Nature’s Powerhouse is introducing new opening hours from Monday 2 November 2026, with the much-loved Cooktown facility continuing to welcome locals and visitors five days a week.
Weekends stay firmly on the calendar, so your Saturday and Sunday coffee isn’t going anywhere.
New opening hours from Monday 2 November
- Wednesday to Sunday: 8.30am to 4.00pm
- Café kitchen: Closes at 1.45pm
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Shaped by community ideas
During the 2026–27 Budget engagement earlier this year, residents were invited to have their say on how Council could best balance cost, access and value at community facilities like the swimming pool, libraries and Nature’s Powerhouse.
And the community had some great suggestions!
Residents put forward ideas to adjust opening hours during quieter periods, adjusting opening hours to reflect seasonal demands, and closing on the quietest days of the week.
One clear message was to keep weekends open so locals can still enjoy a good breakfast and coffee. The new schedule brings these suggestions together, helping Nature’s Powerhouse remain an enjoyable and accessible community destination while operating more efficiently.
Making the most of the quieter seasons
As Cooktown moves into the wet season, visitor numbers naturally ease following the busy dry season.
Adjusting opening hours during this quieter period is a practical way to reduce operating costs while continuing to provide the experiences and services locals enjoy.
It’s also about looking after a facility the community values. In Council’s budget engagement, residents rated Nature’s Powerhouse among the services delivering the best value to the community.
By focusing opening hours on the busier days of the week, the facility can continue welcoming locals and visitors while making better use of Council resources.
Read the community feedback
These changes are one example of how local ideas can help shape Council services and decisions.
The full 2026–27 Budget Insights Report, including the community suggestions that helped shape this change, is available here: VIEW THE REPORT