The historical township of Cooktown is the gateway to the spectacular wilderness of Cape York.

Cooktown is famous for being home to Captain Cook on his first journey of discovery up the north eastern coast of Australia after he managed to hole his ship the HM Bark Endeavour in 1770.

Still a small town, Cooktown has been growing rapidly over the last few years making it one the region’s growth areas.

As the first non-indigenous settlements, Cooktown came into its own from 1873-1883 during the Palmer River gold rush.

Since then the township has waxed and waned with fishing and cattle being the two major industries in the area.

Now, however, Cooktown is becoming a hub town for the eco-tourism and growing natural tourism on Cape York.

It features many historical attractions, including its famous museum which is features artefacts from Captain Cook's  journey, including the anchor to his shit the Endevour.

The Cooktown Discovery Festival is held annually on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.

The weekend celebrates the European discovery and recording of the unique people, flora and fauna of this area.

One of the most popular drawcards is the re-enactment of the landing of Lt. James Cook and his crew from the damaged bark Endeavour in 1770. 

This year the Re-enactment will include aspects of the way of life of the Guugu Yimithirr people who were living near the river estuary at that time.

From wacky and bizarre to relaxing and inspiring, there are many exciting and traditional events to watch or join in over the weekend and is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

With a population of about 2000, Cooktown is relatively small but also acts as a service centre for the surrounding Aboriginal communities of Hopevale and Wujal Wujal.

Visitors can fly direct from Cairns Airport or hire a car and drive on either the Bloomfield Track if they have 4WD or on the inland Peninsula Developmental Road.

Would you like to know more about Cooktown or other attractions in the Cairns region, please follow the links below:

> Cape York and Cooktown

> Cairns Outback

> History of Cairns

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