Beaches
Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula are fringed by long deserted beaches which are ideal for a great day out by the sea.
Archer Point
Located about 20 km outside Cooktown signposted from the Mulligan Highway. Often windy, this is the prospective site of a future wind farm but as the 3 beaches are all facing a different direction there is always a calm beach to relax on. From the beach at low tide you can walk out to the reef and snorkel off the point, but beware of crocodiles and stingers. This is a great camping spot if you are entirely self-sufficient - the views are spectacular. (4WD only)
Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay
- Finch Bay - Pam Davey
The local beaches in Cooktown. Although you can drive to Finch Bay, just 2 km past the Botanic Gardens entrance and car park, there is delightful short bush walk through the Gardens. Cherry Tree Bay is accessible through the Botanic Gardens or from the Grassy Hill Road.
Quarantine Bay
A 5km drive from Cooktown – turn off the Mulligan Highway to Quarantine and Walker Bay then continue past the Golf Course turn off. The beach is pebbly here and situated at the base of Mt Cook the backdrop is a rainforest covered slope. (2WD OK)
Walker Bay
Walker Bay is reached by turning off down a track just before the Golf Course. The beach is located at the mouth of the Annan River and long sandy stretches snake north along the coastline. This is a beach favoured by anglers as they fish the sand bars at the mouth of the River, and also a renowned favourite amongst kite surfers. (4WD only)
Weary Bay
Named by Captain Cook’s crew in 1770 Weary Bay is an open, nine km long bay at the mouth of the Bloomfield River and a popular fishing spot for the locals.
Weary Bay beach is an ideal spot for a long leisurely walk and access is from Weary Bay road in Ayton.
See photos of the beaches in and near Cooktown
Elim Beach and Coloured Sands
Past Hopevale is the beautiful Elim Beach overlooking Cape Bedford.
Rainforest Coast Beaches
Weary Bay is easily accessible from Ayton on the Rainforest Coast. The remote and beautiful Cedar Bay is accessible on foot or by boat.
Cape York Beaches
Beyond Cooktown there are accessible beaches at Cape Melville National Park. A popular camping site is found at Chilli Beach in the Iron Range National Park.
Near Seisa and Bamaga there are several lovely beaches including Punsand Bay, Loyalty Beach and Somerset Beach.
Albatross Bay provides a scenic coastal retreat at Weipa.
Important advice!
Crocodiles can be found around many rivers, freshwater creeks and waterholes and along coastal beaches. Fortunately our conservation measures are working so always be croc wise and ask for local advice before going near the water.
Don’t swim after dusk or early in the morning.
Marine stingers have been found throughout the year on local beaches and in the Cooktown harbour. Marine stingers can be fatal. Accidental bites can be relieved with instant and continued application of vinegar and get medical help as soon as possible.
