Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

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Cooktown Caravan Park – Your Central Base in Australia’s Historic Seaport

Cooktown Caravan Park – Your Central Base in Australia’s Historic Seaport

Nestled in the heart of one of Australia’s most historically significant towns, the Cooktown Caravan Park offers travellers a shady, peaceful, and incredibly convenient base for exploration. This friendly and well-established park puts you right in the centre of the action, just a short, pleasant stroll from the scenic Endeavour River waterfront, where Captain James Cook famously beached his ship for repairs in 1770. The park embodies the relaxed, tropical atmosphere of this remote northern town, providing a welcoming retreat with spacious, grassy sites set amongst beautiful, mature trees. It’s the perfect spot to set up camp and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indigenous, pioneering, and gold rush history that makes Cooktown so unique.The park’s location is its greatest asset, allowing you to leave your vehicle and discover the town’s treasures on foot. Wander through the world-class James Cook Museum, admire the stunning 360-degree views from Grassy Hill Lookout, or relax in the magnificent Botanic Gardens, among the oldest in Queensland. After a day of soaking up the history and tropical heat, the park’s saltwater swimming pool is a true oasis, offering a perfect way to cool off and relax. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, with a great camp kitchen and BBQ area fostering a social atmosphere where adventurers can share stories from their Cape York journeys. For a comfortable, central, and authentic stay in this iconic gateway town, the Cooktown Caravan Park is an exceptional choice.

Cooktown Caravan Park – QLD Location Map

Cooktown Caravan Park

Address: 14 Hope St, Cooktown QLD 4895
Website: www.cooktowncaravanpark.com
GPS Coordinates: -15.48379, 145.24781

Site Details and Facilities

  • Location: Prime central location in Cooktown, easy walking distance to the town centre and waterfront.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and 4WD motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed roads to and within the park.
  • Site Surface: Primarily spacious, shady grass sites.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourists and adventurers.
  • Facilities: Saltwater swimming pool, camp kitchen, BBQs, clean amenities block, laundry, dump point.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
  • Potable Water: Yes.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra coverage in town.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited in town caravan parks.
  • Generator Use: Prohibited.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, some available.

Activities & Essentials

  • Essentials to Bring: Swimmers, good walking shoes, a camera for the views from Grassy Hill, and strong insect repellent.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. It is essential to confirm their policy upon booking.
  • Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Endeavour River and from the town wharf for Barramundi and other tropical species. Be crocodile aware.
  • Short Walks: The park is the perfect starting point for the many heritage walks around Cooktown.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Restaurants

  • Cooktown Hotel (The Top Pub): Approx. 1 km
  • The Sovereign Resort Hotel: Approx. 800 m
  • Jackey Jackey “Bottom” Pub: Approx. 1.2 km

Local Attractions

  • James Cook Museum: Approx. 800 m
  • Grassy Hill Lookout: Approx. 2 km
  • Cooktown Botanic Gardens: Approx. 3 km
  • Cooktown Wharf & Waterfront: Approx. 1 km
  • Endeavour Falls: Approx. 18 km

Camping & Travel Resources

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: Several other parks are located in and around Cooktown.
  • Next Free Camps: Remote bush camps are available further north along the Peninsula Developmental Road.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests. A public dump point is also available in Cooktown.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Several options available in Cooktown.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
  • Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Cooktown (Cape York)

  • Wet Season (Dec-Apr): Hot and very humid with a high likelihood of heavy rainfall, monsoonal troughs, and potential cyclones. Averages range from 24°C to 32°C.
  • Dry Season (May-Nov): The peak tourist season. Beautiful, warm, and sunny days with lower humidity and pleasant sea breezes. Ideal conditions for travel. Average temperatures from 18°C to 30°C.

 

 

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