19 Things to do that make Cooktown Worth Visiting!

Are you thinking about heading north to Cooktown and wondering if it’s worth the trip? Tucked away at the very end of the sealed road on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, Cooktown is often overlooked. But for first-timers, this historic frontier town is full of character and unexpected adventure.

The challenge is knowing what to expect and Cooktown is not your typical tourist hub! It’s a blend of history, nature, and remote charm from Captain Cook’s landing site and museums to scenic lookouts, and waterfalls. There’s a lot more to discover than you might think.

Since Matt and I loved exploring Cooktown, I’ll walk you through the best experiences that made it worth visiting for us. In end, helping you decide if you want to stop in.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

Is Cooktown Worth Visiting (Pros & Cons)?

I think Cooktown is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’ve never been there before. This is where you learn about the Captain Cook History, waterfalls, lookouts, fishing, enjoying fewer tourists, or even a pit stop on your way to the Cape York Tip!

Cooktown will provide clear blue skies most of the year, but it is known as a windy city. We definitely experienced this, and getting drone footage was a little more complicated. Despite that, we managed to get around and see almost everything and were pleasantly surprised.

➡  Find Cooktown Hotels HERE on Booking.com

Like any destination, there are both advantages and challenges to consider before planning your trip.

✅ Pros

• Rich history – Learn about Captain Cook’s landing and Indigenous heritage.
• Laid-back atmosphere – A small-town vibe with fewer crowds than Cairns or Port Douglas.
• Scenic drives – Access via the Bloomfield Track(4WD) or Mulligan Highway(2WD) offers stunning outback and rainforest views.
• Gateway to adventure – Close to the Great Barrier Reef, Endeavour River, and nearby national parks.
• Unique attractions – From the James Cook Museum, Aboriginal History, World War Remnants, to botanic gardens and fishing spots.

❌ Cons

• Remote location – It’s an out-of-the-way destination and more popular for those passing through to the Cape York Tip.
• Limited services – Fewer dining, shopping, and accommodation options compared to larger hubs.
• Weather extremes – Known as a windy town, Hot, humid summers and a cyclone risk in the wet season.
• Shorter stays – Once you’ve explored the main highlights, some travellers may find there’s less to do compared to bigger coastal towns.

Note: Travelling to Cape York is an Australian bucket list item to complete. It will take another week to two weeks from Cooktown, depending on how fast you want to travel.

Best Things to do in Cooktown?

I have listed all the activities we managed to find in Cooktown below! But, if you need help finding them all, please see my specially pinned map to apply directions from your location.

1. Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens and recreation reserve cover over 62 hectares in size and is a lovely place to visit. The gardens host a variety of plants, trees, and flowers from around the world.

Additionally, featuring some of the favourites from the top end of Queensland, like Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum). There is also a large fountain in the centre of the garden and plenty of seating areas for you to sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings.

The Nature’s Powerhouse building is the Visitor information centre, café, and gallery, which is located in the Botanic Gardens. This helps provide facilities to the visitors in the botanic Gardens. Additionally, a great little spot for morning tea, lunch, or a coffee stop when you’re touring around town.

2. Walk the Esplanade

The esplanade section stretches from the Waterfront precinct, getting close to the centre of the town. It’s an excellent place for an evening walk and to see many different points of interest. This includes the following:

• Fisherman’s Wharf for cafes and Restaurants.
• Gunpowder Magazine building that was built in 1874 and provided storage for blasting powder at Palmer Goldfield.
• The Chinese Monument celebrates the contribution the Chinese migrants made to the town. This was primarily during the gold rush period.

• The Cannon which was cast by Carron Ironworks in Scotland. Today it’s fired at the annual James Cook landing re-enactments.
• Built in 1891, the Queensland National Bank stands proud in the centre of town. Its known as “The Old Bank.”
• Steps that were built for the Queen’s visit in 1970 and still exist today.

• A small Waterpark for Kids to play in.
• A statue of “Mick the Miner,” which was built in memory of the gold rush.

• And, The Musical Ship, which is essentially a playground section for children.
• Then you can visit the James Cook statue, which commemorates “Captain James Cook,” who was an explorer that discovered Australia.

3. Anzac Memorial Park

The Anzac Memorial Park is located just off the main street of town. It commemorates the local men and women who served during World War 1.

The entrance to the park is made from Black granite and topped with a bronze statue of a soldier.

