COOKTOWN – A BOTANICAL PARADISE

Much work was done in the early stages – with wells sunk, water reticulated, garden beds enclosed, stone-lined paths, stone-pitched pools and footbridges made, and lawns, trees and shrubs planted.

Although the gardens fell into disrepair, in recent years they have been expanded and are a popular destination for botanists and nature lovers. Most of the early stonework has been restored, and beautiful walking tracks lead the visitor through the Botanic Garden to the magnificent beaches at Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay.

Now home to the stunning Nature’s Powerhouse Interpretive Centre and Visitor Information Centre, the Botanic Gardens has become a major destination in Cooktown.  Nature’s Powerhouse provides a fascinating display of local flora and fauna with exhibitions from Charles Tanner and Vera Scarth-Johnson. There is a café, gift shop and detailed visitor information section that provides anything you need for your trip in Cooktown or further north.

In recent years the dedicated team of gardener’s have being re-creating the list of plants and trees discovered by Sir Joseph Banks during his time here at the Endeavour River. Dotted throughout the gardens, they are planted to represent the incredible diversity of plants that exist in this region as they did 240 years ago.

For more information, story ideas or assistance in organising a feature on anything relating to Cooktown and the environs, please contact Vanessa Gillen, PR Consultant to Cook Shire Council, on 0412 318690 or vanessagillenpr@gmail.com