<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>

<h3>Cooktown Discovery Trail Summary</h3>
<p><strong>Day 1. </strong>Cooktown-Laura via Lakefield National Park 136 km, approx 2 hr 30 mins</p>
<p><strong>Day 2.</strong> Laura-Cooktown 143 km, approx 1 hrs, 30 mins</p>
<p> Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland</p>
<h3>DAY 1. Cooktown-Laura.</h3>
<p>Road conditions unsealed, suitable for 4WD.</p>
<p>A dirt road links Cooktown to Lakefield National Park, past the Endeavour Falls and on through Battle Camp Road. Camping permits and information about the park can be obtained from QPWS rangers at Cooktown, New Laura, Lakefield or Bizant Ranger Stations. Crossing Laura River, you will come upon historic Old Laura Homestead, one of the oldest cattle properties on Cape York. The structure you see today was built in 1892.</p>
<p>You can bush camp in Lakefield National Park (permit required) or continue onto the township of Laura, where hotel and camping facilities are available.</p>
<p>Carry plenty of drinking water and fuel as there are no service stations in the park. </p>
<p> WARNING – CROCODILES. Estuarine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers and waterholes in this area.</p>
<p> Giant Horse Gallery</p>
<h3>DAY 2. Laura-Cooktown.</h3>
<p>Road conditions sealed suitable for 2WD.</p>
<p>The area surrounding Laura is known as ‘Quinkan country’ and is renowned for its ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, considered among the world’s finest. The ‘Split Rock’ site about 10km south of Laura is open to the public. To learn more about the region’s history and culture, visit the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre to organise a site tour. If you are interested in these areas you will need to contact them prior to starting your trip.</p>
<p>Another of Laura’s highlights is the annual Horse Races and Rodeo which are held on the first weekend of July, and the Indigenous Dance and Cultural Festival held every two years.</p>
<p>Follow the Peninsula Development Road south to the tiny township of Lakeland Downs, in the heart of the Laura River Valley. This is now a major coffee and banana growing region.</p>
<p>The final 80 km back to Cooktown crosses four rivers – the West Normanby, East Normanby, Little Annan and Big Annan. Allow time for a few stops in the last 30km – Black Mountain National Park, the historic Lion’s Den Hotel (a 4km detour from the main road) and finally Keating’s Lagoon.</p>
<h3>Enjoy the whole Great Tropical Drive</h3>
<p>Follow the Great Tropical Drive for 12 days and 2079 kilometres to some of Australia’s best known attractions – the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Hinchinbrook Island and Undara Lava Tubes – and be prepared for many unexpected discoveries along the way.</p>
<p>The Great Tropical Drive passes through six unique regions of North Queensland: <br /> Cooktown, Port Douglas and Daintree, Cairns and Beaches, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, Tropical Tablelands and Savannah Country, Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook.</p>
<p>Information courtesy of <a href="http://http//www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au/" target="_blank">Tourism Tropical North Queensland</a></p>

