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Laura
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Nestled on the southern gateway to Cape York Peninsula, Laura is a place where ancient culture, rugged landscapes and outback hospitality come together. Renowned for its world-class Aboriginal rock art, rich pastoral history and unique natural attractions, Laura offers visitors an authentic connection to one of Australia’s most remarkable regions. Explore spectacular sandstone escarpments, discover significant cultural sites, camp beneath expansive skies or enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding bushland. Whether you’re following the famous Peninsula Development Road, attending the Laura Dance Festival, or simply soaking up the character of this historic township, you’ll be captivated by the area’s deep cultural heritage, stunning scenery and welcoming community spirit.
Hotels & Motels
Cafés | Pubs & Taverns
Lakeland Downs Hotel
18 self-contained units, bar, beer garden and meals at the junction
Hotels & Motels | Roadhouses
Cafés | Restaurants | Roadhouses
Laura Roadhouse
Enjoy home-cooked meals and snacks undercover or among native birds
Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels
Mount Carbine Caravan Park
Peaceful bushland camping with shady sites between Cooktown and Cairns
Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels | Roadhouses
Palmer River Roadhouse
Historic gold rush roadhouse with camping, tent sites, fuel, dining and museum.
Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels
Cafés | Restaurants
Quinkan Hotel
Historic Laura hotel with campground, meals and tranquil bird-filled grounds
Camping & Caravans | Eco Retreats
Bustard Downs
Organic farm stays and camping amid bird-rich bushland near Mary Creek
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park
Vast Cape York wetlands with waterbirds, crocodiles and barramundi
4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage | National Parks & Walking Trails | Scenic Drives & Lookouts | Wildlife & Birdwatching
The Great Tropical Drive Discovery Trail
2-day Cooktown–Laura loop through Lakefield National Park and Quinkan country
History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Museums and Galleries
Explore Cooktown’s heritage buildings, museums, galleries and local art
History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Quinkan Cultural Centre, Laura
Explore Quinkan rock art, local heritage and Aboriginal arts in Laura
History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Cooktown Railway
Gold rush railway from Cooktown to Laura, operating from 1885 to 1961
History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
The Gold Rush
The 1873 Palmer River gold rush transformed Cooktown into a boomtown
4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Palmer River Goldfields
Remote goldfields reserve 280km northwest of Cairns, via rough tracks
Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Quinkan Galleries
Explore UNESCO-listed Quinkan rock art with local Indigenous guides
4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Gateway to Cape York
Pause for Cape York displays, BBQs, photo opportunities and sculptures
Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Jarramali Rock Art Tours
Explore Quinkan Rock Art with Kuku-Yalanji traditional owners near Laura
Fishing & Boating
Fishing in Cooktown
Explore reef, estuary, beach and rainforest fishing near Cooktown
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Fishing near Hope Vale
Fish Cape Bedford reefs and wrecks, or explore the McIvor River
4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Wildlife & Birdwatching
Fishing near Laura
Remote Cape York waters offer wild barra, jacks and superb mud crabbing
Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Aboriginal Rock Art
Explore ancient rock art galleries and guided Aboriginal cultural tours
Cafés
Lakeland Coffee Shop and Store
Fresh coffee, groceries, maps and supplies at a favourite highway stop
Hotels & Motels
Sample Hotel
Restaurants
Sample Restaurant
Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture
Jarramali Rock Art Tours
The Jarramali Experience