Discover

Cooktown & Cape York Peninsula

‘Queensland’s final frontier’ is not for the faint of heart. During some months, it can be brutally hot. In other months, some of the most remote roads can be flooded out. However, if you’re an ‘outdoorsy type’ seeking an epic adventure amongst rugged terrain and untamed rainforests, Cape York Peninsula will be a highly-rewarding encounter.

 

What’s Most Loved About Cooktown & Cape York Peninsula

  • Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula are cherished for their rugged and remote wilderness, offering pristine landscapes, untouched beaches, and vast expanses of untamed wilderness that provide a sense of adventure and exploration
  • Cooktown holds historical significance as the site where Captain James Cook landed in 1770, marking the first meaningful contact between Indigenous Australians and Europeans, with historical sites and museums offering insights into this pivotal moment in Australian history
  • The Cape York Peninsula is rich in Indigenous culture, with diverse Aboriginal communities and opportunities to learn about traditional customs, art, and storytelling, fostering an appreciation for the region’s Indigenous heritage
  • The area’s abundance of rivers, estuaries, and coastline make it a haven for fishing enthusiasts, while outdoor activities such as hiking, 4WD adventures, and birdwatching provide opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region
  • From the striking landscapes of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape York’s savannahs to the stunning waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands and the Great Barrier Reef’s marine biodiversity, Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula offer an array of natural wonders to explore and admire
  • For many visitors, the allure of Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula lies in their sense of isolation and solitude, providing a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature in its purest form

Where to Book

  • Coconut Island, Torres Strait Islands of Queensland - Tourism and Events Queensland

  • Cape Flattery's McIvor River in Cape York Peninsula - Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

  • Lizard Island, Cape York - Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  • Trevathan Falls, Cape York - Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  • Jarramali Rock Art Tours drive - Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  • Thursday Island, Cape York Queensland - Tourism Australia

  • Guurrbi Tours - Tourism Australia/James Fisher

  • Kalkajaka National Park, Cape York - Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  • Enjoying the views on a Jarramali Rock Art Tour - Tourism North Queensland

  • Twin Falls, Cape York Queensland - Tourism Australia

  • Crossing Isabella Creek, Cape York - Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  • Camping in Cape York Queensland - Tourism Australia

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 32℃
  • 31℃
  • 30℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 26℃
  • 26℃
  • 26℃
  • 28℃
  • 29℃
  • 31℃
  • 32℃
  • 14
  • 17
  • 16
  • 14
  • 9
  • 6
  • 5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 5
  • 9

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended