Coen

Location

Coen is a small inland town up the Cape York Peninsula in far northern Queensland. It is in the Cook Shire Local Government Area and has a population of approximately 253 people.

Restrictions

Important restrictions on the type and quantity of liquor that can be brought into various remote indigenous communities have been gradually implemented in Queensland.

Alcohol Management Plans have been developed by Community Justice Groups and contain recommendations for declaring all or part of a community area either a 'Restricted Area' and/or a 'Dry Place'.

People who live in, or are planning to visit, travel through or pass near a community which they feel may have restrictions should ensure they are aware of the laws. Bag checks can and will happen and severe fines apply if people are caught.

For detailed information by community visit the Queensland Government Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation website.

History

Gold was discovered on the Coen River in 1876. Coen came into being first as a small fort built by gold miners and prospectors in May 1877 but this first gold rush quickly came to an end, and the settlement did not recover until 1883.

It became a centre for several small goldmines in the region but, in 1893, the rich Great Northern mine boomed and the town became a more substantial place. The Great Northern mine continued operations until 1916 and produced some 52,000 troy ounces (1,617 kg) of gold before it closed.

Today Coen is an ideal destination for birdwatchers: there are good accommodations and a large and varied bird fauna with representatives from rain forest, monsoon forest and coastal forests.

Accommodation

Homestead Guesthouse

Bed and breakfast with double, family, single and twin rooms. Fully equipped kitchen.

Phone:

(07) 4060 1157

Exchange Hotel

Located on Regent Street.

Phone:

(07) 4060 1133

Armbrust & Co

Located on Regent Street.

Phone:

(07) 4060 1134

Lotusbird Lodge

Comprises 10 individual pole style cabins set amongst shady eucalypts along the inner bank of a large horseshoe shaped billabong. Each cabin has its own private verandah over looking the billabong and is very comfortably furnished, with ensuite.

Phone:

(07) 4060 3480

Website:

www.lotusbird.com.au

Other Coen Services

• General Stores (2)
• Post Office
• Primary School

Health Clinic

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 8:00am–5:00pm

Phone:

(07) 4060 1166

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