Grassy Hill is a must-see destination in Cooktown with
stunning views, particularly at sundown when the serpentine bends of the Endeavour River reflect the sunset.
However on 19 June 1770 Captain James Cook obviously did not
share this opinion as he wrote in his journal:
“This afternoon I went upon one of the highest
hills over the harbour from which I had a perfect view of the inlet or river
and adjacent country which afforded a very indifferent prospect…”
Admittedly he was trying to plot a course of escape after
holing his ship the HMB Endeavour on the Great Barrier
Reef south of Cooktown, so his lack of appreciation of the
stunning views is perhaps understandable.
Fast forward to 2012 and although those in favour of a brisk
walk can travel by foot to the top of the hill if you so desire, a newly laid
bitumen road to the top provides an easier option by car. Although now quite heavily
forested, Grassy Hill is so known because local aboriginals used to deliberately burn
the forest on the hill to encourage re-growth of vegetation and draw animals to
the area for hunting.
The final stages of the redevelopment are nearing completion with a public arts project in the production phase and no doubt a fitting launch party for Cooktown’s favourite landmark will be coming soon.
On a full moon climb to the top of the hill and you will witness the remarkable spectacle of seeing the sun setting and full moon rising – a sight that may even have brought a smile to the lips of the grumpy Captain Cook.
For more information - http://www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/go/cooktown/grassy-hill