For many campers, a trip to Cooktown is high on the agenda when visiting Far North Queensland.
Situated about 330 km north of Cairns, and a whopping 1980 km north of Brisbane, historic Cooktown is famous, of course, for being the area where James Cook anchored his ship, The Endeavour, for running repairs all the way back in 1770.
Situated at the mouth of the Endeavour River, Cooktown lies on the Cape York Peninsula, a stunning area of incredible natural beauty which is well worth spending some time exploring.
Many campers who visit the area make a reservation at the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park, which is situated right in the centre of town – close to all the main cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs.
In this guide, we will showcase what makes the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park such a convenient and attractive option for campers.
We will also outline what there is to see and do in the local area once you arrive in Cooktown.
So let’s get started, shall we?
About Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park
The Cooktown Caravan Park is a basic venue with good clean amenities.
Pet-friendly, which means dogs are welcome to stay, it offers a range of accommodation options including shaded and grassy campsites, some of which can fit a large van or RV in them, and all of which have access to power and water.
In addition, they also offer a luxury van/cabin onsite which features a very comfortable queen-sized bed, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with a shower and a flushing toilet, and a designated dining area with a freezer and fridge.
A stay in this van/cabin also includes quality linen, as well as complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash and towels.
In terms of facilities, the park offers a convenient laundry that features a washer and dryers, as well as a camp kitchen that is fully equipped with a kettle, fridge, freezer, BBQs, toaster and hot plates.
There is also an excellent swimming pool here for you to use, which is perfect for cooling off from the hot sun.
Unfortunately, there is no WI-FI, however, the mobile phone coverage is decent enough in the area.
Accommodation costs at the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park
If you would like to stay at the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park it will set you back $39 per night for a powered site for 2 adults. For unpowered sites, the cost is $36.
For each additional adult, you will need to pay $10, while children between the ages of 5 and 15 years will cost you $5.
Children Under the age of 5 can stay free.
Those wanting to stay in the onsite van/cabin will need to pay $120 a night for a minimum 2-night stay.
If you intend to visit during the low season, between November and March, they usually run a ‘Stay 7 Pay 6’ type of discount special offer.
To make a reservation at the campground you will need to phone 07 4069 6400 or email them at [email protected].
How to get to the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park
The Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park is situated on the corner of Charlotte Street and Walker Street in Cooktown, North Queensland.
To get there from Cairns you will need to travel towards Mareeba before making your way onto State Route 81.
You will need to continue along State Route 81 for about 184 km before heading onto the Mulligan Highway/State Route 40.
Follow the Mulligan Highway/State Route 40 for another 78 km until you reach Cooktown.
Once there, you will see a roundabout where you should then take the 3rd exit onto Charlotte Street.
Although you will see the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park on your left, however, you will have to enter it on Walker Street.
Things to see and do near the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park?
Whilst staying at the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park, there are plenty of sites and attractions for you to take in during your time there.
This includes the following:
Grassy Hill Lookout
Want to get your bearings around Cooktown? Then head on over to Grassy Hill.
One of the town’s most noted attractions, this lookout offers 360-degree views of Cooktown and the surrounding area.
It also is the actual spot where Lieutenant James Cook landed in 1770 when he climbed the 162-metre hill in search of a passage.
The view from the summit is sensational, especially if you can make it up there for sunrise or sunset. Whilst up there you can also check out the Grassy Hill Lighthouse too.
Cooktown Botanical Gardens
Renowned for being one of the oldest in the country, the Cooktown Botanical Gardens was established in 1878.
Lying just 1.5 km from the downtown area of Cooktown, the stunning gardens feature 5 plant collections, as well as a range of tropical palms, a lily pond, bush tucker garden and a rainforest garden.
It is also home to plenty of fauna too, with over 200 different species of birds residing within it.
The Cooktown Botanical Gardens is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. Within its grounds, you can also visit Nature’s Powerhouse; a fabulous art gallery which features some wonderful exhibits.
James Cook Museum
Somewhere you really should make the effort to see whilst you are in Cooktown is the James Cook Museum.
Contained within a 19th-century brick building which was constructed in 1888 and was originally a convent school, this fascinating Museum was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.
It is definitely worth checking out for its displays, which include one of the Endeavour’s jettisoned cannons, as well as the ship’s anchor, which was actually retrieved from the Great Barrier Reef.
Finch Bay
If you are looking for a good beach to go swimming on then Finch Bay is a great option.
It’s only a couple of km from downtown Cooktown and is where all the locals go.
The beach features sand flats that extend up to 500 metres at low tide. It is not patrolled, so you should always swim with caution, especially as crocodiles inhabit the waters in the north of Queensland.
If you would prefer not to swim you can sunbathe here or go beach-combing. Fishing is pretty good at high tide off the rocks, as well as by the creek during rising tide.
Lions Den Hotel
Located Just 30 km from Cooktown is the iconic and historic Lions Den Hotel.
Known for being the ‘Pride of Far North Queensland’, this is a must-stop for any visitor to the area, as it features quirky decor.
It also dishes up very good pizzas and other hearty food as well as a nice range of cold beers.
Should you want to stay at the hotel they also offer powered and unpowered camping site options as well.
Trevethan Falls
Trevethan Falls is situated about 13.5 km to the south of Cooktown. It is one of a number of splendid waterfalls in and around Cooktown.
The impressive cascade at Trevethan Falls plunges straight into a swimming hole which is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
As the water continues its flow downstream, you will also find several other private little swimming pools to wade in too.
Access to the fall is best by 4WD.
Final Thought!
So there you have it! Our overview of the Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park in Far North Queensland.
Should you ever decide to visit this region, we hope this review has inspired you to make a reservation at the caravan park.
If it has, then you will be in for a fantastic time as it is a great base to explore this stunning and historic area.
