 Cooktown
For those of us traveling to the tip, there is one area worthy of at least a few days stop-over either on the way up or the way back. That area is Cooktown. Just a short drive from Lakeland, along the newly named Mulligan Highway, you will find one of the best kept secrets of Cape York Peninsula.
The Cook Shire occupies some 80% of the Cape York Peninsula region of Tropical North Queensland. The Shire’s main township is historic Cooktown which was established at the very site where in 1770 Lt. James Cook careened his ship the H.M.B ‘Endeavour’ for much needed repairs. A life-size statue of the famous explorer now stands at the very spot where he stepped ashore. Cooktown itself is a beautiful, unspoilt, small coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside. One of Australia’s most historically significant townships, Cooktown nestles between Mount Cook and the mouth of the Endeavour River. Easily accessible from Cairns via the newly sealed Mulligan Highway the drive takes less than three-and-a-half hours. Cooktown is the perfect location from which to base yourself as you explore the rugged beauty of the Cape York Region.
The surrounds of the township offer an abundance of natural features, including magnificent waterfalls, walking trails and tropical rain forest. The Little Annan Gorge is a spectacular waterway carved by nature from black granite. This nature feature is well worth a visit, and picnic facilities are available in the area. Just up the road you will find the Black Mountain Lookout. Black Mountain is a geological wonder, being made up of thousands of large black boulders. Local Aboriginal elders have stories about the creation of this unique place.
The township itself offers visitors many opportunities to walk or drive to a range of interesting sites. The historical James Cook Museum is a heritage listed building containing some of Lt. James Cooks personal items, as well as one on the cannons and the anchor from the Endeavour. History buffs will be able to spend hours in this beautifully restored building. The Nature’s Powerhouse Visitor Centre and Café can provide travelers with all the information they will need regarding accommodation, sites to see and tours to make their visit enjoyable. The Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery located at the facility is also well worth a look.
Useful Links for more information:
Cooktown Shire website
Tropical North Queensland website
Discovery Trails in this Region:
|
