Cooktown is a small coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside and is located approximately 330 kilometres from Cairns and 260 kilometres from Mareeba via the sealed Mulligan Highway. This historic site is Australia’s closest town to the Great Barrier Reef and is the perfect base to explore the rugged beauty of the lower Cape. Cooktown was discovered by Captain James Cook when the HMS Endeavour hit a reef in 1770 and sought refuge. Visitors interested in learning more about the history of Cooktown, can do so at James Cook Museum, which is a major attraction in the area. Cook's original anchor and one of the cannons from Cook’s Endeavour is even on display. There is plenty of evidence of Cooktown’s prosperity from the gold mining days in town as well; quaint buildings that were once the hub of commercial activity, wide streets with impressive handmade stone guttering, and graceful, well-preserved Queenslander architecture give a hint of days gone by.

Visitors to the town can find short-term parking at Cooktown Racecourse RV Area, Endeavour Valley Rd. Vehicles must be self-contained and there is a max 3 night stay limit - a donation is greatly appreciated. Pets on lead are permitted and generators are allowed between 7am-9pm only. Please note, all washing must be kept inside of the vehicle. 

Cooktown has numerous attractions including exquisite Botanical Gardens, beaches, waterfalls and magnificent bush-walking trails. For the adventurous there are fishing trips in rivers abundant with barramundi, and original Aboriginal rock art ready to be discovered. No matter your preference, be sure to take an afternoon to relax, sit back and watch the sunset over the Endeavour River from Grassy Hill.

Tourist/Visitor Centre       

James Cook Museum, Cnr Helen & Furneaux St, Cooktown

Ph: 07 4069 6004

jamescookmuseum@nationaltrustqld.org

www.cooktownandcapeyork.com

Casual Parking       

Cnr Adelaide St & Walker St, less than 1km walk to post office and main street

Short Term Parking           

Cooktown RV Area, Endeavour Valley Rd, (max 3 night stay), donations appreciated, pets on lead, fully self-contained vehicles only, generators allowed between 7am-9pm only, all washing to be kept inside of vehicle

Dump Point  

Cnr Hope St & Chace Close

Potable Water          

Cnr Adelaide St & Walker St

Hospital        

Cnr of Hope St & Ida St, Ph: 07 4043 0100

Doctors Surgery     

Cooktown Medical Centre, 45 Helen St, Ph: 07 4069 5211

Pharmacy     

Alive Discount Pharmacy, 100 Charlotte St, Ph: 07 4069 5434

Supermarket            

Cornett’s IGA, 29 Helen St, Ph: 07 4069 5633