Find hotels in Cooktown from £52

Top reasons to visit Cooktown

• Stunning Natural Scenery: Cooktown boasts breathtaking landscapes, including national parks and reserves, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Cultural and Historical Insights: Visit the Cooktown History Centre and the Cooktown War Memorial for a deeper understanding of the area’s rich heritage.
• Relaxing Botanical Gardens: Spend a peaceful day at the Cooktown Botanical Gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and native flora.
• Beach Access: Enjoy nearby beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in a variety of activities, from guided tours to water parks, making it perfect for families.

Find great hotels in and around Cooktown

Discover the charm of Cooktown with a range of accommodation options, including motels and hotels, tailored for the adventurous traveller. Whether you're seeking a comfortable stay or a base for exploration, Cooktown's lodgings provide essential amenities and a warm welcome, ensuring a memorable visit to this historic coastal town.

• Sovereign Resort Hotel: Experience a touch of elegance at the 4-star Sovereign Resort Hotel, which boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.0. Nestled in the heart of Cooktown, this hotel offers a delightful dining experience with multiple options, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at its restaurant, as well as a charming coffee shop. Guests can unwind in comfort while enjoying various entertainment amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and cable services, ensuring a relaxing stay. The hotel's inviting atmosphere and superb facilities make it an excellent choice for those seeking both relaxation and convenience.
• Cooktown Motel: A cosy 3.5-star establishment, Cooktown Motel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. This motel provides a warm and welcoming environment, featuring free WiFi in public areas and rooms, allowing guests to stay connected. With ample self-parking and off-street parking options available at no extra charge, exploring Cooktown becomes effortless. The motel's laid-back charm and essential amenities are perfect for those looking for a comfortable, no-frills stay while enjoying all that Cooktown has to offer.
• Mungumby Lodge - Cooktown: For adventure seekers, Mungumby Lodge is a charming 3-star guesthouse located a short distance from Cooktown, with a stellar guest rating of 9.4. This lodge offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, with an array of adventure sports available nearby, such as fishing, hiking, and motorboating. The peaceful setting and recreational activities make it a perfect retreat for those wishing to explore the great outdoors and enjoy an adventurous getaway away from the hustle and bustle.

Where to stay near Cooktown

Cooktown, a charming suburb in Queensland, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, perfect for family vacations. Just minutes from the town centre, visitors can enjoy beach access and explore the heart of Cooktown, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. With its eco-friendly vibe, Cooktown is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation amidst nature’s beauty and vibrant tropical surroundings.

• Rossville: Located 35.4km from Cooktown, Rossville is a charming suburb that draws visitors seeking an outdoor and eco-friendly experience. The area is characterised by its lush landscapes, including parks and botanical gardens, making it ideal for family outings and nature walks. Although traveller numbers peak during the winter months of July to August and again in October, Rossville offers a moderately seasonal experience, allowing for a quieter visit in the shoulder months. The surrounding rainforest provides ample opportunities for exploration and adventure, ensuring a delightful stay.
• Hope Vale: Situated 25.7km from Cooktown, Hope Vale is a vibrant suburb with a unique blend of outdoor and beach experiences. Its visitor numbers are relatively steady throughout the year, with peaks in January, May, and September. The area is perfect for families, offering beautiful beaches and parks for relaxation and recreation. Shoppers will appreciate the local shopping area that adds to the community's charm. Hope Vale’s eco-friendly focus and stunning coastal scenery make it an excellent choice for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying the sun and surf.
• Helenvale: Helenvale is a quaint village located 24.1km from Cooktown, known for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty. The village experiences moderate seasonal fluctuations in traveller numbers, peaking during the winter and early spring months of July to September. Helenvale offers a peaceful escape with its natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the tranquillity of the area, making it a hidden gem for those looking to unwind amidst nature.

Things to do in Cooktown

Cooktown is perfect for outdoor family vacations, offering stunning scenery and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy shopping, recreational areas, and swimming, along with essential experiences such as day trips, guided tours, a golf course, picnic spots, and a water park. This charming town provides the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable holiday.

Shopping

In Cooktown, enjoy local shops along Charlotte Street, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre, about 48.3km away, where you can find regional crafts and produce to take home.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at the Cooktown Wellness Centre, where you can indulge in soothing massages and holistic therapies. For a touch of nature, explore the tranquil beauty of Grassy Hill, perfect for meditation and scenic views of the Coral Sea, enhancing your overall wellness journey.

Adventure

Explore the rugged beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a snorkelling tour, where vibrant marine life and coral gardens await. For a thrilling experience, embark on a 4WD adventure through the Daintree Rainforest, immersing yourself in stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

Nightlife

Cooktown’s nightlife offers a laid-back charm with venues like the historic Cooktown Hotel, perfect for a pint and live music. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the Seaview Motel’s bar, where you can enjoy stunning views while sipping cocktails under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cooktown

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Cooktown are February and April to May, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Cooktown about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Cooktown is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay in Cooktown is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your Cooktown hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Cooktown

Cooktown offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and scenic experiences, making it perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore the national parks, reserves, and galleries, while also delving into local history at the Cooktown History Centre, relaxing in the Cooktown Botanical Gardens, or enjoying views at Cooktown Harbour. Don't miss the Cooktown War Memorial and Museum for a richer understanding of the area's past.

• Mount Cook National Park: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Cook National Park, where stunning scenery and adventurous outdoor activities await. Trek through lush landscapes, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse yourself in nature's wonders, perfect for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
• Cooktown History Centre: Delve into the rich heritage of Cooktown at the Cooktown History Centre. This fascinating museum showcases the local culture and history, with engaging exhibits that highlight the town's past, including its Indigenous heritage and colonial history.
• Grassy Hill Lookout: For a touch of romance and adventure, head to Grassy Hill Lookout. Offering sweeping views of Cooktown and the Coral Sea, it's an ideal spot for sunset gazing or simply enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Cooktown

The best time to visit Cooktown can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Cooktown falls in December, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Cooktown falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cooktown

If you're planning a trip to Cooktown, Queensland, you can fly into two major airports. Cairns International Airport (CNS) is situated approximately 164.2km from Cooktown, with luxurious hotel options nearby such as the Hilton Cairns, Crystalbrook Riley, and Shangri-La The Marina, all within 6.4km of the airport. Cooktown Airport (CTN) is only 8.0km from the town centre, with the Sovereign Resort Hotel and Cooktown Motel providing convenient accommodation options. The Sovereign Resort Hotel offers various transportation services, including scheduled airport shuttles and free transfers, ensuring easy access to both airports for your travel needs.