Cooktown

James Cook Museum Housed in the old convent school (1888), this museum documents Aboriginal life prior to European settlement, Cook's voyages and the 1870s gold-rush past. Relics include the anchor from the Endeavour. Helen St.Botanic Gardens: these are the oldest botanic gardens in Queensland, with native, European and exotic plants. The 'Cooktown Interpretive Centre: Nature's Powerhouse' has botanical and wildlife illustrations, and there are also walking trails to Cherry Tree and Finch bays; Walker St. Historic cemetery: documents the varied cultural heritage of Cooktown and includes the grave of tutor, early immigrant and heroine Mary Watson; Boundary Rd. Chinese shrine: to many who died on the goldfields; near cemetery. Cooktown Wharf: dates back to 1880s and is an excellent spot for fishing. The Milibi Wall: collage of traditional art by local Aboriginal people; near wharf. Fishing: spanish mackerel and barramundi at the wharf. Walking trails: plenty around the town and outlying areas, including the Scenic Rim and Wharf and Foreshore Walk; details from visitor centre.

Lizard Island National Park Comprises 6 islands to the north-east of Cooktown surrounded by the blue waters and coral reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Four of the islands are important seabird nesting sites. Lizard Island is a resort island popular for sailing and fishing. Also on offer is snorkelling in the giant clam gardens of Watsons Bay. Walk to Cooks Look for a spectacular view. There are 11 species of lizard here, and green and loggerhead turtles nest in late spring. Regular flights depart from Cairns; charter flights depart from Cairns and Cooktown; charter or private boat hire is available at Cooktown. (07) 4069 5777 (use same contact number for all national parks below); 92 km NE. Endeavour River National Park: just north of town is this park of diverse landscapes, including coastal dunes, mangrove forests and catchment areas of the Endeavour River. Most of the park is accessible only by boat (ramps at Cooktown); southern vehicle access is via Starcke St, Marton. Black Mountain National Park: impressive mountain range of granite boulders and a refuge for varied and threatened wildlife; Cooktown Developmental Rd; (07) 4069 5777; 25 km S. Helenvale: small town with historic Lions Den Hotel (est. 1875) and rodeo in June; 30 km S. Rossville: town with markets every 2nd Sat and Wallaby Creek Folk Festival at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge in Sept; 38 km S. Cedar Bay (Mangkal-Mangkalba) National Park: this remote coastal park is an attractive mix of rainforest, beaches and fringing reefs, with a variety of wildlife including the rare Bennett's tree kangaroo. Walk on the old donkey track once used by tin miners (remains of tin workings can be seen). Access by boat or by the walking track, which starts at Home Rule Rainforest Lodge, Rossville, 38 km S. Elim Beach and the Coloured Sands: spectacular beach with white silica sandhills and surrounding heathlands. The Coloured Sands are found 400 m along the beach (Aboriginal land, permit required from Hope Vale Community Centre); 65 km N. Cape Melville National Park: this rugged park on the Cape York Peninsula has spectacular coastal scenery. Much of the plant life is rare, including the foxtail palm. Visitors must be self-sufficient; 4WD access only in dry weather; southern access via Starcke homestead, western access via Kalpower Crossing in Lakefield National Park; 140 km NW. Flinders Group National Park: comprising 7 continental islands in Princess Charlotte Bay. There are 2 self-guide trails taking in bushfoods and Aboriginal rock-art sites on Stanley Island. Access by charter or private boat or sea plane; 195 km NW. Sportfishing safaris: to nearby waterways; details from visitor centre. Guurrbi Aboriginal Tours: full- and half-day tours of Aboriginal rock-art sites and informative history of bush tucker and traditional medicine; details from visitor centre. Bicentennial National Trail: 5000 km trail that runs from Cooktown to Healesville in Victoria, for walkers, bike riders and horseriders. It is possible to do just a section of trail; details from visitor centre. Travellers note: Before driving to remote areas check road conditions and restrictions with Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, 5 Webber Espl, Cooktown, (07) 4069 5777.

Munbah 37 km

It’s predawn and Les Gibson walks down to the creek and stops. He is on his way to push some boats out into deeper water as the tide is falling rapidly. Following Les are three journalists. He stops at the creek,... Find out more

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Julatten 124 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Cairns 170 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 175 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 192 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Russell Heads 209 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Bushwalking around the Daintree and Cape Tribulation 87 km

Join a guided day or night bushwalk in the privately owned Cooper Creek Wilderness, to discover the incredible natural riches of this area. Back Country Bliss Adventures also runs gentle, guided half-day bushwalks to... Find out more

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Daintree Discovery Centre 87 km

This multi-award-winning ecotourism centre is a great place to learn about the legendary Daintree rainforest. There are elevated boardwalks, an aerial walkway, a canopy tower and a large interpretive display centre with... Find out more

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Reef tours 115 km

As with elsewhere on the reef, there is the luxury of choice for diving or snorkelling trips, particularly from Port Douglas. However, remember the reef is not just offshore and involves a boat trip. Among the... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 155 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Savannahlander 170 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 202 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 229 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 119 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 152 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 171 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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Lions Den Hotel camping area 26 km

One of Cape York’s iconic pubs, the Lions Den offers excellent riverside camping on its spacious property with plenty of shade and natural surrounds. Powered campsites have access to an amenities block, drinkable... Find out more

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Home Rule Rainforest Lodge camping area 31 km

Camp on the riverbank at this site on the Cooktown–Bloomfield Rd in Rossville. From Cape Tribulation, drive 50 km to Bloomfield (across the Bloomfield River) and along the edge of Cedar Bay National Park to reach... Find out more

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East Hope camping area 36 km

