It’s festival season on Cape York, and things are about to kick off with a bang – or several – at the annual Cooktown Discovery Festival from June 5-7.

Among the events on offer in the packed program are fireworks, a cannon firing, and the world famous re-enactment of Captain Cook’s landing on the banks of the Endeavour River, which includes not one but two gun salutes from the authentically dressed marines. 

But don’t worry, you will get more than just bang for your buck at the Discovery Festival, including a street parade, buskers festival, fun run, family movie night, bands and billy kart derby.

Heading farther north on the bitumen sealed Peninsula Development Road, stay a little while in Laura, where the biennial Aboriginal Dance Festival on June 19-21 is followed by the Laura Races, Rodeo and Campdraft on June 26-28. 

The dance festival provides a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest living cultures, in a tranquil bush setting on the banks of the Laura River, with entertainment, stalls and workshops running daily. Then frock up in your finest to have a punt at the Laura Races, before pulling on your Akubra to finish off the weekend at the rodeo, featuring some of the Cape’s finest stockmen and women.

But wait, there’s more! No it’s not a set of steak knives, but another Cape York festival, the third annual Bramwell Cup Bush Carnival to be precise. Thousands are expected at remote Bramwell Station, south of the Tip of Cape York, for the July 3-5 event, featuring bush races, poddy rides, foot race, talent quest, stalls and camping. 

And of course if you can’t make any of these dates, Cooktown and Cape York are always open for business with a myriad of natural wonders, quirky characters, culture, adventure and history on offer year round.

For more information visit www.cooktownandcapeyork.com or contact Council’s Tourism and Events Officer via mail@cook.qld.gov.au or on 4069 5444.