🔍

Cooktown

QLD 4895 • Rest of QLD

2,746
Population (2021)
$35,256
Median Income
2156.73 km²
Area
$230/wk
Median Rent
RemoteHistoricCoastalRuralTourist Hub

About Cooktown

Cooktown is a historic regional town situated on the banks of the Endeavour River in Far North Queensland, approximately 330 kilometres north of Cairns and within the Cook Shire local government area. With a population of 2,746 according to the 2021 Census, it is the northernmost town on Australia's east coast accessible by sealed road year-round and serves as the principal service hub for the remote Cape York Peninsula. The community has a median age of 44 and a significant Indigenous population — around 17% identify as Aboriginal — reflecting the town's deep cultural heritage and its long history as a meeting point of First Nations peoples and European settlers.

Cooktown is renowned as the site of Captain James Cook's 1770 landing, and this history is celebrated through the nationally significant James Cook Museum and the annual Cooktown Discovery Festival held each June. Essential services including a hospital, primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, and fuel outlets serve both local residents and the steady stream of travellers exploring Cape York. The surrounding region offers remarkable natural attractions including Grassy Hill lighthouse with panoramic views over the Coral Sea, Black Mountain National Park, and access to outstanding fishing and reef diving, making Cooktown a compelling destination for adventurous retirees, grey nomads, and those seeking an authentic frontier lifestyle far removed from city pressures.

Cooktown falls under postcode 4895 and is governed by Cook Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4895
Urban Area
Cooktown
LGA / Council
Cook
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-15.37°, 145.00°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2156.73 km²
Elevation
99m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited coach services — Cairns Approx. 4–5 hours (conditions permitting)

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
330 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest Queensland Rail access is at Cairns
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5–4 hours

🛣️ Accessible via the sealed Mulligan Highway year-round; Brisbane is approximately 1,750km away (~20-hour drive). Light plane services operate seasonally from Cooktown Airport.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is compact and walkable for basic errands, but a car is essential for most daily needs and regional travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$230
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.2%

67 state housing + 24 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,631
Census 2021
2,746
▲ 4.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,252
Income 2021
$35,256
▲ 12.8% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,946
Born Overseas 347

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 68
  • 2. England 66
  • 3. Philippines 19
  • 4. Germany 17
  • 5. South Africa 16
  • 6. Papua New Guinea 15
  • 7. United States 13
  • 8. Scotland 10
  • 9. Netherlands 9
  • 10. Zimbabwe 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 931
English 855
Australian Aboriginal 420
Irish 267
Scottish 219
German 147
Italian 46
Dutch 36
Filipino 32
New Zealander 29

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,606
Both parents born in Australia
414
Both parents born overseas
298
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
41.3%
Christianity
39.8%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
152 (5.5%)
5-14 years
379 (13.8%)
15-19 years
152 (5.5%)
20-24 years
108 (3.9%)
25-34 years
261 (9.5%)
35-44 years
331 (12.1%)
45-54 years
376 (13.7%)
55-64 years
439 (16.0%)
65-74 years
367 (13.4%)
75-84 years
172 (6.3%)
85+ years
14 (0.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooktown known for? +

Cooktown is best known as the site of Captain James Cook's 1770 landing after the Endeavour ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef. The town celebrates this heritage through the James Cook Museum, the annual Discovery Festival, and the iconic Grassy Hill Lighthouse lookout with sweeping views of the Coral Sea and Endeavour River.

How far is Cooktown from Cairns? +

Cooktown is approximately 330 kilometres north of Cairns, making it a 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive via the sealed Mulligan Highway. Light plane services also connect the two towns.

Does Cooktown have public transport? +

Cooktown has no rail service and no regular urban bus network. Limited coach connections to Cairns are available, but a private vehicle is essential for living in or visiting the town.

What is the population of Cooktown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cooktown has a population of 2,746 residents. The town serves as the regional hub for the wider Cape York Peninsula and its population swells during the dry season (April to October) with tourists and grey nomads.

Is Cooktown a good place to live? +

Cooktown suits those who value a remote frontier lifestyle with genuine historical character, close access to Cape York's remarkable natural environment, and a tight-knit community. It is less suited to those who rely on urban conveniences, though the town does offer a hospital, schools, and essential services.

What is the postcode for Cooktown? +

The postcode for Cooktown, Queensland is 4895.