Cooktown Cemetery

Cooktown Cemetery is a heritage-listed burial ground in Queensland that spreads across expansive grounds alongside a creek. The site features native vegetation, granite outcrops, and planted trees such as frangipani and coconut palms throughout its landscape.

The cemetery was founded in 1874 during the Palmer River gold rush and became an important burial ground for the growing population of the region. It documents over 3,000 burials and preserves the history of early European settlement alongside other communities.

The cemetery contains separate sections for different faiths, with Christian graves oriented toward the east and a shrine built by the local Chinese community creating a distinct space for their practices. This arrangement reflects how diverse population groups maintained their own burial traditions in this place.

The grounds are open for visitors who wish to explore the historical monuments and conduct genealogical research using documented records. Comfortable footwear is recommended since the terrain is uneven and paths wind through native vegetation.

The front boundary features a cast-iron fence manufactured by a London foundry that gives the entrance a Victorian character. This decorative fence is one of the site's most enduring original features and reflects 19th-century craftsmanship.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -15.47590,145.24110

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40