Main Industry Cooktown serves as a trade centre for the surrounding regions with industries that include mining, mineral exploration, cattle grazing, fishing and tourism. Cooktown is definitely a frontier town. Getting there involves a minimum 4 hour drive on the inland road and longer on the coastal road. It is worth the trip. If you are looking for a truly Australian experience this is the place to find it.
Frontier towns attract people who work hard and play hard.
The fishing is excellent, the locals are friendly and the history mixed with the beauty of this dry but tropical town makes for a memorable visit. Finding your way around is easy as there are only a few streets. One of the best scenic lookouts in the world is located at Grassy Hill, where you really can see to the ends of the earth. Check with tour booking services in Cooktown or in Cairns before your departure. There are a number of options for getting to Cooktown.