The Captain Cook Lookout
The discovery coast - cliff monument and seabird panoramas where Cook sighted Norfolk in 1774, above the island's wildest shore.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Norfolk's north coast keeps its discovery ground: the Captain Cook Lookout marks the 1774 sighting with monument and platform above the island's wildest shore - basalt cliffs taking the swell in white columns, red-tailed tropicbirds and boobies riding the updrafts at eye level, and the coastal reserve's pine-and-palm forest running walking tracks along the clifftops toward rock arches and cathedral formations offshore. The lookout's picnic ground serves the classic island afternoon; the seabird traffic serves the photographers; and the shore below reminds everyone why landings happened elsewhere. The monument stands on the clifftop reserve with the north coast running away on both sides.
What you actually see
- The discovery monument - 1774 marked on the platform.
- The cliff columns - swell exploding on basalt.
- The tropicbird traffic - red tails at eye level.
- The reserve tracks - clifftop pines to the arches.
When to go
October to April, the warmer season; mornings fly the most seabirds and the clearest light.
Honest expectations
Cliff edges run honest - rails where provided, sense where not; the shore below is viewing, never swimming.
Nearby
The national park's pines, Anson Bay and Burnt Pine.
What to pack for The Captain Cook Lookout
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
