Keating's Lagoon

Located on the Mulligan Highway, 5km south of Cooktown and 325km north of Cairns, Keating's Lagoon Conservation Park covers 47 hectares of a scenic wetland in the Annan River catchment.

This park is a vital refuge for thousands of waterbirds that migrate to the area during the dry season.

Keating's Lagoon Cooktown is a birdwatcher's paradise. Thousands of migratory waterbirds flock to this area during the dry season. It is a common sight to spot numerous species of ducks, herons, spoonbills, ibises, and egrets. You can explore the walking trails to experience the park's natural beauty and see its inhabitants up close.

For thousands of years, Keating's Lagoon has been an essential source of food and medicine for the Traditional Owners of this park, the Waymbuurr clan of the Guugu Yimidhirr people. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this park, the Waymbuurr clan, welcome visitors to their country and ask that their special place is respected.

Keating's Lagoon Cooktown has several facilities for visitors, including picnic tables and walking trails. Visitors should observe the warning signs about crocodiles in the area and should not swim in the lagoon or enter the water. Camping and campfires are not permitted in this park.

As the wet season ends and the dry season kicks off, Keating's Lagoon Cooktown becomes a haven for thousands of migratory birds. Therefore, the dry season (June to November) is the best time to visit the park.

Keating's Lagoon Conservation Park is accessible via the Mulligan Highway, 5km south of Cooktown, and 325km north of