<p>World class wind conditions are almost guaranteed, and with deserted beaches and stunning backdrops, increasing numbers of kite surfers keep coming back for more.</p>
<p>The main beaches favored by the kite surfing community are at Walker Bay and Archer Point, both just outside Cooktown, and Elim Beach near Hope Vale.</p>
<p><a href="http://australiankitesurfari.com/" target="_blank">Australian Kitesurfari</a> run organised tours from Cairns and are pioneers in the sport in the region. </p>
<p>The best times of year for kite surfing are are from April-December – come fly with us where the wind always blows!</p>
<p> Kite surfing at Walker Bay</p>

<p>Access is from Cooktown or Ayton by private or <a href="resolveuid/d42d3bd2d46b2349554081f0bfd6de33">charter boat</a>. There is no access to West Hope in the sea bird breeding season from September-March.</p>
<p>An important nesting site for pied imperial pigeons, the islands are significant sea country for the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.</p>
<p>Snorkelling and diving from the islands to pristine reefs.</p>
<p>There are four bush campsites on East Hope island.</p>

<p>The Lizard Island group lies midway between the coast and the outer barrier reefs on the edge of the continental shelf.</p>
<p> Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard the main island has several sheltered sandy beaches with easy access to the coral and clam gardens. The islands are rich in cultural meaning for the Dingaal Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, and also contain important European heritage sites.</p>
<p>Lizard Island was declared a National Park in 1939 and the other islands were added in 1987. The reef and waters surrounding Lizard Island are protected within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and GBR World Heritage Area.</p>
<p>Watson’s Bay is a popular snorkeling site with famed clam gardens and a unique abundance and diversity of solitary corals. The edge of the continental shelf lies just 20km to the east of Lizard Island and the sports fishing from Lizard is world class with 1000lb black marlin frequently caught.</p>
<p>Rising to 395 m above sea level, Cook’s Look provides stunning views of the surrounding reefs and there are several other walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.</p>
<p> Cook’s Look, Lizard Island, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Lizard Island has a tropical climate with a wet season from December-April and best time to visit is May-November</p>
<p>There is a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/cape-york-peninsula/lizard-island">5 star resort</a> on Lizard Island and bush camping is permitted in Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island and permits must be obtained in advance.</p>
<p>Commercial airlines provide regular flights from Cairns and charter flights are available from Cairns and Cooktown. Private aircraft may land with permission from the resort.<br />Commercial charter vessels depart from Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown for Lizard Island.</p>

<p>Ribbon Reefs, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p>Stretching 2,300 km along the coast from the tip of Cape York to Bundaberg, the Great Barrier reef is a vast wilderness area. Covering 348,000 sq km it was Queensland’s first World Heritage area, and is the largest coral reef system in the world.</p>
<p>With the northern section isolated from cities, large towns and major agricultural areas, the reef is at its most pristine in this region, and home to more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4,000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponges and 300 species of corals.</p>
<p>Cooktown is the closest port to the Reef and a short boat trip takes visitors to spectacular snorkelling around some of the most pristine coral reefs, cays and islands. This is fabulous habitat for dugongs who breed and feed along the sea grass beds in the sheltered bays. Turtles re-visit the deserted beaches to lay their eggs each breeding season and majestic whales pass through the inner reefs when migrating to the warm northern waters.</p>
<p>Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park, is 90 kms north-east of Cooktown, and considered one of the world’s best snorkelling and diving destinations. The island also boasts excellent research facilities particularly focussed on coral reefs and climate research.</p>
<p>Exclusive Lizard Island resort is located on the southern end of the island, while the National Park offers delightful sites for a limited number of campers who must be totally self-sufficient. Campsite availability and bookings can be made online or at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Office on the waterfront in Cooktown.</p>
<p>For all information contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on: 1800 990 177, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park website: <strong><a href="http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.gbrmpa.gov.au</a></strong>, or talk to local Rangers on (07) 4069 5777.</p>

