great spot for families. The centre offers interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the environment and culture of the region.
The Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are a great spot for families. The gardens are home to a range of exotic plants and offer a peaceful setting for a picnic.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Hope Vale Aboriginal Community
The Hope Vale Aboriginal Community is located approximately 46 km north-west of Cooktown. The community is home to the Guugu Yimithirr people and offers visitors a unique insight into their culture.
The Black Mountain
The Black Mountain is a mysterious rock formation located approximately 25 km south-west of Cooktown. The mountain is steeped in legend and is said to be the home of the Rainbow Serpent.
Natural Wonders
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Cooktown is located in close proximity to the reef, making it the perfect base for exploring this incredible natural wonder.
The Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a world heritage site and is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The rainforest is home to a range of unique flora and fauna, including the endangered cassowary.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Cooktown Hotel
The Cooktown Hotel is the place to be for a night out in Cooktown. The hotel offers live music and a lively atmosphere.
The Top Pub
The Top Pub is another great spot for a night out. The pub offers a range of drinks and live music.
Local Markets
The Cooktown Markets
The Cooktown Markets are held on the second Saturday of every month. The markets offer a range of locally produced goods, including fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
The Mossman Markets
The Mossman Markets are held every Saturday. The markets offer a range of goods, including fresh produce and local crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a great spot for a swim. The wharf is located in close proximity to the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Bloomfield Track
The Bloomfield Track is a scenic drive that runs from Cooktown to Cape Tribulation. The drive offers stunning views of the coastline and the mountains.
Cultural Immersion
The Guugu Yimithirr Language Centre
The Guugu Yimithirr Language Centre is located in Hope Vale and is dedicated to preserving the language and culture of the Guugu Yimithirr people.
The Cooktown History Centre
The Cooktown History Centre is a great spot for learning about the history of the region. The centre offers a range of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and culture of Cooktown.
Art and Music Scene
The Cooktown Art Gallery
The Cooktown Art Gallery is a great spot for art lovers. The gallery features a range of works by local artists and is located in the James Cook Museum.
The Cooktown Music Festival
The Cooktown Music Festival is held annually in July. The festival features a range of local and national musicians and is a great celebration of music and culture.
Walking Tours
The Cooktown Cemetery Walk
The Cooktown Cemetery Walk is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the cemetery. The tour showcases the history and culture of the region and is a fascinating insight into the lives of the early settlers of Cooktown.
The Cooktown Heritage Walk
The Cooktown Heritage Walk is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the historic town of Cooktown. The tour showcases the architecture and history of the town.
Architectural Marvels
The Cooktown Court House
The Cooktown Court House is a beautiful building that was built in the 1880s. The building is a great example of colonial architecture and is still in use today.
The St Mary’s Catholic Church
The St Mary’s Catholic Church is a beautiful church that was built in the 1880s. The church is an example of Gothic Revival architecture and is still in use today.
Historical Sites
The Cooktown Cemetery
The Cooktown Cemetery is a fascinating place to visit. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the early settlers of the region, including Chinese immigrants and Aboriginal people.
The Cooktown History Centre
The Cooktown History Centre is a great spot for learning about the history of the region. The centre offers a range of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and culture of Cooktown.
Biking Routes
The Bloomfield Track
The Bloomfield Track is a scenic drive that runs
