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Laura

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.

Lakefield | Laura

Hotels & Motels

Cafés | Pubs & Taverns

Lakeland Downs Hotel

18 self-contained units, bar, beer garden and meals at the junction

Lakefield | Laura

Hotels & Motels | Roadhouses

Cafés | Restaurants | Roadhouses

Laura Roadhouse

Enjoy home-cooked meals and snacks undercover or among native birds

Lakefield | Laura

Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels

Mount Carbine Caravan Park

Peaceful bushland camping with shady sites between Cooktown and Cairns

Lakefield | Laura

Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels | Roadhouses

Palmer River Roadhouse

Historic gold rush roadhouse with camping, tent sites, fuel, dining and museum.

Lakefield | Laura

Camping & Caravans | Hotels & Motels

Cafés | Restaurants

Quinkan Hotel

Historic Laura hotel with campground, meals and tranquil bird-filled grounds

Lakefield | Laura

Camping & Caravans | Eco Retreats

Bustard Downs

Organic farm stays and camping amid bird-rich bushland near Mary Creek

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Lakefield | Laura

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

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Lakefield | Laura

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

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Laura

History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Museums and Galleries

Explore Cooktown’s heritage buildings, museums, galleries and local art

Lakefield | Laura

History & Culture | History & Museums | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Quinkan Cultural Centre, Laura

Explore Quinkan rock art, local heritage and Aboriginal arts in Laura

Cooktown | Lakefield | Laura

History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

The Gold Rush

The 1873 Palmer River gold rush transformed Cooktown into a boomtown

Lakefield | Laura

4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Palmer River Goldfields

Remote goldfields reserve 280km northwest of Cairns, via rough tracks

Lakefield | Laura

Aboriginal Tours | Guided Tours & Cruises | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Quinkan Galleries

Explore UNESCO-listed Quinkan rock art with local Indigenous guides

Cape York Peninsula | Lakefield | Laura

4WD Adventures | History & Culture | Wildlife & Birdwatching

Gateway to Cape York

Pause for Cape York displays, BBQs, photo opportunities and sculptures

Lakefield | Laura

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Jarramali Rock Art Tours

Explore Quinkan Rock Art with Kuku-Yalanji traditional owners near Laura

Cooktown | Lakefield | Laura

History & Culture | Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Cooktown Railway

Gold rush railway from Cooktown to Laura, operating from 1885 to 1961

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Hope Vale | Lakefield | Laura | Rainforest Coast

Fishing & Boating

Fishing in Cooktown

Explore reef, estuary, beach and rainforest fishing near Cooktown

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Elim Beach | Hope Vale | Lakefield | Laura | Rainforest Coast

4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Wildlife & Birdwatching

Fishing near Hope Vale

Fish Cape Bedford reefs and wrecks, or explore the McIvor River

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Lakefield | Laura

4WD Adventures | Fishing & Boating | Wildlife & Birdwatching

Fishing near Laura

Remote Cape York waters offer wild barra, jacks and superb mud crabbing

Cape York Peninsula | Cooktown | Hope Vale | Lakefield | Laura

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

Lakefield | Laura

Cafés

Lakeland Coffee Shop and Store

Fresh coffee, groceries, maps and supplies at a favourite highway stop

Laura

Hotels & Motels

Sample Hotel

Laura

Restaurants

Sample Restaurant

Laura

Aboriginal Tours | History & Culture

Jarramali Rock Art Tours

The Jarramali Experience