Cooktown Discovery Festival, 5-6 June

State: QLD

Website: www.cooktowndiscoveryfestival.com

1. The historical recounting of Cook’s Landing is a grand production

Every Queen’s birthday long weekend in June, the Cooktown Discovery Festival in North Queensland celebrates arts, family and the coming together of European, Chinese and Indigenous culture. A highlight is the re-enactment of the first arrival of European settlers and their interaction with Guugu Yimithirr people. Cooktown is a historic location, discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770, and then went on to be a thriving port during the gold rush. Other events include a grand parade, live music and busking, a billy cart derby, cane toad races, gold panning displays, markets and fireworks.