<p><b>Archer Point</b></p>
<p>Located about 20 km outside Cooktown signposted from the Mulligan Highway. Often windy, this is a popular spot for kite surfers. As the 3 beaches are all facing a different direction there is always a calm beach to relax on. From the beach at low tide you can walk out to the reef and snorkel off the point, but beware of crocodiles and stingers. This is a great camping spot if you are entirely self-sufficient – the views are spectacular (unsealed access road). </p>
<p><b>Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay</b></p>
<p> Finch Bay – Pam Davey</p>
<p>These are the two local beaches in Cooktown. Although you can drive to <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/finchbay">Finch Bay</a>, just 2 km past the Botanic Gardens entrance and car park, there is delightful short bush walk through the Gardens. <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/beaches/cherry_tree_bay">Cherry Tree Bay</a> is only accessible by foot through the Botanic Gardens or from the Grassy Hill road.</p>
<p><b>Quarantine Bay</b></p>
<p>A 5km drive from Cooktown – turn off the Mulligan Highway to Quarantine and Walker Bay then continue past the Golf Course turn off. The beach is pebbly here and situated at the base of Mt Cook the backdrop is a rainforest covered slope. </p>
<p><b>Walker Bay</b></p>
<p>Walker Bay is accessed by a road on the right just after the golf course entrance. The beach is located at the mouth of the Annan River and long sandy stretches snake north along the coastline. This is a beach favoured by anglers as they fish the sand bars at the mouth of the River, and also a renowned favourite amongst kite surfers. </p>
<p><b>Weary Bay</b></p>
<p>Named by Captain Cook’s crew in 1770 Weary Bay is an open, nine km long bay at the mouth of the Bloomfield River and a popular fishing spot for the locals.</p>
<p>Weary Bay beach is an ideal spot for a long leisurely walk and access is from Weary Bay road in Ayton.</p>
<p><b>Elim Beach and Coloured Sands</b></p>
<p>Past Hopevale is the beautiful <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index">Elim Beach</a> overlooking Cape Bedford.</p>
<p> Somerset Beach, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<p><b>Cape York Beaches</b></p>
<p>Beyond Cooktown there are accessible beaches at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cape-melville">Cape Melville National Park</a>. A popular camping site is found at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/iron-range-national-park">Chilli Beach</a> in the Iron Range National Park.</p>
<p>Near Seisa and Bamaga there are several lovely beaches including Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Somerset Beach.</p>
<p>Albatross Bay provides a scenic coastal retreat at Weipa.</p>
<h3>Important advice!</h3>
<p>Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches. Fortunately our conservation measures are working so always be croc wise and ask for local advice before going near the water.</p>
<p>Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.</p>
<p>Marine stingers have been found throughout the year on local beaches and in the Cooktown harbour. Marine stingers can be fatal. Accidental bites can be relieved with instant and continued application of vinegar and get medical help as soon as possible.</p>

<p>The Quinkan Galleries are internationally renowned and offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Laura region. The site consists of five clustered rock shelters, each depicting its own stories and evidence of past occupation. The final shelter features the Quinkan family, including the tallest recorded Quinkan figure, standing at an over 3 metres high.</p>
<p>This is a special cultural site, and local Indigenous guides share its stories and significance with passion, knowledge and respect.</p>
<p><strong>Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Private guided tours are available from May to September and typically take approximately 2 hours. Tours are conducted by experienced local Indigenous guides and can be tailored to visitors. Bookings are essential and tour pricing is available on application (POA).</p>
<p>To book a private guided tour, visit the Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation website or contact the team directly:</p>
<p><strong>Self-Guided Tours</strong></p>
<p>Self-guided tour options are also available for visitors wishing to explore the area at their own pace. Please contact Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation for current access information and conditions.</p>

<p>Mooks was raised on his traditional land where he learnt the old ways from his Grandparents, Uncles and elder family members.</p>
<p>He learnt about bush medicines and bush foods from them and he finds great joy sharing his knowledge of plants, his culture and the land.</p>
<p>As a tour guide, Mooks has over 40 years’ experience and in Kuku Nyungkul language he is known as a ‘Kuku bugga’ which means he loves to talk!</p>
<p>Throughout his life Mooks has always been a keen communicator of traditional culture, helping people from all walks of life, to make a deeper connection to country.</p>
<p>Tour options include a three hour tour and a 90 minute tour. Bookings essential.</p>
<p>Rossville Retreat also offers camping and bush lodges accommodation.</p>

