Cooktown Re-enactment Association

Cooktown Re-enactment Association Sharing the previously unknown history of Captain Cook and the Guugu Yimithirr at Waalmbal Birri/Endeavour River in 1770.

The objects of the association are:

1. To stage an historical and culturally accurate annual re-enactment of the arrival and subsequent 48 days when the HMB Endeavour careened at Waymburr (Cooktown) in 1770.
2. To educate the public about the shared history of the sailors aboard HMB Endeavour and the Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji Bama during the time the Endeavour was careened at Waymburr on W

aalmbal Birri (Endeavour River), and the many significant events that took place.
3. Conduct promotional, educational and fundraising events and activities with the aim of encouraging cultural appreciation, historical awareness, community pride and regional economic development.

Some of the most important support for the Cooktown Re-enactment happens behind the scenes.Today we'd like to thank a gr...
17/06/2026

Some of the most important support for the Cooktown Re-enactment happens behind the scenes.

Today we'd like to thank a group of organisations that help us with the practical things that make the re-enactment possible each year.

👏 Cooktown Real Estate who generously subsidise a storage unit for the re-enactment Association throughout the year.

👏 Cooktown Coastguard, who allow us to put our shipping container on their lease adjacent to Bicentennial Park during the lead up to the re-enactment.

👏 Cooktown State School P-12 whose students and staff continue to support the re-enactment through the creation of props, including this year's chook cages.

👏 Cooktown Bakery, who kindly provided smoko for one of our rehearsal days.

From storing props and building new ones to providing facilities and refreshments, these contributions help us prepare for and deliver the re-enactment each year.

On behalf of our cast, crew, volunteers and committee, thank you for your generosity and ongoing support.

🎭 Thank you for helping keep the Cooktown re-enactment alive.

17/06/2026

17th June 2026
On this day 256 years ago HMB Endeavour landed at Waalmbal Birri - Endeavour River in 1770

We're fortunate to have local businesses that continue to support community events and traditions in Cooktown.Today we'd...
16/06/2026

We're fortunate to have local businesses that continue to support community events and traditions in Cooktown.

Today we'd like to acknowledge:

👏 Vitality Pharmacy Warehouse
👏 Cooktown Bowls Club
👏 The Seaview Cooktown
👏 Cooktown Hardware

Community events like the re-enactment rely on the support of local businesses that are willing to invest in their community and help bring people together.

Their support helps us continue a tradition that has been part of Cooktown for more than 67 years, bringing locals and visitors together to share an important part of our history.

On behalf of our cast, crew, volunteers and committee, thank you for your support and commitment to the Cooktown community.

🎭 Thank you for helping keep the Cooktown re-enactment alive.

Step back in time and experience one of Cooktown's longest-running community traditions.Join us as we retell the story o...
15/06/2026

Step back in time and experience one of Cooktown's longest-running community traditions.

Join us as we retell the story of the meeting between the Guugu Yimithirr Bamangay and the crew of HMB Endeavour in 1770.

Featuring more than 50 local performers, live musket firing, dance, music and community participation.

📍 Bicentennial Park
🕙 Sunday 21 June, 10am

Free community event. Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the show.
Discovery Festival

🎭 As we continue to thank the many businesses and organisations that help make the re-enactment possible, today we'd lik...
15/06/2026

🎭 As we continue to thank the many businesses and organisations that help make the re-enactment possible, today we'd like to acknowledge two valued supporters – Cooktown Containers and Diatreme.

Once again Cooktown Containers has generously provided and transported the shipping container used to securely store our props and equipment onsite throughout the festival period. This is a significant contribution to the re-enactment and one that provides both practical support and considerable value to our organisation each year.

Diatreme has also been a strong supporter of the reenactment this year, contributing in a variety of ways from practical assistance and resources to the support of staff and volunteers, their contribution has helped us continue to deliver this important community event.

Community events like the re-enactment rely on businesses and organisations that are willing to get behind local events and lend a hand in many different ways.

On behalf of our cast, crew, volunteers and committee, thank you for helping keep this important community tradition alive.

👏 Thank you Cooktown Bargain Barn
👏 Thank you Diatreme Resources

🎭 Community events are built on community support.Today we'd like to acknowledge and sincerely thank three organisations...
14/06/2026

🎭 Community events are built on community support.

Today we'd like to acknowledge and sincerely thank three organisations that continue to support the re-enactment and the wider Cooktown community:

👏 Cooktown RSL Memorial CLUB
👏 Cooktown District Community Centre
👏 Endeavour Lions Club Cooktown

These organisations contribute so much to our community throughout the year and we are grateful for their support of the re-enactment.

The re-enactment has been bringing history to life in Cooktown for more than six decades and relies on the generosity of local organisations, businesses and volunteers to continue.

Over the coming days, we'll be recognising some of the many businesses, organisations and individuals whose support helps make this event possible.

On behalf of our cast, crew, volunteers and committee, thank you for helping keep this important community tradition alive.

Thank you for your support.

The rain may have dampened the musket powder, but it didn't dampen the spirits of our cast and crew.Despite the wet weat...
13/06/2026

The rain may have dampened the musket powder, but it didn't dampen the spirits of our cast and crew.

Despite the wet weather, today's final rehearsal went ahead with plenty of enthusiasm, determination and good humour as we prepare for next weekend's re-enactment.

Thank you to everyone who turned up, helping bring the story one step closer to performance day.

See you next Sunday at 10am.

🔔 Community ReminderA reminder that live musket firing will commence tomorrow as part of preparations for the 2026 Cookt...
12/06/2026

🔔 Community Reminder

A reminder that live musket firing will commence tomorrow as part of preparations for the 2026 Cooktown Discovery Festival Re-enactment.

Please refer to the attached notice for locations and approximate firing times.

The noise may startle pets and animals, particularly dogs, so please ensure they are safely secured during these times.

The firings are a planned and controlled part of the re-enactment activities.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prepare for this year's Cooktown Re-enactment. 🎭

Address

121 Charlotte Street
Cooktown, QLD
4895

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 4pm
Tuesday 12pm - 4pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+61427194820

Website

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