Hundreds of locals and visitors gathered in Cooktown over the weekend for the 46th annual Cooktown Discovery Festival, celebrating the region’s rich culture, community spirit, and place in Australian history as the site of the first recorded act of reconciliation...
Cook Shire News
Stay updated on Cook Shire news.
Public update on the Rail Trail Boardwalk
Cook Shire Council has temporarily closed access to the new boardwalk along the Rail Trail in the interest of public safety, as the structure has not yet received final building certification. The opening date was announced without prior consultation with Council, and...
Council Update: Rail Trail Boardwalk Project
Cook Shire Council acknowledges the strong community interest in the Stay Another Day Rail Trail Boardwalk project and is pleased to provide the following update. This project is a community-led initiative located on Council-managed land. The development application,...
MEDIA RELEASE | Real stories of resilience and reconciliation set to light up the Cooktown Shire Hall
In celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2025, Cook Shire Council is proud to present a special Film Festival showcasing powerful First Nations storytelling on the big screen at Cooktown’s iconic Shire Hall. Running from Monday 26 May to Saturday 31 May, the...
Catbird Theatre bringing puppets, poetry and performance to Cooktown these school holidays
Community members, families and young people are invited to enjoy two days of imaginative theatre and creative workshops this July as Catbird Theatre visits Cooktown for a special school holiday program. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Catbird Theatre creates original...
Cook Shire set for action-packed June/July school holiday program
Cook Shire is set for a vibrant and action-packed school holiday period, with a wide range of free and low-cost activities running across Cooktown, Coen, Laura, Lakeland and Bloomfield from 29 June to 10 July 2026. Families can look forward to two weeks of fun,...
Boil Water Alert Lifted – Lakeland
Drinking water now safe to consume Lakeland residents are being advised that the boil water alert issued on 18 May 2026 has now been lifted. Following the completion of repairs to the Lakeland water treatment system, flushing of the water network, and satisfactory...
Cooktown Swimming Pool moves to winter operating hours
The Cooktown Swimming Pool has transitioned to its winter operating hours, continuing to provide residents and visitors with opportunities to stay active and enjoy the facility throughout the cooler months. From Monday to Friday, the pool is open from 6:00am to...



