Rating: 9/10
Last visited: April 2021
If you ever find yourself in Cooktown, and you love hiking, you absolutely have to conquer Mount Cook. Standing at 431 meters this hike offers extraordinary views of the ocean for relatively little work. This little beauty offers similar rewards visually to Devil’s Thumb with a lot (and I mean a lot) less effort, sweat and pain.
If it wasn’t so far north from Cairns, this would be a regular for us.
What do you need to know
Total distance is approx. 6.8 km return
At a pretty quick pace (not set by myself) we managed the return trip in just over two hours (including time at the top). I would allow for 3 hours at a more comfortable pace with time at the top to take in the views and lots of photos.
Overall I rate this walk Moderate. Whilst there are some steep sections, they don’t last for too long, the majority of the walk is manageable and it is shorter on the distance and time than many other hikes I have done for a lot less reward.
Check out our blog on the Cooktown Waterfall Circuit for what else is on offer in the area.
The first section of the track to the Mungurra lookout is easy to follow and easy in general (there is not much of an incline), it is suitable for all fitness levels. Below is a photo from the lookout:
The second section of the track to the summit is not as easy to follow and becomes steep in sections. Closer to the top there were some overgrown sections where we had to spend a little bit of time working out which way the trail went. I dare say the second part of the trail is not trafficked very often, we came across a lot of spiders and cobwebs.
On the way to the top there is an additional lookout with some pretty spectacular views, worth a small side step.
At the top you will come to the helicopter pad. Here is the important part, you still have some walking to do, continue straight through the helicopter pad to the opposite side, there is a small and overgrown trail that if followed will allow you to pop out onto a big rock with a stunning view.
Here is a picture of the trail map that may assist you
While you are in Cooktown I also recommend you check out Grassy Hill lookout (best at sunset or sunrise)
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