Cooktown’s diverse habitats, each with their own special features and species provide a rich variety of flora and fauna, all within easy walking distance from the town centre. This ranges from the mangrove lined banks of the Endeavour River to the tropical rainforest of Mount Cook National Park - through the historic Cooktown Cemetery and Botanic Gardens - to the rocky headland between Finch Bay and Cherry Tree Bay, and along the sand dunes and beaches all make Cooktown’s Scenic Rim Walking Trail a joy to experience.
Regardless of whether you are fit or frail, looking for a strenuous days outing or an hours easy stroll, the "Scenic Rim Walking Trail" consists of a mixture of pathways, rough tracks and trails, and is uniquely able to cater for every level of fitness. Captain Cook’s Statue in the Bicentennial Park (opposite the Police Station in Charlotte Street) has been chosen as the starting point - however, the trail may be commenced or completed at any point along the route and maybe walked in either direction.
Distances and time guidelines
After you have planned your walk, just follow the Cooktown Scenic Rim Walking Trail symbols.
Scenic Rim Walk - Official Brochure
Section 1: Cook’s Statue to Hogg Street (Mangrove wetlands 1.2km)
Warning, subject to tidal influence Commencing at Captain Cook’s statue, the Scenic Rim Walking Trail follows Adelaide St along the Endeavour River foreshore to the corner of Hogg St (behind the bakery). The estuarine environment forms a complex breeding ground for different forms of wildlife, The tidal salt flats, even though only flooded on full and new moon tides, are none the less the habitat of many life forms such as crabs, insects, lizards, and birds.
Section 2: Hogg Street to Cooktown Cemetery - (More mangrove and historic cemetery 1.2km)
Here the route becomes an ungraded track and turns right past a forgotten rail tender amongst the grass. Before reaching Ticklebelly salt flats (50m), the trail turns left through some trees onto the old Cooktown to Laura rail line.Mangroves can be seen from both sides of the railway line and in places are complemented by an almost 360 degree view of the surrounding area.You will encounter an old railway siding that has created mangrove ponds with a saltwater lagoon surrounded by salt grasses and crab mounds.The Trail follows the rail line, crosses a two small bridged tidal creeks, continues along the line until it reaches a left turn marker where it crosses the salt flats to the back of the Cemetery where a beautiful Ti-tree forest merges with the salt marsh at the tidal limit. After crossing a number of shallow trenches (their purpose is a mystery) the Trail reaches a T-junction. The right track leads past the Chinese Shrine to the main part of the Cemetery. The Chinese Shrine was erected in 1887; its function was more as a place for conducting funerary rites rather than a memorial to their dead.The left track leads through the cemetery to the main entrance on Charlotte Street. Here much of the local history, tragedies, triumphs and mysteries of Cooktown’s past lies buried. The oldest identifiable graves are from 1874. Mary Watson and her infant son, Ferrier, are interred here. Their servant, Ah Sam, lies in an unmarked grave.
Section 3: Cemetery to the corner of Hope and Charles Street (1.2km)
This section mainly follows gravel roads. From the front entrance of the Cemetery, the Scenic Rim Walking Trail turns left along Endeavour Valley Road, crosses over, turns right down Mason Street, then left along Savage St until it reaches Hope St. Here the route crosses Hope Street, turns right for about 100m to the corner of unconstructed Charles Street.
Section 4: Corner of Hope and Charles Street to Mt Cook National Park (1.4km)
The Trail follows Charles Street past a section of sealed road in front of the School. It continues towards Mt Cook, then swings left onto Melaleuca Street shortly after crossing the top end of Alligator Creek. About 300 metres further along this unsealed road, the Mt Cook National Park sign (on the right) marks where the old Mt Cook trail starts.
Section 5: Mt Cook (431m) Round Trip 3.0 km circuit, allow 3 hours.
