THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cooktown
Things to Do in Cooktown
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- fromper adultAU$8,930
Private and LuxuryfromAU$197per adultAU$178
Adventure Toursfromper adultAU$55
Day Tripsfromper adultAU$189
Day Tripsfromper adultAU$247- fromper adultAU$143
Horseback Ridingfromper adultAU$150
Wildlife Encountersfromper adultAU$75
Wildlife Encountersfromper adultAU$50
Horseback Ridingfromper adultAU$150
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Short but scenic walk culminates in panoramic views, linking to Captain James Cook's history. Ideal for sunrise and sunset vistas.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
History Museums
Historic 19th-century convent turned museum displaying a collection of local and maritime history, with a focus on Captain Cook and indigenous interactions.
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Beaches
Visitor Centres
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Other Top Attractions around Cooktown
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What travellers are saying
- Mark EWhitianga, New Zealand803 contributionsIt is recommended that vehicles towing caravans or over 7m not go up the road to the top and parking area which is not large.
The wife said we shouldn't go up but as we were 7m and not over 7m we should be okay and we were. Funny enough we had seen the local police several times around town at times and they followed us up, no problem but the wife was worried.
Great views from up here of the surrounding country and out to the barrier reef.
Apparently not much has changed about Grassy Hill since Captain Cook and some crew climbed up here to survey a safe passage through the reef in 1770.
Well worth coming here if you can.Written 14 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 49bandicootperth76 contributionsSpent an interesting 1 1/2 hours wandering around this interesting historical building. A very informative welcome from the gentleman at the entrance. A well documented history lesson on Cooks trials and tribulations after holing his wooden barque, Endeavour, on the Great Barrier Reef 40 miles (80km) away in 1770. Clever seamanship to get it to this location. A very nice scaled down replica of the Endeavour is also on display, as well as the original anchor. The history of the building is a story by itself. Brought back to life after almost being demolished. Well done to all involved. Admission: $25 general public $20 pensioners.Written 2 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Navigate040397534781 contributionUnfortunately the after effects of Cyclone Jasper are still being felt. The swimming hole is now quite small with very little shade. In saying that it’s still an incredible place for a swim/cool off after sightseeing around Cooktown.
The road in was fantastic and took us to within about 100m of the falls. From the carpark head up the hill, not down, to the falls.
Road would not be passable in the wet season, dry weather only.Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mark EWhitianga, New Zealand803 contributionsWe parked up a small side road near the Botanical Gardens then it was only a short walk down to the beach.
It was totally deserted the day we went so had the beach to ourselves.
A nice walk along the riverbank and sea shore.
Be aware, crocodiles do inhabit this area so if you have a dog, I'd keep it on a leash. Sand can be hot on bare feet so also be mindful on your pets feet.
Pleasant scenery.Written 14 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JElliot32New South Wales, Australia3,971 contributionsA pleasant, small waterfall right besides the road west of Cooktown, easily accessible. It is quite scenic and definitely worth a stop ... it can be a long time between drinks on this road. We were assured it was safe to swim here, though we didn't try. The only downside was the amount of litter that thoughtless or lazy travellers had left around the site.Written 30 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David SBendigo, Australia451 contributionsFriendly staff and great food and coffee. The gardens are well kept and demonstrate the plants found in the area. Great walk to Finch Bay with easy access.Written 13 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul BChesterfield, UK1,696 contributionsThe majestic highest peak in New Zealand is a magnificent site. Snow covered top and slopes leading down to blue lakes. A must to visit. The weather can be changeable so have the right clothing.Written 20 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bronwyn LMelbourne, Australia74 contributionsBotanical gardens had amazing plants as you might expect. Great place for a slow walk or a picnic. Also has a FABULOUS cafe with unexpected offerings for a remote location. We had a melt in your mouth frittata with an imaginative salad rather than a few bits of lettuce with tomato. Came back the next day for lunch again. Option to walk to finch bayWritten 12 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OrderintheHouseBrisbane3,540 contributionsA three night visit to Cooktown was the ideal “add on” to a successful Cairns Outback bus and train trip undertaken by my wife and I in June and July 2022, which included stays in Georgetown, Karumba, Forsayth and Mount Surprise.