This small sandy campground is on the western side of East Hope Island, accessed by private or commercially operated boat. Each of the 3 separate sites holds up to 4 people. There are no walking tracks on the island, but... Find out more

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Cedar Bay camping area (bush camping) 38 km

This campground is just east of Centre Garden at the southern end of the beach. Access is via the Home Rule or Gap Creek walking tracks, or by boat. Generators are not permitted and fuel/gas stoves are preferred. Bring... Find out more

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Lakeland Caravan Park 61 km

Lakeland Caravan Park is at the junction of the Mulligan Hwy and Peninsula Development Rd in the town of Lakeland, between the Laura and Normanby rivers. On site you’ll find a small internet cafe with 3... Find out more

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Lake Emma camping area 68 km

Lake Emma is on Battle Camp Rd, approximately 32 km east of the Old Laura Homestead. Complete self-sufficiency for food, water, equipment for treating water, fuel and vehicle spare parts is essential. There is a... Find out more

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Horseshoe Lagoon camping area 72 km

To reach this campground for self-sufficient campers, head for Old Laura Homestead then turn onto Battle Camp Rd and travel 29 km east of Old Laura to the turn-off. Check with a ranger for current fishing restrictions... Find out more

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Welcome Waterhole camping area 74 km

The Welcome Waterhole is about 7 km from Horseshoe Lagoon and about 6 km north of Battle Camp Rd. From Old Laura Homestead, the turn-off is about 30 km along. Bring all self-sufficient supplies. GPS S:15 15.297 E:144... Find out more

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Noah Beach camping area 76 km

Noah Beach campground is in a secluded spot just 50 m from the beach, about 8 km south of Cape Tribulation village. Throughout the Cape Tribulation section visitors will find facilities such as picnic areas, boardwalks... Find out more

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Pinnacle Village Holiday Park 97 km

This absolute beachfront park is 22 km north of Mossman. There are plenty of shady trees and a great expanse of green lawn. It is a good base from which to explore the local region. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Pandanus Van Park 116 km

This park is just 2 km from the centre of Port Douglas, on the main road into town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park 122 km

The park is located in a peaceful location about 10 km south of Port Douglas off the Captain Cook Highway. It is a nice park, tucked away from the busy centre of this popular tourist destination. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 145 km

This small, absolute beachfront park is 30 km north of Cairns. Ellis Beach was voted the cleanest beach in Queensland and has a patrolled swimming area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Lake Placid Tourist Park 161 km

This park is about 10 km north-west of Cairns, on the bank of the Barron River. Enjoy the covered barbecue area, and the Skyrail terminal, a major attraction, is nearby. Bookings are required in peak periods and a... Find out more

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Cool Waters Holiday Park 166 km

Located in the foothills a few kilometers out of Cairns, this is a quality park with very good facilities. Pets are allowed, but small dogs only. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park 168 km

This good quality park is easily accessible and only about 5 km from the centre of Cairns. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cairns Sunland Leisure Park 169 km

Located in suburban Cairns, this park is easily accessible and is a good base to spend a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Cairnsvilla and Leisure Park 169 km

The park is 4 km from the centre of Cairns, set in a quiet area with beautiful tropical surrounds. It has very good facilities including a mini-mart and a TV room. It is an ideal park for a holiday.... Find out more

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Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 174 km

Enjoy the excellent facilities of this five-star park, on the southern approach to the city 7 km from the centre of Cairns. There is a cafe, free minigolf, tennis and aqua aerobics, and the list continues. Bookings are... Find out more

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The Sovereign Resort Hotel

The Sovereign has been a Cooktown landmark since 1874 – and for some years in the town’s not so long ago wild days, it was referred to as the half sovereign as a result of cyclone damage. These days... Find out more

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Mungumby Lodge

This small private wilderness retreat, located 25 minutes south of Cooktown, has ten wooden bungalows with private ensuites and a spacious main house set in tropical gardens on the edge of Mungumby Creek. You can relax,... Find out more

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 84 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 86 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 88 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 125 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 209 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 218 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 223 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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Kauri Creek Camp Area 188 km

10 km NE of Tinaroo via Danbulla Forest Drive Large area just off the road on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Sites must be pre-booked. Access road part unsealed. GPS: S17 08.290 E145... Find out more

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Downfall Creek Camp Area 189 km

8 km NE of Tinaroo via Danbulla Forest Drive Large area just off the road on the shores of the lake in Danbulla. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Sites must be pre-booked. Access road part unsealed. GPS: S17 08.857... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 189 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

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School Point Camp Area 190 km

18 km NE of Tinaroo via Danbulla Forest Drive Large area just off the road on the shores of the lake in Danbulla State Forest. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Sites must be pre-booked. Access road part unsealed. ... Find out more

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Platypus camping and day use area 190 km

6 km NE of Tinaroo via Danbulla Forest Drive Large area just off the road on the shores of the lake in Danbulla State Forest. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Sites must be pre-booked. GPS: S17 09.632 E145... Find out more

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Fong On Bay Camp Area 190 km

21 km NE of Tinaroo via Danbulla Forest Drive Large area just off the road on the shores of the lake in Danbulla State Forest. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Sites must be pre-booked. Access road part unsealed. ... Find out more

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Rocky Creek Rest Area 191 km

12 km N of Atherton (R) or 23 km S of Mareeba (L) Large area adjacent highway and Memorial Park. NOTE: 72 hours maximum stay. GPS: S17 10.904 E145 27.331... Find out more

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Tinaroo Park Area 191 km

T/O at Tolga Large area located 12 kilometres north-east of the highway in the village opposite the caravan park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S17 10.333 E145 32.767... Find out more

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Kairi Park Area 196 km

T/O at Tolga Large area located 9 kilometres east of the highway in the village. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S17 12.952 E145 32.574  ... Find out more

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