What happens when nature goes completely off script? Explore the fascinating science of our natural world, human resilience and what helps us adapt when the unexpected happens.
Cooktown is about to find out when one of Australia’s best-known and most-loved science communicators, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, takes to the stage at the Cooktown Events Centre on Friday 30 October for a very special evening of science, curiosity and big questions.
An Evening with Dr Karl: The Science of Survival will turn the spotlight on the fascinating science behind disasters, extreme weather and the natural world – all delivered with the trademark curiosity, humour and enthusiasm that has made Dr Karl a household name across generations of Australians.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said Council was delighted to bring an event of this calibre to Cooktown.
“Dr Karl has an incredible ability to make science fascinating, entertaining and accessible, whether you’re eight or 80,” Mayor Holmes said.
“And there could hardly be a more fitting place for a conversation about the science of survival than Cook Shire.
“We live in an extraordinary part of the world. Cyclones, bushfires, flooding and extreme weather are realities our communities understand very well, so this is an opportunity to look at some very serious subjects from a completely different, engaging and entertaining perspective.”
Dr Karl has an incredible ability to make science fascinating, entertaining and accessible, whether you’re eight or 80…
…And there could hardly be a more fitting place for a conversation about the science of survival than Cook Shire.”
Mayor Holmes said the event was also about bringing people together and making conversations about disaster resilience accessible to the whole community.
“Building resilience isn’t only about what happens when disaster strikes. It’s also about understanding the environment and risks around us, asking questions and building knowledge before we need it,” she said.
“This is certainly not going to feel like a disaster preparedness seminar. It’s going to be a genuinely fun night out with one of Australia’s great communicators – and if people walk away entertained, curious and knowing something they didn’t know when they arrived, then we’ve achieved something pretty special.”
Tickets are strictly limited so residents and visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out.
General admission tickets are $20 per person. As this is a fully licensed event, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult with a valid ticket. The evening program is not recommended for children under eight years of age.
Younger science fans won’t miss out either, with Dr Karl also set to spend time with local school students during his Cooktown visit. Details of the school visits will be shared directly with participating school communities.
For those wanting to make a night of it with friends, family or colleagues, a limited number of reserved tables of eight are available for $144, guaranteeing your group reserved seating together.
The official program begins at 6pm at the Cooktown Events Centre, with food and beverages available to purchase throughout the evening.
Tickets will be available to book on TryBooking from Wednesday 26 August 2026.
EVENT DETAILS
An Evening with Dr Karl: The Science of Survival
Friday 30 October 2026
Cooktown Events Centre
6pm
- General admission: $20
- Reserved table of 8: $144 – strictly limited availability
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult with a valid ticket.
- Not recommended for children under 8
- Food and beverages available to purchase
- Fully licensed event – no BYO
For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.
ENDS
Assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
‘Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM’ appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.