Cooktown, Qld, Australia

Cooktown is the northernmost town on the east coast of Australia, located at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. Cooktown was settled by Captain Cook in 1770 when the Endeavour boat was beached here, and is where Joseph Banks gathered 186 different species of Australian plantlife along the Endeavour River.

Attractions in Cooktown include the Cooktown Museum and the wonderful James Cook Historical Museum. There is also a good display in the window of Jackey Jackey. Another great place to visit is the Mt Cook National Park, and well worth the climb nearby Mt Cook. The walk to the top and back down again takes about 3 hours, although the views are fabulous.

Cooktown is also a starting point to explore the surrounding National Parks, with a variety of different tours offered. Around the town you can cruise along the river. Heading further afield, you can visit the Black Mountain National Park, Coloured Sands and Lakefield National Park.

Things to See & Do

* James Cook Museum
* Grassy Hill
* Remains of blacksmith shop & Chinese well
* Mt Cook National Park

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language – English
Population – 2,100 approx
Time – GMT plus ten hours
Electricity - 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centered below Australian style
International Country Telephone Code – 61

Port Location – The port is located at Cooktown.

Travel Links – Cairns is probably the main access point for Cooktown, with an international airport, and good bus and train connections around Australia.