Cooktown is situated on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula, Australia, 320kms or 4 hours drive north of Cairns.
The area offers anglers a huge variety of fish and fishing environments from jungle perch in the rainforest sweetwaters to the ribbon reefs where some of the best marlin fishing in the world can be had.
Cooktown’s two local rivers, the Endeavour and the Annan and their close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Lakefield National Park, Princess Charlotte Bay and the McIvor River mean that every fishing method can be catered for from one base.
Couple this with Cooktown’s colonial charm, it’s history, Indigenous culture and its friendly people and you have a truly unique angling experience.
It is a great starting point for anyone venturing further up the Cape. Make the most of a fishing charter and improve your skills and learn tips and techniques to improve your fishing experience further north.
Getting To Cooktown
Cooktown is accessible by road or air. There are daily bus & regular flights to and from Cooktown.
Access by the coast
Travel from Port Douglas, through Daintree, Cape Tribulation and cross the Bloomfield River. 4WD only, 235km, about 5 hours. Note: this road may be closed at various times during the wet season.
Access by the centre
An easy drive and scenic in a different way. Through valleys and hills looking over historical mining country to distant escarpments. 320km of fully sealed road takes about 4 hours from Cairns. 4WD is not necessary.
Access by air
Take the fantastic flight up the coast with views over rainforest and reef. Regular flights operate between Cairns and Cooktown. Flying time is 40minutes. Private charters are available.
Bus service
Cairns Bus Charters – www.cairnsbuscharters.com/services/cairns-cooktown-express
Trans North – www.transnorthbus.com/documents/tt-cooktown-jul15.pdf
Flights
Hinterland Aviation – www.hinterlandaviation.com.au
Accomodation
- Cooktown Harbor Views Luxury Apartments – www.cooktownviews.com
- Sovereign Resort – www.sovereign-resort.com.au
- Mungumby Lodge – www.mungumby.com
- Seaview Motel – www.cooktownseaviewmotel.com.au
- Milkwood Lodge – www.milkwoodlodge.com
- Big 4 Cooktown Holiday Park – www.cooktownholidaypark.com.au