"Cooktown and Surrounds" Cooktown by Anne12

Cooktown Travel Guide: 29 reviews and 64 photos

Cooktown and Surrounds

This is the second time I have been to Cooktown. If you want to get to Cooktown from Port Douglas by the Coast Road you need a 4x4. I hired one of these for the day. We left Port at 9am and then headed off up through Mossman to Daintree Village, across the Daintree River and onto Cape Tribulation stopping along the way to take in the scenery. 12 hours later we arrived back at Port. Very long day!
It is one of the most wonderful trips you can do. You need a 4x4 as the roads are dirt and if it has been raining you have to cross a few creeks along the way.
( there is a car ferry to cross the river) If you are lucky you might see a crocodile or two. Remember NEVER swim in these rivers or creeks as you might end up a nice meal for these guys.
If you aren't sure if you can swim or not, DON'T.
To come back to Port or Cairns you can take the inland road. This road will be sealed all the way by November this year. Be very careful if you are travelling at night, there are cattle all along this road and of a night it's very hard to see them.
They have no road manners at all :)
I would not recommend to travel at night. Make it an overnight stop in Cooktown.
There are a number of motels that you can stay at.

The Town

Cooktown is a small historic town surrounded by wonderful countryside. It's the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef. Cooktown is between Mount Cook and the Endeavour River. In 1770 Lt James Cook beached the HM Bark Endevour and he named the river after his ship.
A centry later it became a part of the Gold rush.
Now it is starting to become a popular tourist destination again with the sealed road. Property prices are climbing and the town is growing.

Fantastic Views of Cooktown

The Inlet/Endeavour River

You can do walks or drive up to Crassy Hill Lookout. Here you have 360degree views of the Inlet/Coral seas and Cooktown and the hills beyond.
This is just beautiful and you can sit for a few minutes or hours to take all this in.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful history, great views
Cons:A bit of a trip, but worth every hour on the road.
In a nutshell:A town worthy of a visit.

Last visit to Cooktown: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Jun 19, 2005
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Reviews (2)

Where to stay Hotels (1)

There are many Motles and other accommodation places. When I was walking down the street I saw that there is a booking... more travel advice

These boots are made for walking Things to Do (1)

If you are an experienced walker or just like to take a slow pace there is walks for both. Cooktown Scenic Rim Walking... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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bijo69 Oct 5, 2006 at 5:47 AM

Just planning my next trip to Australia... Hope to get up to Cooktown this time!!!
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saraheg77 Jan 22, 2006 at 2:12 AM

I can't wait to go in April! Thanks for the tips! :D Great to see you tonight!
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adelaidean Oct 5, 2005 at 10:53 PM

I will get there one day...if I keep reading about it, Ill get there!!!! LOL
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Wild_Orchid Jul 8, 2005 at 2:31 AM

I'd love to visit one day. thanks for sharing your tips and pics!
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jeffmartinartist Jun 30, 2005 at 3:16 AM

I must have a thing for lighthouses and that is one of the best lighthouses I have ever seen! I it really galvanized iron?
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ATXtraveler Jun 30, 2005 at 12:38 AM

Thanks for the great start to Cooktown!
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aussirose Jun 22, 2005 at 12:39 AM

I would love to go there one day Ann! You make it sound like a real adventure!! Cheers, Ann :o)