Things To Do In Cook Town
Cooktown, Australia, a small coastal town named for the explorer, is a popular fishing destination and historical site for those interested in learning more about Cook’s shipwreck.
Though it has a population of nearly 2,000, Cooktown feels much smaller due to its picturesque setting. Do not travel there with the expectation of seeing a huge grocery chain, and keep in mind that, as we recently found out, very few businesses are open on Sundays.
The following are some of our favorite activities while in Cooktown:
Botanic Gardens
There is a beautiful spot to visit in Cooktown, as the city’s Botanic Gardens and leisure reserve span over 62 hectares. Plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world decorate the gardens.
As an added bonus, it includes a few fan-favorite dishes from far northern Queensland. The garden features a huge fountain in the middle and several places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
In the Botanic Gardens, you’ll find the Nature’s Powerhouse structure, which has a café, an art gallery, and information on the gardens themselves. This aids in the provision of amenities at the Botanic Gardens for tourists. A wonderful venue for a cup of coffee, tea, or lunch when sightseeing in Cooktown.
The James Cook History Museum
It’s great that you may visit this intriguing location even on Sundays.
After serving a variety of functions for decades, Queen Elizabeth reopened the structure in 1970 as the James Cook Museum.
It currently features a wide variety of exhibits important to Australian history and Cooktown’s sense of self, including the genuine anchor and cannon from Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Bark Endeavour.
A museum’s quiz sheet is a great way to keep youngsters interested if you’re visiting with them. As you explore the museum, they may fill them out.
Drink Some Beer at the Lion’s Den
The ancient Lion’s Den Hotel may be found in the district of Helenvale, about half an hour south of Cooktown on the way to the Bloomfield Track.
One of the nicest things to do in Cooktown, having a drink here is a must.
Inaugurated in 1875, the walls of this building are covered with artifacts and relics from its long and storied past.
Yes, the Lion’s Den follows the standard practice of many outback bars by allowing its patrons to decorate the walls, ceiling, and doors with anything they choose.
This is a throwback to the days when miners would leave their paychecks and tab totals up on the walls.
In addition to a bar, a restaurant, and a camping area with electricity, the Lion’s Den also features a lovely small museum room with some amazing tales from the nearby towns.
The Anzac Memorial
Just off the main drag is where you’ll find the Anzac Memorial. And thus, it serves as a memorial to the local men and women who participated in World War 1.
Black granite was used to construct the park’s entrance, and a bronze monument of a soldier stands guard at its peak.
As a tribute to the dead, it features a few Tanks and several huge stones with plaques. Australia’s federal government appears to have given the Leopard Tank to the Cooktown RSL as a donation.
Finch Bay
Past the Botanic Gardens, about 2 kilometers from the city center, is a parking lot with a path leading to a beach with the finest white sand and a picture-perfect setting. The beach, which is large and stretches for around 500 meters, is perhaps the most popular spot for swimmers in the town.
The beach is divided in two by the mangroves of Alligator Creek, and visitors are cautioned against swimming due to the presence of crocodiles.
Visit the Botanic Gardens
Among Australia’s oldest, Cooktown’s Botanic Gardens are a lovely spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
It has been open to the public since its founding in 1878, and admission is free. The grounds are stunning, and the museum’s collection includes rare and exotic animals.
After you’ve had a cup of coffee in the wonderful cafe here, why not check out Nature’s Powerhouse? This exhibition has a modest yet impressive collection of works by regional artists.
Reconciliation Rocks
A little distance beyond the town’s central area is where you’ll find the Reconciliation Rocks. Additionally, in 2021, it was added to the state’s historical registry. This is the spot where James Cook and the natives made up for the first time.
Forty-eight days were spent by James Cook in and around the Cooktown area after his ship, The Endeavour, was damaged after becoming stranded on the reef.
Here is where two civilizations first established contact with one another after witnessing the Europeans; further interactions resulted in the sharing of foods, products, and languages.
Explore the History-Filled Esplanade
Cooktown is perfect for a self-guided walking tour due to the abundance of historic structures across the city.
If you want to get things done, though, the Esplanade is a great place to go in Cooktown. Many historical artifacts are on display here, with scenic gardens and the Endeavour River as a backdrop.
Among the highlights are the Cook Monument, the Milbi Wall, and the Queen’s Steps, all of which were built in honor of the royal visit in 1970.
Summit of the Grassy Hill
When visiting Cooktown, many people stop by the Grassy Hill Lookout. You can reach there in under ten minutes from the downtown area, and once you get there, you’ll get a birds-eye perspective of the entire city. As a result, it is a popular site to watch the sun rise and set and to gain a sense of Cooktown’s layout.
Keep in mind that you’re in a metropolis with a lot of wind. As a result, the Grassy Hill Lookout will be where you experience its full impact.
It would be a terrific way to start the day, and I can see why locals like to utilize this hill for their daily activities. From here, you may also begin the walk to Cherry Tree Bay.
Admire the Black Mountain
As you approach Cooktown, the interesting (and rather puzzling) sight of Black Mountain will greet you.
This striking feature seems like a huge mound of coal that, no matter how strong the wind or heavy the rain, refuses to topple down.
It’s hard to fathom how all those rocks managed to stay in place. The mountain, which sits on both sides of the road and is around 260 million years old, has legendary significance for the indigenous people who have lived here for millennia.
A visit to this incredible natural landmark, which is accompanied by informative signage and a viewing platform, is unquestionably one of the finest activities in all of Cooktown.
Conclusion
Not only will you learn about Captain James Cook, but you’ll also uncover proof that Cooktown flourished during the gold rush. What most people don’t expect about Cooktown is how easy it is to get to, given that it’s located on the tip of the Cape York Peninsula.
From Cairns, you may reach Cooktown in under four hours by the completely sealed Mulligan Highway, the coastal Bloomfield Track in a four-wheel drive, or a quick flight of 45 minutes.
