Lakeland & Laura

Lakeland & Laura

Lakeland is an agricultural region south west of Cooktown on the inland route. Lakeland was first occupied by Western Yalanji people and European settlement began in 1873 with the Palmer River Gold Rush and the establishment of a large cattle property known as Butchers Hill to supply meat to the goldfields. Lakeland has become a food bowl producing some of Australia’s best bananas and watermelons. For many travellers, Lakeland is considered the gateway to Cape York.

MUST DO’S

FRESH PRODUCE Support the local farmers and buy fresh produce from the road side stalls.

INDIGENOUS ROCK ART Join a tour with a local Indigenous guide to fully immerse yourself in this rich and ancient culture.

MAYTOWN AND THE OLD COACH ROAD A great 4WD adventure. 30,000 people descended on the Palmer River and Maytown during the Gold Rush and remnants of their time here can still be found. The Old Coach Road from Maytown to Laura is for skilled 4WD enthusiasts and is an extreme 4WD track.

Laura was once the end point for the Cooktown-Laura railway and was an important supply centre during the gold rush.

Amazing sandstone escarpments have created caves and overhangs where some spectacular Aboriginal rock art galleries exist. These Quinkan rock art galleries are listed on the National Heritage List and UNESCO has listed them as being amongst the top ten rock art sites in the world. The exact age of the paintings is yet to be determined but it is believed they are aged between 10,000 and 40,000 years old. Jarramali Rock Art Tours offer guided tours and accommodation options to view Magnificent Gallery. Split Rock Gallery can be accessed by self drive, just off the Peninsula Development Road south of Laura. The short 500m walk takes you to the site.

Donations are appreciated and can be left in the donations box at the car park.