<p>Mary Watson’s disappearance caused great anxiety and concern within the Cooktown community. The emotions and feelings are reflected by the Cooktown Courier of January 1882.</p>
<p>The mystery which surrounded the Lizard Island tragedy has at length been cleared up.</p>
<p>… Mrs. Watson was left on Lizard Island with a baby and two Chinese servants, on the 27th September, the blacks came, and next day speared one Chinaman, and on the 30th speared the other in seven places, but the dauntless woman defended herself so resolutely with firearms as to drive them temporarily away. But to remain was certain death, and on the 3rd October she escaped in an iron tank, with her child, the wounded Chinaman, and a supply of provisions. They floated all night, and next day landed on a bare reef, where she remained till the 6th October.</p>
<p>Water gave out, and the poor hunted woman pulled the tank and its contents over to No 1 Island of the Howick Group. Search for water there was in vain, but natives were there, so she again started, and reached No 5 Island, 40 miles away, on the 8th.</p>
<p>There surrounded by water – but all salt; with plenty of provisions, which her parched and swollen throat could not swallow,. with her child, only a few months old, dying before her eyes, while she herself suffered the torture of Tantalus; she died of thirst.</p>
<p>It was not until January 1882 that the bodies were discovered and brought back to Cooktown.</p>
<p>Mary, Ferrier and Ah Sam were interred in the historic cemetery of Cooktown. A memorial was unveiled by the then Mayor, John Davis, in February 1886. It stands in Charlotte Street near the Cook Shire Offices.</p>
<p><strong>The diary of Mary Beatrice Watson</strong></p>
<p>In 1891, Mrs. Watson, her new born son Ferrier, and their man servant Ah Sam headed to sea in a tank used for boiling down beche-de-mer. So began a remarkable but short journey that ended in tragedy. The reason for this apparent insanity is clear from Mrs. Watson’s diary entries from 27 September to 11 October.</p>
<p><strong>Diary 1 Lizard Island</strong></p>
<p><strong>September 27, 1881</strong><br />… Ah Sam saw smoke in S. direction, supposed to be from native camp. Steamer bound north very close about 6pm; Corea I think.</p>
<p><strong>September 28</strong><br />Blowing strong S.E. breeze.</p>
<p><strong>September 29</strong><br />… Ah Leong killed by the blacks over at the farm (a quarter of a mile from her cottage).  Ah Sam found his hat, which is the only proof.</p>
<p><strong>September 30</strong><br />Natives down on the beach at 7pm. Fired off rifle and revolver and they went away.</p>
<p><strong>October 1</strong><br />Natives(4) speared Ah Sam; four places in the right side, and three on the shoulder. Got three spears from the natives. Saw ten men altogether.</p>
<p><strong>Diary 2 Found in the tank</strong></p>
<p>Left Lizard Island <strong>October 2nd 1881</strong>, (Sunday afternoon) in tank (or pot in which beche de mer is boiled). Got about three or four miles from the Lizards.</p>
<p><strong>October 4</strong><br />Made for the sand bank off the Lizards, but could not reach it. Got on a reef.</p>
<p><strong>October 5</strong><br />Remained on the reef all day on the look out for a boat, but saw none.</p>
<p><strong>October 6</strong><br />Very calm morning. Able to pull the tank up to an island with three small mountains on it. Ah Sam went ashore to try to get water as ours was done. There were natives camped there, so we were afraid to go far away. We had to wait return of tide. Anchored under the mangroves; got on the reef. Very calm.</p>
<p><strong>October 7</strong><br />Made for another island four or five miles from the one spoken of yesterday. Ashore, but could not find any water. Cooked some rice and clam-fish. Moderate S.E. breeze. Stayed here all night. Saw a steamer bound north. Hoisted Ferrier’s pink and white wrap but did not answer us.</p>
<p><strong>October 8</strong><br />Changed anchorage of boat as the wind was freshening. Went down to a kind of little lake on the same island (this done last night). Remained here all day looking out for a boat; did not see any; very cold night; blowing very hard. No water.</p>
<p><strong>October 9</strong><br />Brought the tank ashore as far as possible with this morning’s tide. Made camp all day under the trees. Blowing very hard. No water. Give Ferrier a dip in the sea; he is showing symptoms of thirst, and I took a dip myself. Ah Sam and self very parched with thirst. Ferrier is showing symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>October 10</strong><br />Ferrier very bad with inflammation; very much alarmed. No fresh water, and no more milk, but condensed. Self very weak; really thought I would have died last night (Sunday).</p>
<p><strong>October 11</strong><br />Still all alive. Ferrier very much better this morning. Self feeling very weak. I think it will rain to-day; clouds very heavy; wind not quite so hard. No rain. Morning fine weather. Ah Sam preparing to die, have not seen him since 9th. Ferrier more cheerful. Self not feeling at all well. Have not seen any boat of any description. No water. Nearly dead with thirst.</p>
<p>Source:<br />Cooktown Library, 1996</p>

<p>Courtesy Gone Fishing</p>
<p>The Endeavour River is wide at the mouth, and progressing north, lined with over 25 species of mangroves. As it branches it changes dramatically to narrow creeks lined with palms and rainforest flora. It is along the Endeavour River that Solander first documented much of Australia’s flora.</p>
<p>The Endeavour River offers very good mixed fishing right in the heart of Cooktown on a river steeped in history. This river is a great example of how a tropical estuarine system should be.  Deep holes, submerged timber, sand flats, smaller inlets and tributaries, weed beds and all your mangrove species in one river.  By casting lures to the numerous snags and fallen giants of the rainforest that litter the waterway, you will be bound to catch either the predominant species, barramundi or jacks, fingermark, trevally, barracuda or sharks. Brilliant family fishing can also be had on the local wharf and immediate vicinity using a variety of methods.  Many big barra, Spanish mackerel, queenfish and trevally are landed here throughout the year. </p>
<p>To really explore the system and appreciate it a boat is necessary.  Bring your own, hire a tinny or take advantage of a local guided charter.  If you enjoy lure/fly casting a vessel equipped with an electric motor will provide you with lots more opportunities and a heap more fun.  Boats can be launched opposite the seaview Motel or at the Marton boat ramp 10 minutes north of town.</p>
<p>The best time for croc-spotting is during the winter months of June-August on a low tide. Saltwater crocodiles are most commonly seen in the North Arm of the River, with many different-sized crocs reluctant to slide back into the cold water.</p>
<p>River cruises are popular for croc spotting and bird watching and the following companies operate tours on the Endeavour River:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cooktownbarracharters.com/" target="_blank">Cooktown Barra Charters</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cooktown-dinghy-hire-river-cruises-293279910730573/" target="_blank">Cooktown Dinghy Hire and River Cruises</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.fishingcooktown.com/" target="_blank">Gone Fishing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.riverbendtours.com.au/" target="_blank">Riverbend Tours</a></li>
</ul>