Cooktown is the site of the first European 'settlement' in Australia when Lieutenant James Cook, having accidentally struck the Great Barrier Reef, beached HM Bark Endeavour on the banks of what is now the Endeavour River. Cook and his crew stayed on the river's edge for almost two months, the greatest amount of time they spent at any one location in Australia.

There are many walking trails and heritage sites around Cooktown. Start by following in Cook’s footsteps and climb up Grassy Hill for a 360 degree view of the town and coast. St Mary’s Convent for the Sisters of Mercy, built in 1886, is one of the oldest buildings in North Queensland. Now the James Cook Historical Museum, it offers a window back to the heady goldrush days when Cooktown was the second biggest town in Queensland. Many of the events and individuals that contributed to Cooktown's development are recorded on the gravestones in the town’s cemetery on the southwestern edge of town. The Museum also provides a fascinating look at the area's rich Indigenous history of the Guugu Yimithirr people, and a number of local Aboriginal-owned tours provide a wonderful insight into their history, culture and spirituality.

A dirt road links Cooktown to Lakefield National Park, past the Endeavour Falls and on through Battle Camp Road. Camping permits and information about the park can be obtained from QPWS rangers at Cooktown, New Laura, Lakefield or Bizant Ranger Stations. Crossing Laura River, you will come upon historic Old Laura Homestead, one of the oldest cattle properties on Cape York. The structure you see today was built in 1892.

You can bush camp in Lakefield National Park (permit required) or continue onto the township of Laura, where hotel and camping facilities are available.

Carry plenty of drinking water and fuel as there are no service stations in the park.

WARNING - CROCODILES
Estuarine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers and waterholes in this area. Estuarine crocodiles can be dangerous to people.

The area surrounding Laura is known as ‘Quinkan country’ and is renowned for its ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, considered among the world’s finest. The ‘Split Rock’ site about 10km south of Laura is open to the public. To learn more about the region’s history and culture, visit the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre to organise a site tour, or stay at the Jowalbinna Bush Camp. If you are interested in these areas you will need to contact them prior to starting your trip.

Another of Laura's highlights is the annual Horse Races and Rodeo which are held on the first weekend of July, and the Indigenous Dance and Cultural Festival held every two years.

Follow the Peninsula Development Road south to the tiny township of Lakeland Downs, in the heart of the Laura River Valley. This is now a major coffee and banana growing region.

The final 80 km back to Cooktown crosses four rivers – the West Normanby, East Normanby, Little Annan and Big Annan. Allow time for a few stops in the last 30km - Black Mountain National Park, the historic Lion’s Den Hotel (a 4km detour from the main road) and finally Keating’s Lagoon.

For further detailed information visit one of the local Information Centres on the way, or one of the following.

Cairns:
Gateway Discovery Centre
51 The Esplanade, Cairns
Tel: (07) 4051 3588
www.tropicalaustralia.com

For an Aboriginal map of the area, with Aboriginal names, history, stories and tours, visit www.bamaway.com.au

	Complete Information Centre list
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