It consists of a couple of Tanks and large boulders with plaques, as a memorial to honour the fallen. The Leopard Tank was very impressive, and it seems it was donated to the RSL by the Commonwealth of Australia.

➡  Find Cooktown Hotels HERE on Booking.com

4. James Cook Museum

If you’re interested in the history of Australia and one of its most famous explorers, the James Cook Museum is a must-visit in Cooktown. Located on Arthur Street in a beautifully restored 19th-century convent, the museum showcases fascinating exhibitions about Captain James Cook’s voyage along Australia’s east coast.

One of the highlights is the original anchor and cannon recovered from Cook’s ship, the Endeavour, after it struck the reef near Cooktown in 1770. Alongside this, you’ll find exhibits on the region’s Indigenous culture, early settlement history, and the stories of the nuns who once lived in the building.

Note: There is a $25 entrance fee for the James Cook Museum, which is open from 9am to 4pm daily.

5. Cooktown History Centre

The Cooktown History Centre is located right in the heart of town and is housed in the former post office, one of the towns oldest surviving buildings. For a small entry fee, visitors can explore a series of engaging displays that trace the region’s fascinating past.

Inside, you’ll find historic photographs, artefacts, maps, and beautifully detailed paintings. The centre also highlights the stories of the Indigenous Guugu Yimithirr people, the gold rush era, and Cooktown’s pivotal role as the site of Captain Cook’s 1770 landing.

Many of the exhibits are complemented by personal stories and written accounts, making it easy to imagine what life was like in the area during different periods. Knowledgeable volunteers are often on hand to share extra details, adding even more depth to your visit.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

6. Reconciliation Rocks

The Reconciliation Rocks are located in a small section behind the centre of the town. Additionally, it was listed in the state’s heritage register in 2021.

This marks the place of the first reconciliation between James Cook and the first nation people.

James Cook’s boat, The Endeavour, was damaged after getting stuck on the reef, and he spent 48 days around the region. After observing the Europeans, contact was made in this very spot, and the two cultures exchanged food, goods, and language.

7. Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre

The Waalmbal Birri Heritage and Culture Centre is free to enter and is also located in the town centre. It’s essentially an Art exhibition showcasing the interactions between Captain James Cook and the Guugu Yimithiee Bama-ngau people.

You might find it goes into a little more detail than the Reconciliation Rocks.

Over the years, the ship’s journals were studied in detail by the Traditional owners. Then, they commissioned a local artist (Jane Dennis) to paint murals depicting the stories told over that 48 days.

These are displayed in the centre.

8. Kuku Bulkaway Indigenous Art Gallery

You can purchase authentic local artwork at the Kuku Bulkaway Indigenous Art Gallery. This gallery showcases a range of paintings, carvings, and crafts created by local Indigenous artists, each piece deeply connected to the land, sea, and culture of the region.

Much of the artwork is inspired by Dreamtime stories and traditions passed down through generations, as well as the rich natural landscapes of Cooktown and Cape York. By purchasing a piece, you’re not only taking home a unique and meaningful souvenir, but also supporting the local Indigenous community and helping preserve their cultural heritage.

Note: The Gallery is owned and operated by the Yuku Baja aboriginal people.

9. Grassy Hill Lookout

The Grassy Hill Lookout is one of the more popular tourist attractions. It only takes about 5 minutes to get there from the centre of town, and it will be your overall 360-degree viewpoint. This makes it a very attractive spot for sunrise and sunset and for getting a feel for the size of Cooktown.

Remember, you’re in a windy city. Therefore, you’re going to feel the full force of it from the Grassy Hill Lookout. Locals are known to use this hill for their daily exercise, and I must admit it would be a great start to the day.

You can also start a hike from here to Cherry Tree Bay, which has no other access except for hiking to it.

10. Lighthouse

The Grassy Hill lighthouse was built in 1886, and the last lightkeeper served as an employee until 1927.

From then, the light was automated and remained operational until the 1980s. In 1988, the Lighthouse was sold to the people for $100 and continued to be maintained by Queensland Maritime.  

11. Isabella Falls

Isabella Falls is a magnificent-looking waterfall and swimming hole that you can help escape that summer heat from North Queensland. It’s located on the outskirts of town and easily accessible by car.

All you need to do is follow the Endeavour Valley road towards the west and past the Airport, out of town. You should get there in about 30 minutes.

As you get close, you consequently drive over the stream used to form Isabella Falls, and the car park is only a few metres after that. It take only a few minutes to walk down to the water’s edge, but it is uneven ground, so take care.

12. Endeavour Falls

The Endeavour Falls are a spectacular waterfall that can be found out the back of a caravan Park, just outside of town.

The falls have been formed by water flowing over the top of the rock formation into the gorge below.

It is a beautiful place to visit for all ages, as there are plenty of lookout points throughout the area where you can get up close to the waterfall. However, there is a risk of crocodiles, so there is no swimming in the gorge.

13. Finch Bay

Finch Bay is about 2 kilometre east of the centre of the town, where you can drive along a dirt path.

There is a small car park, toilet facilities and it only takes a few minutes to walk down to the beach. It’s surrounded by mountains, vegetated, dozens of massive rocks, and roughly 500 metres wide. Additionally, containing the mouth of a small river on one side. 

The cliffs obviously protect the beach from some wind, and it is known as one of the best swimming beaches.

However, Finch bay does come with some warnings. Stingers are known to be around, especially in the summertime, crocodiles have been spotted (especially near the river), and there can be limited room at high tide. 

14. Black Mountain National Park (Kalkajaka)

The Black Mountain National Park is located about 25 kilometres south of town, and you’ll pass by this gorgeous spot on your way from Cairns. Initially, it was said to be magma that slowly solidified into what you see today.

This is a considerable mass of Granite boulders, coming together as a big mound and, in turn, creating the incredible Black Mountain. 

The black rocks retain a lot of heat, so it’s not recommended to venture past the lookout point or anywhere on the mountain. There are heaps of passages and gaps between the boulders, which create ways to penetrate inside. Obviously, this is a great place for snakes to live and hide.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that many people have disappeared around Black mountain, including search and rescue teams!

15. Lion’s Den Hotel

The Lion’s Den Hotel was established in 1875 and is one of the more popular stops along the Four-Wheel-Drive Bloomfield track as you enter Cooktown.

However, while you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the Bloomfield track, you can probably access the Lion’s Den with a 2-wheel drive, double backing from the Mulligan Highway.

It’s made of timber and iron and set among a tropical landscape with some basic camping facilities out the back. It definitely has a lot of character, with visitors marking their mark all over the walls for years. This is in the form of business cards, stickers, hats, or just writing their names in thick black marker.

16. Little Annan Gorge

We have the Annan River and the Little Annan Gorge along the Mulligan Highway and a short distance from the turnoff to the Lion’s Den Hotel.

It’s known as one of the favoured swimming holes. However, due to crocodiles, it’s only safe to swim at the top of the gorge and not in the gorge itself. 

For me, it was a great photography spot, with nice moving water for a slow shutter sequence. 

17. Drink at the Cooktown Hotel

Grab a drink, stay for the night, or be one of your best places for your next meal.

The Cooktown Hotel is an old weatherboard two-story pub, which was established in 1874. Take in the history, meet the locals or take advantage of the cheap rooms they have available.

18. Complete the Mount Cook Hiking Trail

Not really for the beginner, but if you’re an avid hiker, then you might like completing the Mount Cook Hiking Trail.

It’s about 6 kilometres long and will take 3 to 4 hours to complete. Luckily, it’s self-guided, and you can take it at your own pace.

On the walk, you’re provided many views and vantage points upon large boulders. The last few hundred metres are the steepest, but worth it when you finally reach the summit.

Be amazed at views of town, The Great Barrier Reef, mountainous areas, and inland rivers and streams. It’s fun for the whole family, outdoor adventure, and getting some exercise in the process.

19. Fishing or Boating

Whether you are an avid fishing lover or a beginner, then you will love the options you have available.

You can catch fish like black marlin, coral trout, red emperor, mackerel and tuna, trevally, and queenies. As well as bonefish, barramundi, mangrove jacks, finger-mark, and crabs.

Paradise awaits with either your own boat in the stream or estuaries, or taking a charter to the outer reef.

Where to Stay?

When it comes to accommodation, Cooktown offers only a handful of options, so it’s best to plan ahead. While choices may be limited compared to larger destinations, you’ll still find something to suit your budget and travel style.

➡  Find Cooktown Hotels HERE on Booking.com

Below are my recommendations that balance budget, comfort, and available amenities to help you choose the best stay for your trip.

