What's on in Cooktown

Did you know?

Cooktown has been named One of Australia's Top 100 Towns by Australian Traveller magazine (March 09) - and Guurrbi's Aboriginal tours get a mention as well! Read what the judges say...

Here are some photos from the Aboriginal Dance Festival in Laura which took place in June. The festival is held every two years and brings together Indigenous people from Cape York and north Queensland, and visitors from all over the world.

Forthcoming events...

Month of November 2009 - "Nature Dreaming"

An exhibition of Clare Bonnin's beautiful photography of Cooktown and environs at Nature's Powerhouse in the Botanic Gardens. Open daily. Ph. 07 4069 6004.

Saturday, 14 November 2009 - Q150 Community barbeque

Free community barbeque at Cooktown wharf from 3pm to 7pm to celebrate Queensland's 150 anniversary year and the 50th anniversary of the Cooktown Orchid being chosen as Queensland's official state flower. Official opening of the restored Powder Magazine, live music and family entertainment. Join the guided walk from the wharf to the Powder Magazine for the ceremony and learn about Cooktown's history on the way. Ph 07 4069 5444.

Sunday, 20 December 2009 - Carols by Candlelight

Evening of celebration in Endeavour Park, with free Sausage Sizzle from 6pm and Carols commencing at 7pm. Everyone welcome.

11-13 June 2010 - Cooktown Discovery Festival & Re-enactment

Every year in June, the small town of Cooktown re-enacts the landing of Lt. James Cook and his damaged ship on the banks of the Endeavour, and tells the story of the first interaction between British and Aboriginal people, and Australia’s First Reconciliation.

Over the past few years, the input of local clans has enriched the event beyond our imagination, with the Guugu Yimithirr now adding their stories to the written accounts in Cook's Journals, on which the original event was based.

To more fully celebrate our shared histories, in 2010 the re-enactment will become part of a 3-day historical and cultural event, with Guugu Yimithirr arts and craft workshops and displays, firelight malgarri (corroboree), costume ball, historical tours, 18th century concerts, an exhibition of Sydney Parkinson's drawings, boat excursions to Cook's Turtle Reef and much, much more.

Be sure to book early—it’s going to be a great weekend!

More pictures of the 2009 Re-enactment

For more local information...

Cooktown e-Guide - to read more about Cooktown and the surrounding region, what to do, what to see, where to go, where to stay, check out our new 2009-10 e-brochure, which is packed with local information.

Cooktown Image Gallery - for images of our beautiful town and region.