One step closer to bringing a piece of Cooktown’s history back to its former glory.
Stage 1 of the Cooktown Post Office façade restoration project has now been completed, following careful planning, preparation and cleaning of the building’s exterior.
The front façade was cleaned and, thankfully, remains in relatively reasonable condition.
The western side, however, told a different story. Years of exposure had taken their toll, so the wall has now been stripped back, with all loose and deteriorated lead based paint captured before the surface was resealed and repainted in Dulux ahead of the coming wet season.
And we have to say — the colour match is looking remarkably good!
The works have not only improved the appearance of this historic building but, importantly, have helped protect the façade from the harsh Far North Queensland weather and Western summer sun.
STAGE 1 — DONE
Planning & preparation
Front façade and deck cleaned
Western wall stripped back
Loose paint captured and removed
Surface resealed
Repainted in Dulux
Ready for the wet season
STAGE 2 — EASTER 2027
The restoration journey doesn’t stop here.
Stage 2 is planned for Easter 2027, when attention will turn to the southern wall.
It’s great to see this important Cooktown landmark being progressively restored and maintained — not just for today, but for the generations of locals and visitors who will continue to see it as part of the town’s story.
Slowly but surely, the old Post Office is getting the care it deserves.
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