Things to do in Cape York Peninsula
Discover the best attractions and experiences Cape York Peninsula has to offer
Historic Monuments
Cape York's history is written in frontier towns, ships' routes, and colonial markers along the coast.
James Cook Landing Place (Cooktown)
Historic marker commemorating Captain Cook's 1770 landing on this stretch of coast.
Cooktown Historic Precinct
Preserved colonial streets and landmarks that tell Cooktown's early settlement story.
Possession Island Maritime Trail
Trail on Possession Island highlighting Cook era navigation and exploration.
Museums
Delve into Cape York’s stories through small museums and heritage centers.
James Cook Museum
Exhibits about Captain Cook's 18th-century voyage and Cooktown's colonial era.
Cooktown History Centre
Local artifacts and displays on the region's settlement and Indigenous history.
Weipa Heritage Museum
Glimpses into the mining town’s Indigenous and colonial past.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites offer a window into community life across Cape York towns.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Cooktown
A historic church serving residents and visitors with river views.
Hope Vale Lutheran Church
Church serving local communities with regional Indigenous connections.
St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Weipa
Coastal church known as a friendly waypoint for travelers.
National & Theme Parks
Cape York hosts rainforest, coastal parks, and marine reserves waiting to be explored.
Mungkan Kandju National Park
Conserved rainforest and coastal habitats home to diverse wildlife.
Daintree National Park
Ancient rainforest with rainforest trails and river viewpoints near Cape Tribulation.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
World Heritage reef system accessible from the region's coast.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in these key towns to explore the Cape York Peninsula.
Cooktown
Historic riverside town with museums, markets, and scenic lookouts.
Weipa
Gulf of Carpentaria mining town with a friendly waterfront vibe.
Coen
Outback town that serves as a gateway to the peninsula's interior.
Free Things to Do
Low-cost ways to soak in Cape York’s raw landscapes.
Sunrise at the Tip of Cape York
Watch the northernmost sunrise over open ocean and mangroves.
Beach strolls along remote coastlines
Self-guided walks on pristine, uncrowded beaches.
Bushwalking and wildlife watching
Short rainforest and coastal walks with abundant birds and wildlife.
Gastronomy
Fresh seafood and bush-inspired flavors feature in Cape York's eateries.
Cooktown seafood experience
Tasting plates featuring local reef and river catches.
Weipa waterfront eateries
Casual spots serving grilled fish and tropical fare.
Bush tucker experiences
Guided tastings of native ingredients and cooking styles.
Nightlife
Relaxed evenings in coastal pubs and community venues.
Cooktown pub evenings
Casual bar atmosphere with locals and travelers.
Weipa hotel bars
Lively waterfront venues with live music on weekends.
Seasonal community gatherings
Cultural events and celebrations in town centers.
Entertainment
Cultural programs highlight Indigenous art, music, and storytelling.
Cultural performances in Cooktown
Local artists share music and dance from Cape York communities.
Markets and arts in Weipa
Markets featuring crafts, performances, and local food.
Indigenous storytelling nights
Evening programs sharing Dreamtime stories and heritage.
Sports
Active adventures for outdoors lovers across the peninsula.
4x4 adventures on the Old Telegraph Track
Tackle rugged terrain and remote river crossings.
Coastal fishing trips
Cast for barramundi, trevally, and reef species.
Hiking and scenic lookouts
Short treks to coastal cliffs and rainforest viewpoints.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the paved routes for classic Cape York experiences.
Old Telegraph Track
Dusty 4WD route linking remote bays and creeks.
Fruit Bat Falls
A tropical waterfall set in a lush gorge accessible via a rough track.
Jackey Jackey Falls
Secluded waterfall with refreshing pools reached by a rugged track.