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DESTINATION: Cooktown

The tropical port of Cooktown; gateway to the wilderness; lies on the banks of the Endeavour River. It was founded as a port in 1873 to service the Palmer River Goldfields. Cooktown is situated 240km NW of Cairns and is accessible via road, which is still unsealed in parts, and by boat or plane.

Main Attractions

In 1770, Capt James Cook beached HMS Endeavour in what is now called Endeavour River and stayed for 7 weeks while the ship's hull was being repaired. A memorial marks the site of the mooring and each June, a re-enactment of the event takes place. Grassy Hill provides a good view of the Great Barrier Reef, Cooktown and the surrounding hinterland. Capt Cook climbed this hill to look for a clear passage through the Great Barrier Reef. Cooktown Wharf, dating from the 1880s, is a popular fishing venue. The James Cook Historical Museum, on the cnr of Helen and Walker sts, has displays of the area's maritime, natural and Aboriginal history; Cooktown Botanic Gardens are also in Walker St.

Nearby attractions

Cooktown is a departure point for Cape York Peninsula; Lizard Island, 90km offshore via plane; Lakefield NP, 146km NE with good campsites accessible mainly by 4WD; Cape Melville NP, north of town and only accessible by 4WD; and the secluded beaches lying north-east of town. Fishing tours on the Great Barrier Reef also leave from town. The Black Mountains, 20km west, offer a scenic walking track. Quinkan Reserve, to the west, is renowned for its split-rock galleries containing the largest display of rock art in the world.

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Copyright 2007, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. cmsadmin. (2005, May 20). Cooktown. Retrieved July 05, 2009, from Plan Book Travel Australia Web site: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/australia/qld/cooktown. This work is licensed under a Universal Publishers.

Region: Tropical North Queensland

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Tropical North Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea islands and the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the rainforest mountains that sweep down from the northernmost section of the Great Dividing Range to the west. more

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Tourist info

Cooktown Information centre
Natures Powerhouse
Ph: 07 4069 6004 or free call 1800 174 895

Web sites with information, accommodation or tours for Cooktown:
Sovereign Resort Hotel

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