Cooktown is around 230 kilometres north of Cairns along the coastal road and well worth a visit.
On our third day in Cooktown (Thursday 7 July) we arranged a family history day. Our first port of call was the Cooktown History Centre to find out information, for a small cash donation, about a local deceased Cooktown relative on my wife’s mother’s side who achieved the worthy status of a centenarian ( a person living to an age of over 100 years). Our second port of call was then to do the 2 kilometre walk along Charlotte Street to the Cooktown Cemetery to find and view various old graves of my wife’s mother’s Cooktown relatives.
The History Centre is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Charlotte Street, the former post and telegraph office and Shire Council Chambers and dating back to 1876. It is now the home to the Cooktown Historical Society’s archives and research centre. It is next door to the equally impressive looking Cooktown Post Office dating back to 1880. At the History Centre we were well looked after by an enthusiastic lady volunteer who went to extraordinary lengths to find out so much about this centenarian in the family. As she expected this historical research would take some time to complete, she suggested we look around the very well organised history displays in the front room and also the rooms at the back.
Throughout our one hour history tour, we were inspired by the many wonderful, informative posters showcasing every facet of Cooktown’s fascinating history. One “stand out” display in a glass display case offered a brief glimpse of the 41 local servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, which included among other items, letters from the warfront and a sobering roll call of all the names of the fallen. It was sobering for us because included in the list of names was one of my wife’s relatives who was killed in action in 1917, aged just 23. There was another good display providing information about the influential Bowditch and Parsons families. Yet another wonderful display focused on one of Cooktown’s finest moments – when on 22 April 1970 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to town. To these three displays we can add some impressive insights into the Palmer River Gold Rush, the Cooktown-Laura Railway, the early influence of the Chinese community and the challenges for the local aboriginals and so much more. Indeed for the modest sum of $5 admission fee one gets to enjoy a fabulous smorgasbord of local history, so beautifully displayed.
After our history tour, our lady researching our family relative had completed her search and was able to hand us 25 pages of very useful information, which included not only insight into our centenarian, but also some other Cooktown relatives of my wife’s, as well. This volunteer went out of her way to be ever so helpful – we could not thank her enough.
I can’t leave this review without commenting on the beautifully restored very old Cooktown Lion’s head, which originated from Zhanjiang in China and took centre stage in the front foyer. What an absolutely stunning exhibit. This is a wonderful work of art with the theme of “Cooktown – 250 years through the eyes of a Chinese Lion”. It has been restored by local Cairns artist Hayley Gillespie who has captured through her illustrations the story of Captain Cook’s landing, his interaction with local indigenous people and the story of early Chinese immigration in Cooktown when the Palmer River gold rush commenced in 1874.
Travellers to Cooktown with a thirst for history who have a few days in the town should aim to visit both the Cooktown Museum as well as the Cooktown Visitors Centre – they both successfully dovetail each other with their portrayals of Cooktown history and as we found to our satisfaction both are well worth a visit.Written 1 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Silver Back ExplorerCooktown, Australia426 contributionsI have visited the lagoon several times and have always been impressed with the amount of bird life. The lagoon is located minutes from town and has easy access. Well worth a visit.Written 11 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ross BCairns Region, Australia1,004 contributionsWhat a fantastic walk! Beautiful rainforest following the water pipes all the way. Very steep in parts & quite slippery. Moderate fitness required as a minimum. Beautiful falls with a great swimming area. Couldn't get GPS lock on my drone, so max height limitations meant we couldn't get shots of the top. But fantastic! They said 45 mins each way, but more like an hour each way.Written 5 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mon55Brisbane, Australia1,212 contributionsBeside the River this is a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic or just a quiet relaxing time in the grassy area.Written 13 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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