Laura and Quinkan Country, named after the Aboriginal spirits, or 'Quinkans', who inhabit the sandstone bluffs, contains one of the world's most significant rock art regions.
During construction of the Peninsula Development Road in 1960, the Split Rock and Giant Horse rock are
sites were encountered by road builders. A local identity and artist, Percy Tresize, recognising the site's importance because active in recording them and campaigning for their protection. The sites were declared a protected area in 1972 and the Eastern and Western Quinkan Reserves were established in 1977. The Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation, which manages the sites today, has constructed a boardwalk and introduced interpretive signage at Split Rock to improve the viewing experience.
The best way of seeing the major rock art sites is with an Aboriginal tour guide.
The town is host to the bi-annual Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, one of the most spectacular events on the Peninsula. The two day explosion of traditional dancing and cultural displays by indigenous communities from all over Cape York will next be staged in 2007.
The Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre, on the left as you drive into the
township of Laura, is a showcase for both Aboriginal culture and our pioneering heritage and should not be missed. Owned and operated by the local community, the centre was established with the support of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network and is a major source of information on the region.
Regular escorted tours to the Quinkan Region operate from Cooktown. Veiw the Tours Listing.
Laura also boasts a history rich in Australia's pioneering heritage, with its part in the Palmer River Gold Rush, the construction of the Cooktown-Laura Railway and the Cape York telegraph line, through to today's pastoral industry. Walk the Laura Heritage Trail with information from the Cultural Centre.
A highlight of the year is the annual Laura Races and Rodeo. In late June or early July this event is a wonderful example of the Outback way of life, and gives visitors the chance to meet many of the friendly and colourful characters who live and work around Laura.
Laura is also the gateway to the Lakefield National Park, Queensland's second largest park. The entrance is 27km to the north of Laura.
There is an alternate route to the Park from Cooktown via Battlecamp Road for experienced drivers and 4WD vehicles only.
Laura & District Progress Association Inc.
C/o Post Office
Laura, Qld. 4871
Contact: Cian Jacobs
Ph: (07) 4060 3244
Fax: (07) 4060 3390
Laura District Rodeo & Campdraft Association Inc.
PO Box 1292
Mareeba Qld. 4880
Contact: Karlene Shephard - Secretary
Ph: (07) 4094 8332
Fax: (07) 4094 8358
Laura Amateur Turf Club
Contact: Alan Holmes
Ph: (07) 4092 2806
Laura Library
Post Office
Laura Qld. 4871
Contact: Jeanette Morris
Ph: (07) 4060 3407
Laura Pub
Contact: licensee Kevin Darmody
Ph: (07) 4060 3393
Cold beer, good food, and friendly service in a casual relaxed atmosphere in the temporary location next to the site of the old Quinkan Hotel (which burnt down a while ago). Camping is available.
Laura General Store
C/O Post Office
Laura, QLD 4871
Ph. (07) 4060 3238
Fax. (07) 4060 3235
Quinkan Centre
Ph. (07) 4060 3457
