Explore Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula
Welcome to historic Cooktown, and the remote, unspoilt beauty of Cape York Peninsula. Captain Cook's arrival on the banks of the Endeavour River in 1770 led to his first recorded meaningful contact and reconciliation with Aboriginal people. Discover this unique history and Cooktown's colourful past on a stroll around town, and experience the raw beauty of one of Australia's last true frontiers.
Getting Here ...
Get up to date road condition reports HERE
Travel the fully sealed Inland route to Cooktown or take the scenic Coastal route including the 4WD Bloomfield Track.
See our Getting Here page for details
Unique Events
Time your visit to coincide with one of our unique Events.
Suggested Itineraries
Self drive to Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula on The Great Tropical Drive - push your frontiers
Daintree-Cooktown Explorer Trail
Cooktown-Laura Discovery Trail
Suggested Cape York Itinerary
Accommodation
Find accommodation to suit all budgets from natural campsites, farmstays, historic pubs, backpackers and motels to resort hotels
Tours
Experience the region on a variety of local tours, including horse riding trails, fishing charters, guided coach tours, Aboriginal tours and river nature cruises- More information
2012 Travel Planner
From February 2012, all camping in national park and resource reserve camping areas on Cape York Peninsula will need to be pre-booked.
Self registration will no longer be available and campers need to buy an e-permit before arriving at the camping area.
There is now a new simplified log-in system in place for the 2013 season
E-permits can be booked online HERE
Cooktown and Cape York Media Centre
See our Media Kit pages for downloadable 2012 Media Kit and downloadable stock photos, and suggested travel features
View the Cooktown and Cape York You Tube Channel for inspirational film clips of the region
Join our social network at the Cooktown Tropical North Queensland page on Facebook and the MyCooktown page on Twitter
Read the Cooktown and Cape York blog