Cooktown is a historical town located about 300km north of Cairns. Cooktown is famous because it is where Captain James Cook hit a reef system and had to spend many days repairing his ship called "Endeavour".
The day starts early at 6am where everyone meets at Hinterland Aviation to get on a plane and enjoy a scenic flight all the way to Cooktown. On the way travellers enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean, reef systems, rainforest, mountains and much more. Great opportunity to take amazing photos.
After a 45 minute flight the plane lands at Cooktown then a local experienced guide will pick everyone up and start a great tour around the city.
First stop is at Grassy Hill lookout which offers 360 degree views of Cooktown and surrounding. Time for great photos again. Afterwards everyone goes for a walk along the Esplanade where many interesting monuments are located. The guide along the whole tour will be explaining all the history about Cooktown and the region, pointing out interesting facts and curiosity about some locations.
After some free time the guide takes all travellers to Cooktown’s heritage listed cemetery and to James Cook Museum which has many interesting exhibits including an original cannon and anchor from the HMB Endeavour.
Next stop is Cooktown Botanic Gardens where everyone goes for a walk and see many interesting plants such as the ones collected by botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, as well as those traditionally used by Aboriginal people.
Time to have some lunch at the Nature’s Powerhouse Cafe, and visit the art gallery and information centre.
After a day exploring Cooktown it is time to start heading back to Cairns. The trip is via outback landscape of the Mulligan Highway. There is a quick stop at Black Mountain which is a significant place to the local Aboriginal people. Also travellers stop at Byerstown Range Lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse.
Travel back to Cairns via the outback landscape of the Mulligan Highway. Stop at Black Mountain which is a significant place to the local Aboriginal people, as well as Byerstown Range Lookout and the Palmer River Roadhouse. Enjoy great views of the outback landscape.
The drop off in Cairns happens around 8pm. It is a full day of adventure,fun and knowledge about Australian history.
Please note this tour is available on specific dates between May to November. Please send us an inquiry to find out more.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 06:00 | Meet at Hinterland Aviation |
| 45 minute scenic flight between Cairns to Cooktown | |
| Arrive at Cooktown | |
| Grassy Hill lookout | |
| Walk along the Esplanade | |
| Cooktown’s heritage listed cemetery | |
| James Cook Museum | |
| Cooktown Botanic Gardens | |
| Lunch at the Nature’s Powerhouse Cafe | |
| Visit to the Art gallery and information centre | |
| Return trip starts via outback landscape of the Mulligan Highway | |
| Black Mountain | |
| Byerstown Range Lookout | |
| Palmer River Roadhouse | |
| 20:00 | Arrive aback in Cairns |
Please Note:
Level of fitness: Easy and short walks.
Note: During the winter months (May –November) flights depart at sunset.
| Season: 2023 Rates | Dates: 1st May 2023 - 30th November 2023 | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Fly - Drive Cooktown Tours |
$615.00 per adult $555.00 per child |
Age: Adult age: 15 yrs + / Child age: 4-14 years inclusive.
Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.
Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.
Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.
Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.