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Port of Cooktown

AUCTN🇦🇺Australia

Port Location

About Port of Cooktown

This harbor on the Endeavour River at the tip of Cape York Peninsula serves as a port for Far North Queensland. It handles passenger vessels and tugs, with harbor craft also utilizing its facilities.

Background
Cooktown is a coastal town and locality in the Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. Cooktown is at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs in 1770. Both the town and Mount Cook which rises up behind the town were named after James Cook.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Elevation
17m

Operations & Services

History

Established
1873

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
AUCTN
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Time Zone
UTC+10
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Subdivision
AU-QLD
Area
North Australia
Sub-area
Coral Sea
Latitude
-15.4739°
Longitude
145.2481°

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
2170657 →
Wikidata
Q1020734 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Cooktown?+
The approach to Cooktown is supported by 4 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Grassy Hill Lighthouse at 0.9 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Archer Point (8.6 NM SSE), Three Isles (23.9 NM NNE), Palfrey Island (48.1 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Cooktown on?+
The Port of Cooktown is situated on the Coral Sea in AU. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Cooktown?+
You can track vessels near Cooktown (AUCTN) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for AUCTN on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Cooktown?+
The Port of Cooktown operates in the UTC+10 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Cooktown?+
COOKTOWN (UN/Locode: AUCTN), Australia is a seaport located at approximately -15.47387° N, 145.24810° E.
Where is the Port of Cooktown located?+
Coordinates: -15.47387° N, 145.24810° E. Nearby terminals/ports:CAPE FLATTERY — UN/Locode: AUCQP — -14.98385° N, 145.35760° E
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Cooktown?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Cooktown?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Cooktown?+
Vessel types historically calling: Passenger and Tugs Harbor Craft.