This small village was established in 1873 to cater to the demands created by the Palmer River gold rush. At its peak, Cooktown had a population of around 30,000 but now it sits at around 1,400. The locals are quick to tell stories of the history and folklore surrounding the early pioneering and gold rush days and the town itself is a monument to its history.

Aerial of nearby coastline
Photographer: Peter Lik
Courtesy Tourism Queensland

Streetscape of Cooktown
Photographer: Peter Lik
Courtesy Tourism Queensland

Nearby Trevethan Falls
Courtesy Tourism Queensland

The town is a gateway to the surrounding wilderness and also offers a good base to explore some of the nearby waterfalls and national parks. It is also known as being Australia’s first but brief European settlement. Captain James Cook spent 48 days in 1770 on the banks of the Endeavour River repairing his ship. To celebrate this, every year in June the town puts on the Discovery Festival, which includes a colourful re-enactment of Cook's landing.