Invitation for Expressions of Interest for the Operation of Nature’s Powerhouse (E08025)

Expressions of Interest Now Open – Nature’s Powerhouse at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens

Cook Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from passionate and capable individuals, businesses, community organisations, Indigenous enterprises, social enterprises, and consortiums interested in bringing new ideas and energy to Nature’s Powerhouse, one of Cooktown’s most iconic tourism, cultural and community destinations.

Located within the heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens—one of Queensland’s oldest botanic gardens—Nature’s Powerhouse offers a unique opportunity to operate within a highly regarded visitor attraction that welcomes thousands of locals and visitors each year.

Council is inviting innovative proposals for the management and operation of all or part of the facility, including:

• Café operations
• Retail and gift shop operations
• Visitor Information services
• Exhibition, gallery and event spaces
• Integrated management of the entire facility

Whether you’re an experienced operator, community organisation, tourism provider, Indigenous enterprise, creative collective, or social enterprise, Council welcomes fresh ideas that will enhance visitor experiences, celebrate local culture and heritage, support tourism, and contribute to the long-term success of this important community asset!

Don’t Miss the Site Inspection!

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend the site inspection to gain a firsthand understanding of the facility, its opportunities, and its potential.

Site Inspection
📍 Nature’s Powerhouse, Cooktown Botanic Gardens
📅 Wednesday 9 July 2026
🕒 3.00pm
📧 RSVP: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

Attending the inspection is a valuable opportunity to explore the facility, ask questions, and consider how your vision could help shape the future of this unique destination.