Cooktown Discovery Festival “Two Cultures One People”
The Discovery Festival is presented to celebrate Cooktown’s historical significance and introduce the world to its incredible natural beauty and unique Aboriginal culture.
The Cooktown Discovery Festival is an annual event held in Cooktown, Far North Queensland. It is held in June each year to celebrate the arrival of Lt. James Cook on our shores in 1770 and his interaction with the local aboriginal people, the Guugu Yimithirr and the Kuku Yalanji. One of the highlights of the weekend is when the people of Cooktown come together to stage a fully costumed Re-enactment of this event....always a delight.
Over the 50 years that Cooktown has held this event, it has become a state-wide and national event of significance. The three day Festival includes a multitude of events – the Re-enactment, The Grand Parade, The Welcome to Cooktown Extravaganza, musical entertainment, movies in the park, markets, rides and sideshow alley, kids activities, exhibitions, fireworks as well as dinners , entertainment and events provided by local businesses and organisations.
The Discovery Festival is presented by a dedicated group of vo
lunteers to celebrate Cooktown’s historical significance and to highlight the significance of the historic events that took place there in 1770.
When? June
Where? Cooktown Far North Queensland
Website? Cooktown Discovery Festival
Facebook? Yes
Getting to Cooktown
Cooktown is easy to get to from Cairns
It takes just 4hrs along the Mulligan Highway from Cairns by normal car or bus or 4.5 hrs along the Bloomfield Track via Cape Tribulation (weather and 4WD depending).
Hinterland Aviation also fly to Cooktown twice a day and this takes just 45 minutes from Cairns airport. www.Hinterlandaviation.com.au
For advice and assistance on getting to Cooktown go to www.cooktownandcapeyork.com
Cooktown and Cape York Tourist Information Centre 07 40696004
ACCOMMODATION IN COOKTOWN
There is a variety of accommodation in Cooktown from Resorts, Motels, Pubs, Backpacker accommodation, camping grounds and Caravan Parks. Visit www.cooktownandcapeyork.com.au for more information or call 1800 174 895
