About Nature's PowerHouse

One of the highlights of Cooktown, Nature's PowerHouse is an Environment Interpretive Centre and Cooktown's accredited Visitor Information Centre, located in the historic Botanic Gardens. The Centre offers lots of interesting things to visitors and local people, both young and old.

Designed by the architect Bud Brannigan, it was jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments. The building nestles among huge granite boulders in a lovely bush setting. The building is accessible by an attractive rocky pathway, or a cement ramp designed for wheel chair access and the less mobile.

In the Charles Tanner Gallery one can see exciting exhibitions on the wildlife of Cape York Peninsula which emphasis the environmental importance of this area. The Vera Scarth-Johnson  Gallery is home to the superb collection of botanical illustrations by Vera Scarth-Johnson of local flowering plants.

As well as the two permanent exhibitions there are many special events held at Nature's PowerHouse throughout the year.

Some exhibitions in 2008 :

Mangal Darrpa "Good Hands" a selection of works by Guguu Yimithirr artists from Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre, Hopevale Aboriginal Community, the indigenous community just north of Cooktown.

Mangroves, an exciting exhibition by Ellen Terrell, Sandra Ford and Dan Irby, 3 artists from the Daintree and Kuranda. The beautiful botanical paintings by Sandra and bird photographs by Dan was complemented by Ellen's exquisite pottery.

Milbii, Telling our Stories, an exhibition by Helen Gordon and Conrad Michael, indigenous artists from Cooktown was a huge success. The artists also held cultural workshops in painting, weaving and didgeridoo.

In October of 2005 Nature's PowerHouse was very proud to host an exhibition of Orchid paintings by a local naturalist, Lewis Roberts.  A third generation resident of Shipton’s Flat, just south of Cooktown, Lewis Roberts is a self taught naturalist and botanical illustrator. The exhibition "Orchids of far north-eastern Queensland" is the result of thirty years of work. Searching out orchids throughout Cape York Peninsula, drawing and painting them in exquisite detail.

DISCOVERY TOUR = A botanical voyage of discovery through the Historical Cooktown Botanic Gardens with Sandy. See the collection of live specimens of the plants collected by Banks and Solander when they came on the Endeavour with Captain James Cook in 1770, the exotic tropical fruit trees planted by the Society for Acclimatisation to trial these trees as food crops in Queensland. The Palmetum, the wetlands Garden and more. Offered as a one-hour tour week-day mornings or as a package with morning tea at Vera's cafe and a tour of the exhibits. Bookings essential 07.4069 6004.

Be sure to visit this site often to see the list of current and upcoming events.

Our Nature-lovers' BookStore and Gift Shop offers a wide range of interesting books focusing on the environment, heritage, history, children's books and games, as well as unique local art, crafts, cards and mementos.

Vera's Café on the verandah is in a magnificent setting overlooking the Botanic Gardens. The cafe serves refreshing cold drinks, coffee and tea, interesting brunches and lunches highlighting local produce. "Vera's" is a popular spot with locals and visitors. To see a sample menu click here!

From the verandah you can see the spectacular new 7 metres (23 ft) long Amethystine python  (Morelia amethistina), carved from Cooktown Ironwood, and the Solander Garden.

The Centre can cater for small or large groups and has parking facilities to accommodate coaches.

The verandah can be booked for large or small functions both day and evening. We can provide set meals, morning/afternoon teas, and cater for special diets. Advance bookings are appreciated.

Our volunteers and staff are always available to help answer any questions you may have. There are spacious rest-room facilities at the Centre. Bottled filtered water is available free for walkers.

We also have a Japanese interpreter on our staff.

Visitors can spend anything from half an hour to a day looking at the exhibits, wandering through the gardens of both native and exotic trees, following the walking trails down to the beautiful beach at Finch Bay or, for the more adventurous, to the isolated Cherry Tree Bay.

Entry to our Galleries... $3.50
Children 12 years and younger children are free.