<h3>Day 1. Cooktown Orientation</h3>
<p>Start with a visit to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/naturespowerhouse" title="Nature&apos;s Powerhouse Cooktown Botanic Gardens">Botanic Gardens and Nature’s Powerhouse</a> which houses the Charles Tanner Wildlife of Cape York Exhibition and Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery.</p>
<p>There are several walks in the Botanic Gardens and also trails which lead to the beautiful beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay.</p>
<p>In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll in the footsteps of Captain Cook along Charlotte Street to orientate yourself and admire the historical buildings and sites.</p>
<p>Children can be entertained by the Musical Ship and children’s playground at the waterfront, and several cafes along Charlotte Street and at the wharf offer refreshments.</p>
<p>Allow plenty of time for a visit to the world-class <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/museums/cooktown-museum" target="_self">Cooktown Museum</a>, with its fantastic displays which include the anchor and cannon from the HMS Bark Endeavour, and the story of Cook’s arrival from the perspective of the Guugu Yimithirr people.</p>
<p>End the day on <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/grassy-hill" title="Grassy Hill">Grassy Hill,</a> with its panoramic views and superb sunset vistas.</p>
<h3>Day 2. Hopevale Nugal-warra Rock Art Tour and Elim Beach<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Aboriginal tours</p>
<p>Just 45 mins from Cooktown, outside Hopevale, are the incredible <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours" title="Guurrbi Tours">Nugal-warra rock art sites</a>, which can be visited with Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon, whose tours are deservedly featured as One of Australia’s Must-Do Experiences, and not to be missed when staying in Cooktown.</p>
<p>The nearby community of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/history/aboriginalculturehopevale" title="Aboriginal Culture - Hope Vale & Elim Beach">Hope Vale</a> has an Arts and Cultural Centre which supports local artists, and the magnificent Coloured Sands at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/hopevale/index" title="Hope Vale and Elim Beach">Elim Beach</a> are well worth a visit (4wd only).  <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls">Isabella Falls</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/waterfalls/index" title="Waterfalls"> </a></b>is a great place for a picnic and a swim.</p>
<h3>Day 3. Go Fishing/Boating</h3>
<p> Cooktown fishing</p>
<p>Cooktown is famous as a world class fishing destination – join those in the know who come from all corners of the globe to experience sports fishing at its best. A few hours on the water is a relaxing trip and one of the best ways to appreciate the stunning natural surroundings from a different perspective.</p>
<p>Whether you take a guided trip with one of several fishing companies<b> </b>in town, hire a dinghy for the day, or bring your own boat, the fishing is a great experience for the whole family.</p>
<p>Alternatively take a nature boat cruise on the Endeavour River crocodile spotting, bird watching and casting a casual line for the estuarine fish.</p>
<h3>Day 4. And so much more to choose from!<b><br /></b></h3>
<p> Rainforest walk</p>
<p>Also to be considered are <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/tours/local-tours/hiddenvalleytrailrides">horse riding trails</a>, farmstays, hiking up <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/mountcook">Mount Cook</a>, a visit to the mysterious <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/black-mountain-national-park" title="Black Mountain National Park, (Kalkajaka N.P.)">Black Mountain National Park</a> and birdwatching at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/keatings-lagoon-walk" title="Keatings Lagoon (Mulbabidgee) Walk">Keatings Lagoon</a>.</p>
<p>Visitors are very welcome to a <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links">round of golf</a><b><a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/cooktown-golf" title="Cooktown Golf Links"> </a></b>at the picturesque links course at Walker Bay, or you can enjoy a game of bowls at <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/sports/bowls" title="Cooktown Bowls Club">Cooktown’s Bowls Club</a>.</p>
<p>Take the kids to our beautiful beaches at Finch Bay, Cherry Tree Bay, Quarantine Bay and Walker Bay but swimming is not advised.</p>
<p>More options include <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/scenic-rim-walking-trail" title="Scenic Rim Walking Trail">The Scenic Rim</a> walking trail, fishing on the Annan river or from the wharf – or simply enjoying a ‘coldie’ with the locals in one of the pubs.</p>
<p>You could take one of the suggested <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/self-drive/index" title="Self Drive Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula">self-drive itineraries</a><b>.</b> Or if you haven’t already done so, head off to explore the Wet Tropics<b> </b>on Cooktown’s doorstep. There are several waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby vicinity.</p>
<p>Hike up to the <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/walks/homerulefalls">Home Rule</a> waterfalls or walk one of the trails around the Mungumby Valley which offer superb bird watching. Seek the elusive Bennett’s Tree Climbing Kangaroo at Shipton Flats, or for experienced bushwalkers go hiking in the incredible <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/nature/np/cedar-bay" title="Cedar Bay National Park">Cedar Bay National Park</a>.</p>
<p>No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the historic <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/lionsden" title="The Lions Den Hotel">Lions Den Hotel</a> in Helenvale, and there are a couple of <a href="https://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/stay/rainforestcoast/mungumby">rainforest retreats</a> in the region for an overnight stay.</p>

<p>The display showcases regional history through stories, photos, interactive displays, murals and oral histories.</p>
<p>The Archive and Research facility has the largest collection of maps, photos and documents pertaining to Cooktown’s history. The Centre provides local history and family research with over 60,000 names on the database.</p>
<p>The Cooktown History Centre is located next door to the Post Office at 121 Charlotte Street.</p>
<p>Open Monday-Saturday 9.00am – 12.00pm. The Archive and Research Centre is open throughout the main tourism season but may be closed from December to April. A small entrance fee applies to help maintain this volunteer run facility.</p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 6640</b></p>

<p>Cooktown boasts a number of beautifully maintained historic buildings including the fabulous Cooktown Museum on Helen St and the Old Bank in Charlotte St.</p>
<p>The Cooktown Museum is open daily, located in the carefully restored St Marys Convent, on the corner of Helen and Furneaux Streets. Displays feature artefacts, images and information, depicting the time James Cook spent here in 1770 repairing the Endeavour and interacting with the local Aboriginal people. The discovery of Gold at the Palmer River gave rise to the birth of Cooktown over 100 years later. Museum exhibits tell some fascinating aspects of the local Chinese, European and Aboriginal histories of this region. The restored Endeavour anchor and one of her 6 cannons are features of the Cooktown Museum.</p>
<p>The Cooktown and District Historical Society have mounted a magnificent exhibition -Cooktown through the Years-in the stately 19th Century Historic Bank building in Charlotte Street. Open from Easter through to October. All visitors and tour groups are welcome. </p>
<p>Nature’s Powerhouse is located in the historic Botanical Gardens and features the works of Vera Scarth Johnson who gifted her detailed botanical artworks to the people of Cooktown. </p>
<p>Artists and Craftspeople abound in the area, inspired by the landscapes, colours and stories. </p>
<p>The Old Railway Station Building in Charlotte Street is the perfect outlet for the artistic members of the Cooktown Creative Arts Association. Run by volunteers and the artists it is a treasure trove of local creations.</p>
<p>The Elizabeth Guzeley Gallery is located next to the Cooktown Post Office on Charlotte St and regularly holds exhibitions of local artworks, an annual Art Awards competition and co ordinates the Cooktown Art Festival.</p>
<p>The Black Cockatoo Gallery is a hidden gem for those exploring the Bloomfield & Ayton areas. Artist Ross Franzi and friends have created a stunning gallery with some wonderful sculptures, fabulous paintings and stunning pieces inspired by the unique, untouched environs of the region.</p>
<p>The Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre at Laura displays and sells works by local Aboriginal artists. It is open daily from 9am with flexible summertime hours.</p>

