Cooktown, Australia
Named after the famous British Navigator Captain James Cook, Cooktown is located on the coast of Cape York Peninsula. Since the town is uniquely situated among several major ecozones – tropical rainforest, sclerophyll forests, lagoons and sand dunes – the region is an outdoor playground for visitors looking to hike, fish, bird watch or simply soak in panoramic views on a scenic drive. In town, learn about the local history at James Cook Museum and stroll through the Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest in the country. Cooktown’s biggest draw, though, is its close proximity to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel or dive among a dizzying array of colorful fish, sea turtles, unique molluscs and perhaps even glimpse a whale or dolphins.
Cooktown Cruise Image Gallery
What you NEED TO KNOW
-
Port Name & Location
Port of Cooktown. Ship will DOCK at this port. -
Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard (AES)
UTC/GMT+10 -
Language
After English, the most commonly spoken language is Guugu Yimithirr, their native language. -
Currency & Shopping
The local currency is the Australian Dollar ($). -
Famous For
The Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on Earth, is the closest to the mainland at this port. Easily accessible for snorkeling and many other excursions. -
Fun Fact #1
The port’s name comes from Captain James Cook, a European explorer that ran aground on nearby reefs off the coast, making it the first true white settlement on Australian soil. -
Fun Fact #2
Known for its bushwalking trails from where you can enjoy the views over the Great Barrier Reef and the Endeavour Valley. -
Fun Fact: Landmarks
Every summer the community re-enacts Captain James Cook’s, historic landing, complete with replica ship, cannon fire and period costume in honor of its establishment.