Plan Your Festival
What’s On
Explore the full weekend lineup including KINGSWOOD LIVE!
Full Program
Day-by-day schedule
Busking CompetitionÂ
Register or support local talent
Cook Shire’s
Got Talent
Show us what you’ve got
Where to Stay
Find your perfect base
Our Story
Celebrating culture & connection
Take a detour and head for Adventure
Every June, Cooktown comes alive for a weekend of connection, celebration and culture. Set against the backdrop of the Waalmbal Birri – Endeavour River, the Discovery Festival is your invitation to slow down and soak up something special in one of Queensland’s most historic and scenic towns.
Culture & Connection
Experience stories of the Guugu Yimithirr people and frontier history.
Scenic Adventure
Set against the Endeavour River and the breath-taking Cape York Peninsula.
Festival Energy
Markets, live music, workshops and celebration for all ages.
Step into Story & Celebration
Located north of Cairns, travelling to Cooktown is an adventure all on its own. A breathtakingly beautiful and still relatively unspoilt region of the Cape York Peninsula. Cooktown is accessible via plane or road, both travel options promise adventure and spectacular views.
Held from 19th – 21st June, the festival blends riverfront markets, free live music, and hands-on workshops with deep cultural experiences and a touch of frontier history. Hear the stories of the Guugu Yimithirr people, watch traditional dance performances, and retrace Captain Cook’s historic landing – all in the one place.
Stay Updated with the Latest!
Countdown begins: New Cooktown Discovery Festival website launches as excitement builds for 2026
The countdown is officially on. The seven-week countdown to the Cooktown Discovery Festival kicks off tomorrow, Friday 1 May, with the launch of a refreshed festival website—setting the stage for one of Cape York’s most iconic events.Designed to be more vibrant,...
14 things that might surprise you at the Cooktown Discovery Festival
Think you know what to expect from a regional festival? Think again. The Cooktown Discovery Festival is full of moments that catch people off guard—in the best possible way. Here are 14 things that might just surprise you. 1. It’s completely free Yes—headline...
Cooktown Fishing Guide: Best Spots, Local Tips
Cooktown is widely recognised as one of Australia’s premier fishing destinations, offering a diverse range of environments from estuaries and rivers to offshore reefs and tropical islands.Whether you are an experienced angler or a casual visitor, there are...
Cairns to Cooktown: road trip stops worth pulling over for
The journey from Cairns to Cooktown is one of Queensland’s most scenic and rewarding coastal drives. Stretching through tropical rainforest, remote river crossings and rugged outback landscapes, the drive is as memorable as the destination itself. Whether you’re...
Experience Cooktown
Natural Wonderlands
Art & Culture
Fishing & Boating
Vibrant & Unique Events
