It’s a great morning for a walk and the walk from the Botanic Garden to Cherry Tree Bay back to Finch Bay is a great walk. It traverses dry coastal rainforest where there are opportunities to view the coastline from along the ridge lines. The vegetation is so different and interesting, the fruiting trees, flowers, bush smells and coloured barks and leaf varieties keeps one’s mind in overdrive. There is plenty of wildlife to observe.

We then visit the museum, it’s a tasteful informative view of Indigenous and European history, it’s located within the old convent. The convent was built in 1888 for the Sisters of Mercy to educate day students and boarders from Cooktown area. There are displays and audiovisual material to enjoy. The collection of the Endeavour’s anchor and cannon is a tangible connection to a time that changed Australia. The European and Indigenous perspective of the meeting of Cook’s crew and local Indigenous people’s is really worth reading and understanding. The tree that was used to tie off the HMB Endeavour whilst beached at Cooktown for repairs is there to. The Chinese history was interesting, they contributed much to QLD life and prosperity in those early years, what a shame politicians from all sides today can’t sort out their differences and allow those positive interactions to continue.

We enjoy a hearty meal at the The Sovereign Resort Hotel and pay another visit to the Grassy Top Lookout. Then a trip out to Quarantine Bay is well worth the drive and walk. The beach is made up of pebbles quite different from the usual sandy bays.