Mount Cook National Park

Rising 431 metres above the surrounding landscape, rugged Mount Cook is the scenic backdrop to Cooktown. Lieutenant Phillip Parker King named Mount Cook in June 1819 during his navigation of northern Australia. Little did King know that Lieutenant James Cook had already named the mountain Gores Mount after Lieutenant John Gore, his third Lieutenant. The name Mount Cook took hold and, sadly for John Gore, the title Gores Mount was forgotten. A three kilometre climb to the summit will reward you with amazing views over the town, Annan River, Endeavour Valley, picturesque coastline and amazing Great Barrier Reef, make the three kilometre climb to the summit. Image credits: Matt Wallace © Queensland Government