If you're looking for a slice of Australian history combined with stunning natural beauty, Cooktown is a must-visit. This charming coastal town is famous for its rich Indigenous heritage and was the first landing place of Captain Cook in 1770. Explore the fascinating James Cook Museum, stroll along the picturesque waterfront, or take a short trip to the nearby Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss sampling fresh seafood at local eateries, making it a delightful stop for any traveler.
Cooktown, Australia
Top things to do in Cooktown
15 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.
Park & nature
Mount Cook National Park, Australia
Challenging hike to the summit of Mount Cook offering panoramic views of Cooktown and the Coral Sea.
Park & nature
Endeavour River National Park
Protected riverine park where Captain Cook repaired the HMS Endeavour, featuring diverse ecosystems and walking trails.
Museum
Cooktown Museum
Housed in a former convent, this museum showcases gold rush relics and artifacts from Captain Cook's 1770 voyage.
Landmark
Endeavour River
A historically significant waterway where Captain Cook landed in 1770, now a scenic spot for fishing and boating.
Landmark
Grassy Hill Light
A historic lighthouse offering panoramic 360-degree views of Cooktown, the coastline, and the Endeavour River.
Park & nature
Gallop Botanic Reserve
Wander through native gardens, follow creekside paths, and spot local birds in this peaceful botanical reserve.
Landmark
Cooks Monument and Reserve
See the exact landing site of Captain Cook’s first Queensland visit, with informative signs and picnic spots.
Monument
Mary Watson's Monument
A monument honoring a young settler’s tragic story on Lizard Island, symbolizing early European hardship.
Museum
Cooktown Powder Magazine
A heritage-listed 1870s gunpowder magazine in Cooktown, now a museum showcasing the town's gold rush history.
Landmark
Cooktown Cemetery
A historic burial ground from the gold rush era, with graves reflecting Cooktown's multicultural community.
Landmark
Early Granite Kerbing and Channelling, Cooktown
Heritage-listed granite kerbing and channelling from the 1880s, demonstrating early street engineering in Cooktown.
Landmark
Westpac Bank Building, Cooktown
This 1889 stone bank building showcases Cooktown's gold rush prosperity with its solid masonry and classical facade.
Landmark
Seagren's Building
This 1890s commercial building anchors Cooktown's heritage streetscape with its ornate verandahs and shopfronts.
Landmark
Ferrari Estates Building
This 1880s former store is now a museum and gallery, showcasing Cooktown's history and local art in a heritage setting.
Neighborhood
Cooktown, Queensland
Historic coastal town where Captain Cook landed in 1770, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Tickets & tours
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