Solid footwear is required. Walkers should be reasonably fit and have previous bush walking experience. Water may be available from a rainwater tank at the summit, next to the repeater hut. There is also a visitor’s book to sign. Consider doing this section in the reverse direction. Some views can be better appreciated that way.This old track, built by HASH as a Bicentennial project (not a graded National Parks track), is steep and narrow. It passes through open forest on the lower reaches of Mt Cook, until it reaches the rainforest. Up through the dim rainforest light, it weaves its way past thorny vines and around walls of buttress roots, across the forest floor with leaves, fruit and flowers fallen from the canopy high overhead. Occasionally, you will catch a glimpse of Cooktown, Grassy Hill and Finch Bay far below. Once at the summit a view is only possible from one of several large boulders indicated.A tagged route follows the ridge from the summit down through more rainforest until it reaches a saddle. From here a Green Corps constructed track leads down to the new Mt Cook National Park car parking area.
Section 6: Mt Cook NP to Finch Bay (1.2km)
The Scenic Rim Walking Trail continues along Melaleuca St. About 50metres past the National Park car park the Trail turns left towards the mangroves of Alligator Creek. It skirts the mangroves to emerge onto the southern end of Finch Bay. Excellent views of Indian Head and Cape Bedford can be enjoyed here.Remember, wetland/mangrove sections are subject to tidal influence and can become dangerous and/or impassable; continue to be aware of crocodiles.The Trail crosses Alligator Creek, (only cross at low tide) and continues along the beach towards the northern end of Finch Bay.
Section 7: Finch Bay to Cherry Tree Bay (0.8 km)
The track winds its way from the northern end of Finch Bay around the rocky headland, then descends to the small secluded beach at Cherry Tree Bay offering some magnificent views along the way. Sometimes fish and turtles can be seen swimming in the Bay. On rare occasions Dugong can be spotted playing. This section is narrow and steep in parts with many rock steps so that sturdy footwear is recommended. A reasonable degree of fitness is required.Cherry Tree Bay provides excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
Section 7a: Finch Bay to the Botanic Gardens and Nature’s Powerhouse (1.7km for round trip)
From the northern end of Finch Bay, a constructed walking track leads to the beautiful botanic gardens and to Natures Powerhouse, a Gallery and interpretive centre. Here you can wonder through this unique display of reptiles from the area, browse the many titles in the book and gift store, some of them from local writers or enjoy morning or afternoon tea and be tempted to lunch.
The Gardens - In 1878, 154 acres were set aside for the establishment of a Botanical Garden. Today, the Garden Reserve extends from the rocky coast of Cherry Tree Bay to Alligator Creek at Finch Bay, along the creek to Hogg Street, Garden Street, in a north-north-easterly line that runs back to the rocks.
Section 8: Cherry Tree Bay to Grassy Hill (1.5km)
The track leads from Cherry Tree Bay beach through open forest before it joins an old 4WD track to emerge onto the Grassy Hill Road. To return directly to Endeavour River foreshore, turn left at the junction and follow the bitumen road downhill, turning right at Green Street. Here the Trail turns right and continues to the top of Grassy Hill which offers a magnificent 360-degree view.
Section 9: Grassy Hill to Capt. Cook’s Statue (1.2km)
From the top of Grassy Hill it’s down hill all the way back to the Endeavour River foreshore. Follow Grassy Hill Road down past Baird Road, right down Hope Street, then turn right into Green Street. This will bring you back to the Post Office and Council Chambers, then turn another right along Charlotte Street.
Now you’re back at the START.
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Beware:
Estuarine crocodiles can occur in all coastal waterways.
Box jelly fish capable of causing fatalities may be present near beaches between November and May. Swimming in the sea during these months is not advisable.
Visitors Information Centre:
Located at “Natures Powerhouse” Walker Street, Cooktown
Before you head off:
Walkers participate at their own risk – Cook Shire Council accepts no responsibility.
A hat should be worn at all times and water carried especially on walks longer than one hour, and during summer.
Avoid insect bites (mosquitoes and sand flies) by applying repellent and wearing long pants/sleeves.
Sections of the Trail / track require that sturdy footwear be worn. Some sections may be affected by tidal movement and can become dangerous and or impassable.
