<p>Cape York Adventures have been operating since 1996. Linking travellers from the mainland to the Torres Strait to immerse themselves with culture, tradition and rich history. They are based at the top of Cape York, in a Torres Strait islander community called Seisia. Offering 3 Island Tours, 2 Island Cultural Experiences, Private Fishing Charters, 4WD Tip Tours (Pajinka), 4WD Tours to Fruit Bat Falls, Twin Falls and Eliot Falls and more. With multiple vessels they can cater to any size group and occasion. .</p>

<p>Willie takes you to his ancestral rock art sites, high in the hills outside Cooktown. Here he shares the stories behind the art, and explains how the paintings speak of the essence of life and the lores of his people. With his great smile and infectious laugh, Willie will give you an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and show you how we all have a connection to the land, wherever we come from.</p>

<p>Listen and learn as your host Gerry introduces you to Nature’s Storehouse. Take a step back in time with your hostess Irene as she relates what it was really like growing up an Aboriginal under missionary rule. Maaramaka Walkabout Tours endeavours to preserve the knowledge of the flora and fauna found within Nature’s Storehouse – the bush and rainforest including the sand dunes. <br /> Gerry has a wealth of knowledge with regards to the many species of plants and trees to be found in our Rainforests and bushland.</p>
<p><b>Ph: (07) 4069 5381 or (07) 4060 9389</p>
<p></b></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>

<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>

<p>The Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre is at the heart of Guugu Yimithirr culture and actively involves Aboriginal people of all ages in passing on the cultural traditions and promoting the use and teaching of the Guugu Yimithirr language, which is alive and spoken daily by many local people. The Centre offers a space to learn ancient skills, such as gathering and weaving of local fibres and dyeing them with bush dyes, and modern skills such as printing, etching and contemporary art techniques.</p>
<p>The long and strong tradition of Aboriginal Artists born of this country and of the Guugu Yimithirr, include Derek Rosendale, Evelyn McGreen, Harold Bowen, Shane “Duka” Gibson, Madge Bowen, Ben McGreen, John Allums, Godfrey Gordon, Ken Walsh, Tulo Gordon, Sid McIvor, Walter Jack and <a href="http://www.hopevalearts.com/artists.html#roymcivor" target="_blank">Roy McIvor</a>. With many talented, younger artists emerging, Hope Vale envisions a bright future for its culture.</p>
<p>Visitors are welcome to visit the Centre weekdays, <br /> between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm, at Flierl Street, Hope Vale.</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>Make Cooktown your first choice for a conference venue with a difference.</p>
<p>Cooktown Events Centre offers state of the art conference, sports, theatre and music facilities overlooked by the majestic Mount Cook.</p>
<p>Business meetings for up to 150 seated people can be catered for. </p>
<p>Enjoy the region with post conference tours to historic sites, Aboriginal rock art, river cruises and experience world class fishing.</p>
<p>Choose from a variety of transport options – direct flights, the fully sealed Mulligan highway or charter cruise vessels from Cairns</p>
<p>For Events Centre bookings and information contact:</p>
<p>T: 07 40 820 500</p>
<p><b>Meeting/Multi-purpose rooms: </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Bush poetry at the amphitheatre<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>1 Large Meeting Room</p>
<p>Size:<b> </b>21m x 8m = 168m²</p>
<p>Seated 150</p>
<p>At tables 130</p>
<p>Dividable into 3 smaller rooms</p>
<p>Size: each room 7m x 8m = 49m²</p>
<p>Seated 40</p>
<p>At tables 35</p>
<p>Small Meeting Room</p>
<p> Cooktown Events Centre</p>
<p>Size: 3m x 3m = 9m²</p>
<p>Seating Capacity: 6 at a table</p>
<p> Facilities:</p>
<p>– Data projection equipment.</p>
<p>– Kitchenette with oven, microwave, crockery, cutlery, dishwasher & fridge/freezer</p>
<p>– Male and female toilets and nappy changing facility</p>
<p>– Carpeted</p>
<p>– Air conditioned</p>
<p>– Whiteboards</p>
<p>– Tables</p>
<p>– Chairs</p>
<p>– Grassed/fenced area outside</p>
<p><b>Sports Hall </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Cooktown Events Centre<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>Size:<b> </b>35m x 25m = 875m²</p>
<p>Seated 800</p>
<p>Auditorium 550</p>
<p>At tables 500</p>
<p>Court markings and equipment:</p>
<p>Netball x 1 court</p>
<p>Volleyball x 2 courts</p>
<p>Basketball electronic scoreboards</p>
<p>Badminton x 3 courts</p>
<p>Short tennis x 3 courts</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Air conditioned</p>
<p>– Pulastic sports flooring, suitable for heels</p>
<p>– Benched seating</p>
<p>– 320 chairs</p>
<p>– 40 tables</p>
<p>– Male/female change rooms & showers</p>
<p><b></p>
<p> Local band The Barefoot Belles<br />
</b></p>
<p><b>STAGE & AMPITHEATRE</b></p>
<p>Size: 12m x 9 m = 108m²</p>
<p>Proscenium Stage. Back of stage has sliding panels which open onto an apron and grassed amphitheatre area.</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Male and female dressing rooms and toilets</p>
<p>– Screen at front of stage</p>
<p>– Wheelchair access lift to stage</p>
<p>– Hinged panels to block off front of stage</p>
<p>Seating Capacity:<b> </b>Auditorium seats 550</p>
<p><b>KITCHEN </b></p>
<p><b></p>
<p> State of the art facilities<br />
</b><b><br /></b></p>
<p>Size: 11m x 5m 55m²</p>
<p>Kitchen hirers are required to undergo a kitchen induction</p>
<p>Facilities:</p>
<p>– Commercial standard</p>
<p>– Cold room</p>
<p>– Hot/cold bain maries</p>
<p>– Deep fat fryers</p>
<p>– Combi steamer</p>
<p>– Chiller fridges</p>
<p>– Dishwashers</p>
<p>– Gas ovens</p>
<p>– Gas cook tops</p>
<p>– Heat lamps</p>
<p>– Microwaves</p>
<p><b>GYM</b></p>
<p>The gym is available for public use. 24/7 Gym Memberships are available see their website for more information <a href="http://www.cook.qld.gov.au/cooktowneventscentre/" target="_blank">here </a></p>
<p><b>FOYER</b></p>
<p>Our large open foyer with its public art and outdoor undercover area is the perfect setting for a dinner, morning tea, barbecue or buffet.</p>