Overview

The Queensland Government released a proposed concept design for the new Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) project in March 2026.

The project will deliver a new pontoon on the Endeavour River, opposite Lions Park, providing a convenient access point for small craft users near local amenities. It will reduce congestion, improve safety, and keep the Cooktown boat ramp free for larger vessels.

Community feedback was invited on the proposed design to confirm if the pontoon meets the needs and priorities of the Cooktown community.

As with all waterways in Far North Queensland, people are encouraged to remain croc-smart when using the Endeavour River and to take care near the water at all times.

Map of the proposed pontoon adjacent to the southern end of Lions Park in Cooktown. The map shows the design and measurements of the proposed pontoon. Two smaller maps to the right indicate the location of the proposed pontoon.

Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) - proposed design

Proposed concept design

The proposed location for the Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) is on the Endeavour River opposite Lions Park, providing a convenient access point for small craft users near local amenities. It is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety, and help keep the Cooktown boat ramp available for larger vessels.

Project features:

  • A new 15m-long pontoon
  • Durable aluminium construction for strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments
  • A location closer to shops and supplies, providing more convenient, safer and efficient access for pontoon users and boaties.

Community benefits:

  • Separate access: Provides a dedicated pontoon specifically for small vessels to board and disembark
  • Less congestion: Frees up the ramp for launching and retrieving boats only
  • Upgraded facilities: Increases capacity to support Cooktown’s growing boating community and tourism.

Thanks for having your say – next steps

Community consultation closed on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Feedback received during community consultation will be carefully considered as the design is refined to align with community needs and priorities.

Thank you for taking the time to have your say. We’ll share an update on next steps by mid-2026.