BOAT RAMPS

Cook Shire is not only a gateway to stunning landscapes but also a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Our boat ramps provide residents and visitors with access to a variety of water-based activities that contribute significantly to health and wellbeing.

Our shire boasts several boat ramps strategically located to offer easy access to our picturesque waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.

Cooktown Boat Ramp:

Situated in the heart of Cooktown, this ramp provides easy access to the Endeavour River and is the closest boatramp in Australia for accessing the Great Barrier Reef.

Marton Boat Ramp:

Located slightly upstream, this ramp is perfect for those looking to explore the quieter stretches of the Endeavour River.

Ayton Boat Ramp:

Access the stunning waters of the Bloomfield River, ideal for fishing and exploring the rainforest coastline.

Annan Boat ramp:

5 minutes sought of Cooktown, the ramp provides easy access out into Walker Bay.

Starcke Boat Ramp:

A 2 hour 4WD from Cooktown, and surrounded by littoral rainforest, on Juunjuwarra traditional homelands this is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

Engaging in water-based activities through our boat ramps offers numerous health and wellbeing benefits:

• Physical Exercise: Boating and fishing are great ways to stay active, improving cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
• Mental Wellbeing: Being on the water helps reduce stress, promotes relaxation, and enhances mental clarity.
• Social Connection: Boating and fishing provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• Nature Connection: Spending time on the water allows you to connect with nature, promoting environmental awareness and overall wellbeing.

Activities to Enjoy

Our boat ramps open the door to a variety of activities that support a healthy lifestyle:

• Fishing: Enjoy both recreational and sport fishing, which can be a relaxing and rewarding way to spend your time.
• Boating: Whether you own a boat or rent one, exploring the waterways of Cook Shire can be an exhilarating experience.
• Wildlife Watching: From sea turtles, dophins and dugongs to a variety of bird species, the waters of Cook Shire are teeming with wildlife.

Ready to embark on your next aquatic adventure? Our boat ramps are easily accessible and open year-round. For more information on locations, conditions, and safety guidelines, please contact Cook Shire Council. Our team is here to help you make the most of our water-based recreational opportunities.

Embrace the health and wellbeing benefits of water activities with Cook Shire’s boat ramps. Sail into a lifestyle of adventure, relaxation, and community connection!

Be Croc Wise

Boating and fishing in Far North Queensland is a popular way to relax and unwind, but please remember that Far north Queensland is croc country. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit our waterways – including rivers, lakes and even on beaches and in the ocean.

Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge, to capture their prey.

Just because you can’t see a crocodile, it doesn’t mean there is not one close by. No waterway in Croc Country can ever be considered crocodile free. 

Crocodiles can stay underwater for over an hour and can be completely concealed, even in knee-deep water.

• Night, dusk and dawn—are when crocodiles are most active.
• During and after high tides and heavy rains. Crocodiles can move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas where they haven’t been seen before.