<p>Formed in 1978 by a Cooktown group interested in improving their artistic skills.<br />In 1988 the dream of having their own art gallery was realised and in 1998 named for Elizabeth Guzsely as a suitable recognition of her art legacy.  <br />Art works on display are by local artists in a variety of medium and styles. These include oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolour, mixed media, charcoal, graphite, pen & ink and indigenous art linked to local cultural traditions.</p>
<p>Individual artists have the chance to improve their artistic skills through learning, sharing, exhibiting and selling their art. </p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 5322</b></p>
<p>125 Charlotte Street, Cooktown </p>

<p><b>Introduction</b></p>
<p>Housed in a stunning 19th Century convent building, the Cooktown Museum is one of Queensland’s best museums, showcasing the fascinating history of this remarkable town.  The museum follows the story of Captain James Cook’s enforced seven week stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first meaningful contact between Europeans and Indigenous Australian took place, to the days of the Palmer River gold rush, as well as personal stories and items from Cooktown’s early residents.</p>
<p><b>What to see</b></p>
<p>The museum’s exhibits are rich and varied.  The Endeavour Gallery gives a fascinating insight into the seven weeks Cook and his crew spent at the site of modern Cooktown repairing their ship after their catastrophic grounding on nearby Endeavour Reef.  The highlight of the gallery is the original anchor and cannon from the Endeavour, jettisoned from the ship in 1770 and only retrieved from the reef in the early 1970s.  The Endeavour Gallery not only explores the fight for survival Cook and his men faced on the reef, but also documents the many discoveries made by the scientific team during their stay at the Endeavour River.  Integral to Australian history and identity is the interaction between Cook and the local Guugu Yimithiir people – the most extensive he experienced in Australia – and this story is told from both perspectives.</p>
<p>Other galleries explore the changing face of Cooktown.  The galleries on the first floor – former classrooms and the school hall – house objects from pupils and sisters who called the convent home, tales from the Palmer gold rush and a display dedicated to the rich Chinese heritage of the region.  The Nun’s cells and dormitories on the upper floor are home to exhibits detailing the strong maritime history of Cooktown and the personal stories and objects from local families who endured hardship, loneliness and isolation but who nevertheless carved out a life in this remote location. The Indigenous Gallery gives an unmissable insight into the culture and history of the Guugu Yimithiir people.</p>
<p>The museum is surrounded by the Sir Joseph Banks Garden, in which can be found some of the 170 species Banks identified and named in the region in 1770. The shady groves and cool breezes make this an ideal spot to sit back, relax and enjoy unparalleled views across the Endeavour River to the north shore. The museum gift shop offers a range of merchandise including books, Cook memorabilia, collectables, postcards, clothing, and toys.</p>
<p>Contact us:</p>
<p>PO Box 103</p>
<p>Cooktown QLD 4895</p>
<p>Tel: +61 (07) 4069 5386</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="https://nationaltrustqld.org.au/visitor-sites/Cooktown-Museum" target="_blank">website</a></p>
<p>Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cooktownmuseum" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p>

<p>A well known artist, collector and avid conservationist, Vera was concerned that some of the plants of her beloved Endeavour River were becoming harder to find during the many excursions she made deep into the river basin.  Entranced by the beauty of the Endeavour River valley, she became passionate about the need to graphically record the flowering plants found in this unique region before they became endangered.</p>
<p>In 1986, Vera donated her collection of completed works to the people of Cooktown, with her keenest wish being that the collection would encourage people to appreciate and protect our natural environment.</p>
<p>The Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery also houses a collection of Banks Florilegium botanical engravings showing plants collected here at the Endeavour River by Joseph Banks during Captain James Cook’s first Pacific Voyage.  These engravings are based on original sketches produced on board the Endeavour, by Botanical artist Sydney Parkinson. </p>
<p>The gallery also displays the works of prominent local artists in changing exhibitions throughout the year. </p>

<p>The building is heritage listed inside and out and today it houses the Cooktown Healthy Community Hub in the downstairs offices. Definitely worth a visit when you are exploring the streets of Cooktown. </p>