Things aren’t what they used to be in Cooktown!

Cooktown has seen unprecedented growth since 2001. Many see this sleepy backwater as the next chapter in the great Far North Queensland story following on from Port Douglas and The Daintree. In recent years the state government has injected vast sums of money into new infrastructure projects and it won’t stop there.

There are already studies underway by private enterprise to find the best location for a new marina and the airfield has taken on a new lease of life with regular scheduled flights to and from Cairns.

This is not the first time in its history that Cooktown has seen an economical upturn, back in 1873 Cooktown had a population of over 30,000 most involved in gold either with the extraction from the Palmer River Goldfields or the shipment of it through the port. Today very little remains of those heady days of hard work, hard fun and ultimately hard times.

This was more than a century after Lt James Cook, Captain of His Majesty's Bark Endeavour spent 48 days in 1770 on the banks of the now called Endeavour River repairing his ship after colliding with Great Barrier Reef, on route from Tahiti, just of shore.

In June each year the community celebrates Cooktown's status as Australia's first, if a little short-lived, European settlement at a Discovery Festival which includes a colourful re-enactment of Cook's landing, non-powered go-kart races, local arts and crafts, plus a great excuse for a party.

A highlight of any visit to the area would be a comprehensive tour of the James Cook Museum - built originally as a convent school then run by Irish nuns back in 1888. The Museum has many treasures including some documents of Cook's voyages, Aboriginal and natural history, the impact of the gold rush and an insight into the Chinese legacy.

Walking tracks in the shire allow visitors to explore areas of beach, bush and mountains, a local guide is recommended to really appreciate these excursions. Closer to town is Grassy Hill where one can share the same view and wildlife that Captain Cook did all those years ago.

Today Cooktown and its permanent population of just 2000 have mixed feeling about the way things are changing. There is no doubt as the spotlight continues to turn on Cooktown, its history and natural beauty will be rediscovered and as a result the population will continue to grow and so will the already comprehensive infrastructure.

As a destination Cooktowns popularity continues to grow year on year. It is hoped that by the end of 2005 the endless ribbon of ash felt between Cairns and Cooktown will have been completed, many believe this will trigger unprecedented growth in the property market as well as opening up the region and in particular the savannah of Cape York.

Cooktown is a very well organised community that is aware of its responsibilities and the following services are available:

• Accommodation: Camping, pub, motel, farm stay, Bed and Breakfast, 4 and 5 star resort and rainforest retreats.
• Airport: 10 kilometres from the town centre ,scheduled flight to and from Cairns International
• Ambulance: Helen Street Cooktown. Coastguard and State emergency services are also available. For all emergencies call '000'.
• Automatic Teller Machine: Charlotte Street Cooktown
• Banking Facilities: Charlotte Street Cooktown
• Beach: Swimming is popular throughout the year. There are five swimming beaches and the local pool to choose from. Some sightings of crocodiles have been noted during the summer months in creeks, waterholes, rivers and beaches.
• Boat Ramp
• Bottled Gas Service
• Chemist
• Coach Stop: Coaches travel regularly through Cooktown and surrounding areas to Cairns, Cape York and beyond to ensure that visitors without a vehicle don't miss out on all the wonderful things to see and do in the area. Tours are also available to connect you with many of the attractions. For information check with the local visitors centre.
• Currency Exchange
• Dentist: Helen Street Cooktown
• Electronic Funds Transfer: At most businesses, tourist and accommodation locations
• Fuel: A number of outlets
• Golf: At the local club visitors very welcome
• Hospital: Helen Street Cooktown. For all emergencies call '000'.
• Public Jetty
• Licensed Clubs: Bowls club, Golf club
• Mechanical and motor Services
• Medical Facilities: Helen Street Cooktown. For all emergencies call '000'.
• National Parks and Wildlife and the local visitors centre.
• Newsagent
• Places of Worship
• Police: Located in Charlotte Street. Coastguard and State emergency services are also available. For all emergencies call '000'.
• Post Office
• Public Bar
• Public Telephone
• Restaurant and cafes including bakery
• Supermarket
• Swimming Pool
• Takeaway Food: All home cooking and good value
• Visitor Centre: Located at the Botanical Gardens

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