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City guide

Cooktown, Queensland

Cooktown is a coastal town and locality in the Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. Cooktown is at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs in 1770.

Type City

Why go

  • Town in Queensland, Australia.
  • Served by Lizard Island Airport (LZR).

History

Cooktown is a coastal town and locality in the Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. Cooktown is at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs in 1770. Both the town and Mount Cook which rises up behind the town were named after James Cook.

Where to stay

64 Howard St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · peninsulacaravanpark.com.au
Indoor
1133 Endeavour Valley Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · paperbarkretreat.com.au
Indoor
435 Barrett's Creek Road, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · endeavourriverescape.com
Indoor
21 Baird Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · riva-la-vista.hotelkh.com
Indoor
Annan Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · milkwoodlodge.com
Indoor
Charlotte St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · cooktownorchidtravellerspark.com
Indoor
178 Charlotte St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · theseaview-cooktown.com.au
Indoor
128 Charlotte St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · sovereignresort.com.au
Indoor
122 Charlotte St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · instagram.com
Indoor
54 Helen St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
165 Barretts Creek Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
2120 Endeavour Valley Rd, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
60 Hope St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
22 Adelaide St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
23 Ann St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Indoor
Hope St & Walker Streets, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · riverofgoldmotel.com.au
Indoor
9 Boundary St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia · cooktownmotel.com.au
Indoor

Restaurants & places to go

Seafood, Mexican, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-11:00,10:30-14:30,17:00+; Su 09:00-11:00,11:30-14:30;14:30-17:30 Features: vegetarian options
Indoor
Cafe · Opening hours: Mo, Tu 08:30-15:00; We-Su 08:30-16:00
Indoor
Cafe · cafe · 99 Charlotte Street
Indoor
Cafe · cafe
Indoor
Restaurant · restaurant
Indoor
Cafe · cafe · 122 Charlotte Street, 4895
Indoor
Restaurant · restaurant
Indoor

Airports

Cooktown Airport (CTN) 6.9 km to the centre
QLD, AU — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Helenvale Airport (HLV) 23 km to the centre
Helenvale, QLD, AU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Hope Vale Airport (HPE) 25 km to the centre
Hope Vale, QLD, AU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Cape Flattery Airport (CQP) 57 km to the centre
QLD, AU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Lakeland Airport (LKD) 58 km to the centre
Lakeland Downs, QLD, AU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Laura Airport (LUU) 85 km to the centre
QLD, AU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
October – March

The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.

Shoulder season
April – May, September

Milder and quieter, with better value.

Worth avoiding
June – August

The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Lizard Island Airport (LZR); 6 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Cooktown, Queensland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach