Located at the eatern end of Hope Street, Grassy Hill is known as such because the aboriginals burnt the forest on the hill to encourage regrowth of vegetation and to draw animals back to the region. Due to this, the hill was covered only in grass when Captain James Cook arrived in 1770. Captain Cook climbed the hill on several occasions to view the surrounding reefs, enabling him to navigate a safe passage out after repairing his ship.
Grassy Hill Lighthouse
Trees now cover the hill, along with the occasional house and the hill is also home to the Cooktown lighthouse and sun dial. The lighthouse was built in England and shipped to Cooktown in 1885. It was automated in 1927. Between 1942-1945 it was complemented by a radar station and was subsequently dismantled after World War II. It served the local community and shipping in the area for 100 years until it was made obsolete, and then restored by the Lions Club.
Try to visit the lookout to catch a sunset. Getting there is easy - just drive or walk straight up the hill from Hope Street. If you decide to walk rather than drive, bring some water!
Grassy Hill Sun-Dial
Although it gives the appearance of a sun dial, this lovely monument is a "Global Positioning Monument" and actually shows the distances to different cities and the directions in which they lay. Some of the cities include New York, London, and Tokyo. Imagine how far you are away from home!
Captain Cook's Grassy Hill Monument
Captain Cook's Grassy Hill Monument This monument commemorates Captain Cook's landing and trips up Grassy Hill in 1770. In addition, there is a large board, to the side of the peak of the hill, that details of Cook's trip and his journals. Imagine yourself here over two centuries ago, looking out over the town, with Grassy Hill's 360 degee view. Imagine seeing everything for the first time and then explore the rest of Cooktown. Enjoy your stay in paradise.
