Tourist information for Cooktown, Australia

Cooktown lies on the banks of the Endeavor River in far North Queensland and is one of the oldest historical places in the history of the European colonization of Australia. Capt James Cook was forced ashore here after his vessel "Endeavor" struck a reef as he headed north along the Australian coast line on his first voyage of discovery. The reef is now known as Endeavor Reef. Cook was forced to careen his vessel in the river, now known as the Endeavor River, and his crew carried out repairs to the ship. The town on this site now bears his name and you can climb the hill at the entrance to the river and stand in the very spot that Cook did as he tried to determine a safe passage north through the many reefs in the region.

Cooktown, today is about as far as the sealed highway will take you when travelling north towards Cape Yorke. It is now a unique tourist destination and a fantastic spot to visit. The fishing charters that operate from here will guarantee you a spectacular catch. It is also a base for the trawler fishing industry as the regions to the north are remote and supplies are nonexistent. Cooktown has some fantastic accommodation so if you want to visit and stay for a while there are some great places to stay. Sovereign Hill resort is the best with everything you would expect and there are also a number of hotels and B&B’s as well. Lizard island and its fantastic resort lies just offshore.

Tours into the Cooktown Hinterland will show you the fantastic boulders of Black Mountain and the rainforests of the Daintree are just to the south. There is really a lot to see and do. The Endeavor River is infested with large crocodiles and there are tours to take you for a cruise along the river. The town has many interesting shops and museums and there is also a touch of the cosmopolitan among the history with some great little restaurants and cafés.

If you are looking for an unusual place for your next holiday, where you will see things that you won’t find anywhere else, then book your next holiday in Cooktown Australia.