About - Cooktown Hotel

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A Historic Landmark with Heart in Far North Queensland

Welcome to the Cooktown Hotel, where rich local history, warm tropical hospitality, and cold drinks have brought locals and travelers together for generations.

Over 150 Years of Hospitality

Rooted in the rich history of Far North Queensland, the Cooktown Hotel – affectionately known by locals as ‘The Top Pub’ – has long stood as a welcoming haven for locals and travellers alike. Built on classic tropical hospitality, we pride ourselves on serving up icy-cold drinks, hearty pub meals, and a relaxed atmosphere where timeless stories are shared and new memories are made. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual counter lunch, a cold pint in the beer garden, or a restful stay in the heart of town, our doors are always open with iconic local charm.

The Story Behind Cooktowns Iconic Landmark

First established in 1874 at the height of the Palmer River gold rush, the Cooktown Hotel began its life as the White Horse Inn before being rebuilt in the 1880s as the Commercial Hotel. Affectionately known by generations of locals as “The Top Pub,” it has stood for over 150 years as an iconic fixture on Charlotte Street. Having weathered tropical cyclones, pioneer booms, and over a century of Far North Queensland history, the hotel remains a vital gathering place that preserves authentic regional character while continuing to offer classic Outback pub hospitality.

1880’s The Commercial Hotel

The Heart of Hospitality in FNQ

Since 1874, our historic hotel has brought people together with genuine local warmth, ice-cold drinks, and honest Far North dining. Explore what makes our landmark pub the ultimate oasis for contractors, locals, and road-trippers exploring North Queensland.

Est. 1874

Proudly serving Cooktown with authentic Outback hospitality for 150+ years.

The Top Pub

Cooktown’s iconic local gathering spot for cold drinks and stories.

heart of town

Conveniently located on Charlotte Street, close to all local attractions

About cooktown hotel

Established in 1874, the Cooktown Hotel is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and a proud part of Cooktown’s rich history. This beautiful two-storey weatherboard pub has welcomed travellers, locals and adventurers for generations, offering the kind of relaxed hospitality that North Queensland is known for. With its classic verandas, historic charm and warm atmosphere, the hotel remains a true gathering place in the heart of town.

Affectionately known by locals as “The Top Pub” or “The Toppie,” the Cooktown Hotel is a favourite spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a cold drink and soak up the laid-back character of Cooktown. Whether you’re visiting after a day exploring Cape York, coming in for a casual meal, or staying the night, the hotel offers great food, comfortable accommodation and regular entertainment in a friendly pub setting.

Today, the Cooktown Hotel continues its long tradition as a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors alike. With hearty pub meals, refreshing drinks and a genuine country-pub atmosphere, it’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are made and everyone is made to feel right at home

Cooktown Hotel Timeline

The White Horse Hotel: 1874 - 1885

Founded by Andrew Threadgold in 1874 during the gold rush, the White Horse Hotel was a bustling stop for miners, adventurers, and travellers heading to the Palmer River Goldfields.

The Commercial Hotel: 1885 - 1982

In 1885, John Keating rebuilt and renamed it the Commercial Hotel, adding a second story in 1889. Know as ‘The Racing Man’s Pub,’ it was a popular spot for town events & local gatherings for nearly a century.

The Cooktown Hotel: 1982 - Today

Renamed the Cooktown Hotel in 1982, and now owned by Chris Lemke, the hotel remains ‘The Top Pub’, welcoming locals and visitors with great food, live music and comfortable accommodation in our historical Queensland setting.

The White Horse Hotel and the Commercial Hotel photos supplied by Cooktown History Centre with thanks. https://www.cooktownhistory.org.au/