Grassy Hill Walk

Not many towns have such a great walk that is steep enough to keep one fit, right in the middle of the town, short distance to everywhere.


Although there is a good gym, waterobics and many other options, this walk is all you need to keep fit in Cooktown.

It starts in the end of Hope Street where the Hillcrest Guesthouse is, and from the main street you have to turn off at Sovereign.

It starts off going a little steep ... 

... and then a bit more level, 

... before starting getting steeper and steeper the further you get.

There is a drinking water tap ... 

... and then, bend after bend it continues,

... past a big wasp nest up the pole, 

... then the steepest section, 

... which takes you to some signs and steps.

It is the start of a separate walk to Cherry Tree Bay, Botanical Gardens and Finch Bay.

Then the next bit is not too bad,

... it takes you to the second highest lookout,

... which is a popular place for a sundowner.

After the kangaroo statue the next bit is easy again,

... until you come to the last bit,

... where you can choose between a shorter and steeper or a longer and easier option.

The shorter and steeper takes you straight to the old lighthouse,

... which is an old beauty built in England in the 1800s and shipped to Cooktown.

There are nowadays also picnic tables and a viewing platform, 

... which is a great place to watch sunsets.

There is also a side walk in the end of the car park,

... which takes you to a separate, smaller lookout point with a picnic table. 

The walk down has views of Mount Cook in the front,

... with some cyclone Ita damage still visible. 

At times you also have some ocean views,

... and on the other side some river views, 

... with the sunset, 

... with the sky still red after the sunset.

What a great way to end a day and get some exercise at the same time!

Plan Your Trip... the FREE Cape York Travel Pocket Guide

Get this 50 pages guide totally for FREE. It contains information that helps you getting started with planning of your trip. You get to make early-stages desicions such as when to go, how long time you should take, how to get there and get around, where to stay (general info), what will it cost.. and a short insight to what is there to see and do in Cape York.

Plan and Bring to the Trip... the full Destination Cape York Travel Guide

This complete 300 pages travel guide is all you need before and during your trip. Besides the background chapters on the peninsula's history and wildlife; and the comprehensive detail about all the places (down to prices, opening hours and full contact detail), it has invaluable information on at least 10 four wheel drive tracks, at least 30 guaranteed FREE camping spots on the Cape (and at least 150 on your way to the Cape), at least 40 best swimming holes, all mapped; as well as practical things - from fuel, roads, wireless internet and mobile phone reception, how to deal with the national parks booking rules; and Aboriginal land entrance and camping permits and alcohol restrictions - to vehicle preparation and accessories and necessary recovery gear by my vehicle-recovery-guy partner). Not to mention locals' tips on how to spot that croc and palm cockatoo ;-)

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