PORTS OF CALL - Australia / New Zealand
Cooktown, Australia
Located on Australia's northeast coast, Cooktown is a remote frontier town that was discovered and settled by Captain Cook and his crew in 1770. With its unspoiled beauty and lazy tropical feel, Cooktown still feels wonderfully remote. Australia's first purely European settlement, this beautiful area was, until 2006, only accessible by 4WD vehicles. The town's distinctive local flavor will charm you into feeling you've gone back in time, and the surrounding pristine beauty will astonish you.
Don't Miss
Make sure to investigate the area's environment at the Charles Tanner Gallery, which has exciting exhibitions on local wildlife, and to visit the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery which features a superb collection of botanical illustrations. Afterwards, you can wander through fragrant gardens of native and exotic trees, then stroll down the walking trails leading to the beautiful beach at Finch Bay.
Sporting Adventures
Cooktown's Scenic Rim Trail offers the day hiker the chance to experience a range of diverse natural habitats. You'll walk along the mangrove-lined banks of the Endeavour River, through open forest on Mount Cook and into the dim majesty of the rainforest. From Grassy Hill Lookout, you'll get 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside, and winding down to secluded Cherry Tree Bay, you'll get magnificent seascapes, and may even see a turtle or a dugong (a manatee-like sea mammal native to Australia's northern waters).
Shopping for Bargains
Nearby Cairns Central Shopping Centre offers the widest range of shopping in Australia's Tropical North. With over 180 retail outlets, you'll have no trouble finding a treasure to take home.
Local Flavours
Cooktown shares in Queensland's reputation for award-winning wines, organic produce and fresh seafood. Local cuisine, made with fresh ingredients, combines European recipes with a touch of Asian seasoning. Some tastes you won't want to miss: barramundi, mud crab, crocodile meat, mangoes and macadamia nuts - any of which will let you know you're in Queensland.
Currency
The local currency used in Cooktown is the Australian dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted. And you can use your ATM card at banks around the country as long as your card is connected to the international banking network. Travellers cheques are also accepted.