Top Things to do in Cooktown
The 10 Best Things to do in Cooktown, Queensland
Discover the best top things to do in Cooktown, Australia including James Cook Museum, Grassy Hill, Cooktown History Centre, Cedar Bay National Park, Trevethan Falls, Cooktown Botanical Gardens, Nature's Powerhouse, Keating's Lagoon, Finch Bay, Isabella Falls.
Restaurants in Cooktown
1. James Cook Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
The James Cook Museum is set in a stunning nineteenth-century convent, and houses an original anchor and cannon from the HMB Endeavour, and an extensive collection of local Guugu Yimithiir artefacts. The museum tells the story of the interaction between Captain James Cook and the indigenous people – it is a story that is integral to Australian history, told from both perspectives, and is the first recorded act of Reconciliation. The museum showcases the fascinating heritage of Cooktown – set on the banks of the Endeavour River.
Reviewed By gvs2015 - Brisbane, Australia
Captain Cook's anchor, as well as some of the cannons from the Endeavour, are on display. Also an amazing eclectic mixture of items which are well worth seeing. The venue in itself is fabulous!
2. Grassy Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Grassy Hill offers a 360 degree view of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. Although now quite heavily forested, Grassy Hill is so known because local aboriginals deliberately burnt the forest on the hill to encourage re-growth of vegetation and draw animals to the area for hunting. The landscape you see today from the top of the hill has changed little since Captain James Cook and the crew of the HMB Endeavour climbed Grassy Hill in 1770 to view the surrounding reefs enabling him to navigate a safe passage. The views today, especially at sunset and sunrise, are still as spectacular as in 1770 making Grassy Hill one of Cooktown's most popular attractions.
Reviewed By coachfos_aus - Atherton, Australia
Grab some Fish and Chips to enjoy a fantastic sunset. 360 degrees views with lighthouse with history of Cooktown to displays. However, get up early and with a quick walk up the hill you will witness the magic sunrise!
3. Cooktown History Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By 382steveg - Broadbeach, Australia
The amount of information in here is amazing. It's set out in chronological order, so as you walk through you see the transition from Cook's visit to present day. It's worth more than the mere $5 they charge for admission.
4. Cedar Bay National Park
5. Trevethan Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By FoodSnobAU - Cairns, Australia
Truely spectacular waterfalls and refreshing swimming hole. Not easy to find, but well worth the effort! A great place to swim and cool off!
6. Cooktown Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Handbag67
An oasis to wander around during the heat of the day. Very informative and well presented. Well worth a visit
7. Nature's Powerhouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 122 reviews
Nature's PowerHouse, a large interpretive centre stunningly situated within Cooktown's historic Botanic Gardens, houses the nationally significant Vera Scarth-Johnson botanical illustrations, a natural history display, gift store, and café, as well as being the Cook Shire Visitor Information Centre.
Reviewed By Cate8867 - Brisbane, Australia
Family of 5 for lunch- meals good size $14-16 each. “Social Enterprise cafe providing training and opportunities to local people who face barriers to employment”. Was recommended here by a local- arrived without booking for lunch on a Sunday. Very comfortable on the outdoor deck with a slight breeze . Best squid I’ve ever eaten. Family had: vegetarian nachos, BLT, lamb yiros and tomato bruschetta. Total bill with drinks a bit over $80. Definitely recommend it.
8. Keating's Lagoon
9. Finch Bay
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By FoodieJessKa - Cairns, Australia
Finch Bay is a gorgeous secluded beach located just around the corner from the Botanical Gardens either by a short trip in the car or via a hike through the botanical gardens. We chose to drive there from the botanical gardens. I wish we had known about this place earlier, it’s like having your own private beach as long as steer clear of the water as it’s croc country. I can picture a family setting up a picnic for the day here and having fun on the sand. There is a set of stairs with a handrail to access the beach, although a little hard to see, we found it on our departure. There’s also one long drop toilet on site.
