Paperbark Retreat

31/08/2026

🎣 FISHING AT PAPERBARK — TONY KNOWS HIS STUFF!

We love our fishing at Paperbark — and when it comes to the rivers around Cooktown, Tony knows where to go!

We’ve got the gear ready to go, the beautiful Endeavour River right here, and plenty of local knowledge to point you in the right direction.

Whether you’re a serious angler or just fancy throwing in a line and seeing what happens, come and enjoy a little fishing, a lot of peace and some good old-fashioned Cape York adventure.

And who knows… Tony might even tell you where the fish are!

Paperbark Retreat Cooktown
📩 Book direct: paperbarkretreat.com.au
🍷 Direct bookings include our complimentary wine & cheese plate.

28/08/2026

What can I say… nature never ceases to amaze us!

Here at Paperbark, these beautiful orchids grow naturally among the tropical gardens, unfolding like quiet poems beneath the North Queensland sun.

Each flower is a small masterpiece — every petal, marking and delicate curve shaped with effortless grace.

Living at Paperbark means discovering these little treasures all around us: something flowering, growing, moving or softly revealing itself each day.

These orchids have caught our eye this week, and we simply had to share their beauty with you.

We hope you love them as much as we do.

Nature is the most incredible artist — and here at Paperbark, her wildest creations bloom right outside our door.

22/08/2026

COME AND DISCOVER COOKTOWN & CAPE YORK 🌿

Whether it’s bushwalking through our own backyard here at Paperbark, standing beneath the spectacular Wujal Wujal Falls, discovering ancient rock art, or learning about culture and Country with Willie Gordon on his family’s traditional land…

There is always something waiting to be explored around Cooktown.

From the incredible Coloured Sands and rugged Cape York landscapes to the stories, history, culture and people who make this place so special — Cooktown truly is the gateway to Cape York.

And this is what we love most about sharing Paperbark with our guests.

It’s not just about where you stay.

It’s about what you experience while you’re here.

🌿 Walk our bush tracks
💦 Discover waterfalls
🪨 Explore ancient rock art
🌏 Learn from the people who know and belong to this Country
🌴 Experience the beauty, history and stories of Cape York
❤️ Meet the people who make this place what it is

Come for the adventure… stay for the experience… and leave with memories of a very special part of Australia.

Let us share Cooktown and Cape York with you.
Meet the people. Immerse yourself in the beauty. Discover the history. Experience Country.

📍 Paperbark Retreat, Cooktown — your gateway to Cape York.

20/08/2026

Tony and I never tire of our garden… and I often wonder, do you feel it too?

There’s something about a garden that seems to call you. Perhaps it’s that part of us that simply needs to be there — surrounded by the peace, beauty and quiet comfort it gives us.

For us, gardening is so much more than digging, planting, weeding and trimming. It’s planning, dreaming, creating… and then standing back and enjoying what we’ve made.

It’s a feeling that’s almost impossible to describe, yet I think a fellow gardener will know exactly what I mean.

The joy of discovering a beautiful flower opening, a perfect leaf, morning dew sparkling after the rain… a little sunbird feasting on nectar or a butterfly dancing from one plant to another.

Such simple things, yet somehow they bring the greatest pleasure.

And perhaps that’s why we love sharing our garden so much. We see the joy on our guests’ faces as they wander through, sit quietly, take photographs or simply stop for a moment and breathe it all in.

Our garden has become part of the Paperbark experience — a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and find a little peace.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

Sharing your garden, your love and your passion with others really is good for the soul.

18/08/2026

Know Your Country

We love exploring too! ❤️ And one of the things we love most about living at Paperbark Retreat is being reminded just how much there is to discover right here in our own backyard.

From the history, wildlife and incredible landscapes around Cooktown to the ancient culture and stories of Cape York — there is so much to see, learn and experience.

Sometimes we forget what an amazing country we live in. You don’t always have to travel overseas to have an adventure. See Australia. Know your country. Meet the people. Hear their stories. Walk the land. Taste the local flavours. Experience the places that make Australia unique.

At Paperbark, we love sharing those experiences with our guests. Whether it’s exploring the beautiful Cape, discovering hidden gems, enjoying our incredible wildlife and nature, or connecting visitors with the wonderful local people who have stories and knowledge to share — we want your stay to be more than just a place to sleep.

We want you to experience Cooktown and Cape York. 🌿❤️

Come curious, leave with memories… and perhaps a few stories of your own to tell.

See Australia. Know your country. Meet the people. Experience Cape York.

15/08/2026

04/08/2026

Step onto Country with Willie, whose tours are recognised among the very best in Australia. With a deep passion for his culture, spirituality and Country, Willie shares stories, traditions and knowledge that have been passed down through generations, creating an authentic and truly memorable experience.

More than just a tour, it's a journey of connection, understanding and respect.

This is just one of the many incredible tours and adventures we can arrange for our guests, allowing you to experience the very best of Cooktown and Cape York.

To book your stay or arrange a tour, contact Sue at Paperbark Retreat on 0431 549 071.

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02/08/2026

Hi Sue,

Here's a few photos from our stay!

We've had a very relaxing couple of nights at Paperback Retreat!

We have throughly enjoyed the beautiful gardens, early morning walks, the peaceful location and the hospitality provided by you and Tony...... especially the meticulously graded track to our afternoon fishing spot....!

We look forward to our next stay!

David and Elizabeth Syme, Marie Langham and Matthew Cotter

We loved having you all stay with us... enjoy the rest of your trip and see you next year!

02/08/2026

From breathtaking waterfalls and the towering termite mounds on the road to Cape York, to the colourful history of the Cooktown Reenactment, ancient Aboriginal rock art, the stunning Coloured Sands of Elim Beach, the excitement of the Hopevale Rodeo, and unforgettable croc spotting on the beautiful Endeavour River... there's an adventure waiting around every corner.

Whether you're chasing history, culture, wildlife, or spectacular natural beauty, Cooktown and the surrounding Cape York region have something for everyone.

Come and discover why so many visitors fall in love with this incredible part of Tropical North Queensland.

❤️ Like, comment and share to help support our small family business.

📅 Book your stay directly at Paperbark Retreat and experience the very best of Cooktown!