• Millwood Lodge (3 Star)
• Sovereign Resort Hotel (4Star)
• Cooktown Motel (3 Star)
• Riva Vista
• Seaview Motel(3 & 4 Star)
• Cooktown Endeavour View
• River of Gold

Where to Eat?

There aren’t many options when it comes to places to eat, but that doesn’t deter quality.

However, remember that you are in an outback location, and the prices might be slightly higher than what you’re used to. Here are some of the choices on Where you can eat in Cooktown below:

• Jackey Jackey Herbs & Spices Thai Restaurant – 152 Charlotte St
• RSL Memorial Club – 127 Charlotte St
• Driftwood Café – 160 Charlotte St
• River of Gold Motel Restaurant / Annan’s Restaurant – Hope St & Walker Streets
• Gilld n Guttd Seafood Place – Shop 1/7 Webber Esplanade
• HK’s Food Shed – 174 Charlotte St
• Bowls Club – 129 Charlotte St
• The Cooktown Hotel – 98 Charlotte St
• Bakery – 75 Charlotte St
• Lion’s Den Hotel – 398 Shiptons Flat Rd, Rossville

How do you get there?

There are three different ways you can get to Cooktown.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

• 1. The first would be the quickest and easiest Mulligan Highway which travels the inland route and takes about 4 hours. This passes through many smaller towns and completely sealed roads, and you can drive a standard 2 Wheel drive Vehicle.
• 2. The Second way to travel from Cairns to Cooktown, would be driving the coastal route through Palm Cove, Port Douglas, and up the Bloomfield Track. Although it’s considerably longer, it is the most popular for scenes, Daintree National Park, and highlights in Tropical North Queensland. However, From Cape Tribulation to Cooktown (Bloomfield Track), it will require a Four Wheel Drive vehicle, Ferry crossing and contains a dirt-based, unsealed track.
• 3. Secret Option number three could be a mixture of the two ways above. If you only have a standard two-wheel drive vehicle, you can, firstly, take in the scenes of the Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns to Port Douglas. Then, drive on the sealed road from Port Douglas to the Mulligan Highway and straight up to Cooktown.

Ultimately, it’s a sealed road from Cairns to Cooktown and is easier to drive on. However, you do need to keep an eye out for Kangaroos, Cows, and other animals and drive to the conditions.

It’s recommended to only drive in daylight hours and Dusk/Dawn can be the worse time for Kangaroos.

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Can you swim there?

Yes, you can swim close to Cooktown at Finch Bay (Car Access)and Cherry Tree Bay (hiking access), but it does come with some warnings.

Stingers are very frequent in the area, and you should always wear a Lycra stinger suit when swimming. Especially in the summertime when they are at their peak. On the other hand, Crocodiles visit these beaches and you should always be on the lookout.

Obviously, between these circumstances, you’ll find most of the beaches around town are more of a “look but don’t touch” scenario. This means, not many people will be swimming and as a tourist, it’s probably better you don’t. However, wading in the shallows of the beach might be OK, but never keep your eye off the water.

If all that isn’t suitable, then there is a small kid’s waterpark located near the waterfront precinct. There are fountains and a big bucket to drench you.

How many days do you need?

Cooktown is only a small town with a population of just over 2000 people. While some people could spend a week here, I would say an average of two or three days would be sufficient.

However, this really depends on what you have planned and what you’re interested in doing. Fishing Charters and organised tours in the area would take up more time.

Therefore, the two to three days are based on free activities and learning about James Cook’s History.

Is it Safe to visit?

Yes, Cooktown is a safe town to wander around on your own or as a family. In fact, my experience was met with friendly locals wanting to know more about where you are from and giving advice on what we should see.

Not only that, but the tourists you pass by would always say hello and spark up a conversation, and exchange experiences. 

Wrap up!

It may be small and remote, but Cooktown’s attractions is exactly what makes it such a rewarding destination. From its deep history and strong cultural roots to its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. It delivers a mix of relaxation and discovery you won’t find in busier tourist towns.

However, if you’re ready to keep exploring, check out my other Queensland articles for more hidden gems, travel guides, and must-do experiences across the Sunshine State!

• Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• The Best Port Douglas Itinerary
• The Best Queensland Waterfalls for you to visit
• Is Cairns worth Visiting in Queensland & Why it’s Not?
• Cairns Vs Port Douglas – Which is better to Visit?