Cooktown – sailing and things to do

Cooktown, named for Captain Cook, is on the Cape York Peninsula at the mouth of the Endeavour River; this is where Captain Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs, in 1770. It is an ideal place to re-stock fuel, water and groceries when sailing in Far North Queensland; which is precisely what we did in early December. Actually, we stopped at Cooktown to shelter from the adverse wind for a few days and found that the facilities for refuelling etc. were too convenient to pass on.

Over two hundred and fifty years after Captain Cook descended on the area, we entered the Endeavour River estuary. Many boats were anchored in the estuary, and finding an anchorage suitable for our 2.25-metre draft proved a little tricky. After speaking on the phone to someone at Fisherman’s Wharf, we decided to anchor at the channel’s edge across from a couple of small fishing platforms. It is good holding in mud. Apparently, you can go up the river for deeper water if there is room.

We arrived in Cooktown in time to go ashore for lunch. Having been at sea for well over a week, we all had a craving for a pub meal. A short walk took us to the RSL where we all enjoyed schnitzels. At another time, we had burgers for lunch at the Top Pub (Cooktown Hotel). The burgers were good, and after buying a few 50 cent raffle tickets, Jedd won us a sizeable half leg of ham.

Historic Buildings

On a walk along Charlotte Street, we saw many historic buildings, including the post office, established in 1880 which still offers a full postal service. We also visited the Sovereign Hotel for a drink. The Sovereign Hotel, constructed in 1874, was one of the first two-storey buildings in Cooktown. Click here to read more about the historical building of Cooktown.

Statues and Monuments

We found many Statues, Monuments and interpretive signs depicting the colourful history, including both colonial and indigenous. In Bicentennial Park, we saw the colourful snake mosaic – Milbi Wall – representing the history of Cooks arrival from the vantage point of the local Gungarde Aboriginal people. Cooks Monument, a bronze statue of Captain Cook, commemorates cooks landing in 1770. There is also an old brick-lined town well, old cannon, and a granite cairn erected in 1948 to honour British explorer Edmund Kennedy, to name but a few.

ANZAC Memorial Park

While in Cooktown, we visited the Anzac Memorial Park. The park encompasses a couple of tanks and memorials that commemorate all who served in WWI and WWII. The Public amenities boast a mural featuring vivid red poppies. Complete in April 2015, this mural is a memorial to the local men and women who served during the two World Wars.

Cooktown Cemetery

If exploring the history of Cooktown is on your agenda, a visit to the cemetery at the western end of Charlotte Street will not disappoint (so I am told). We didn’t get a chance to visit this cemetery; however, I hear it is fascinating and includes the tombstones of at least two shipwreck victims, a special section for non-believers, and a Chinese Shrine. There is a large map at the site indicating the location of tombstones and other areas of interest.

James Cook Museum

Want more history? If so, a visit to the James Cook Museum will not steer you wrong. Housed in a nineteenth-century convent, the museum celebrates the history of Cook’s landing, and the local Guugu Yimithiir, Chinese immigrants, and the Gold Rush era. It also depicts the story of the nuns and children who once lived at Sisters of Mercy convent school, the building now lovingly restored and houses the museum.

River of Life Walkway

As we walked along the waterfront from Charlotte Street towards the wharf area, we passed engaging artwork in the footpath. For about 500 metres, we saw many tiles inset on the path that depicts the heterogeneity of Cooktown’s contemporary and historical identity. The tiles, designed by seven local artists (with help from Shelley Burt a Townsville potter) entertain with stories about Cooktown and anecdotes such as the amusing story about a man who saved his dog from a crocodile.

Lion’s Park

Lions Park, located next to the bowling club , has a BBQ area, sheltered picnic tables, a playground, and public amenities. Local markets are held there on Saturday mornings, selling trinkets, cooked food, garden and farm produce, secondhand items, etc.

Musical Ship

The musical ship is an interactive sculpture in Bicentennial Park, made from recycled materials including poly-pipe, stainless steel, aluminium, and Ironwood. Make music on the marimbas, thongaphones, tok-toks, chimes, and doof (bass drum). This bizarre musical playground is fun for young and old alike.

Crabbing

Dwayne and Jedd bought some crab pots and set them in the mangrove-lined river using Nomad’s dinghy. They eventually caught two mud crabs and believed the pots had then paid for themselves. Mud crabs are super tasty and super delicious when they are that fresh! Be aware that crocodiles live in the area.

Grassy Hill Lookout

Grassy Hill offers a 360-degree view of Cooktown, the Endeavour River, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is a 30-minute walk, or you can drive to the lookout. Sunrise is said to be particularly spectacular from this vantage point. In addition to the views, you will find interpretive signage, picnic tables, and a lighthouse.

Walking and Hiking Trails

Cooktown Heritage and Scenic Rim Walking Trail is a walking circuit in a series of 30-minute to 3-hour hikes that take you through diverse habitats presenting unique flora and fauna. Encompassing mangrove-lined boardwalks, saltwater lagoons, tropical rainforest, rocky headlands, and impressive sand dunes. Click here for more information.

The New Waterfront Area

Further along Webber Esplanade, you will come to the new waterfront area. Opened in 2018, the waterfront encompasses a children’s water park, including a giant splash bucket. There are also picnic tables and shelter, drinking water, exercise machines, and change rooms amenities.

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