Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation

Coen River-The Junction
(in the Dry)

Exchange
Hotel

Visitor Centre

Mine Ruins

Walk, Drive or Cycle with a Self-Guided Map
from the Visitor Centre or the shops


Click images to enlarge See the Visitor Centre and Heritage House

Hotel/Motel

Exchange Hotel
Clean Air-Conditioned Accommodation
Hotel, Motel and
Donga rooms
Off-Street Parking
EFTPOS & ATM
Tel 40601133
Guesthouse

Homestead Guest House
Clean, Quiet & Affordable
Single, Double or
Family rooms
Guest BBQ, Washing and
Cooking Facilities
Off-Street Parking
Tel 40601157
Camping Next to Rosin Management Store
Camping with Hot Showers EFTPOS Tel 40601134

Rosin Management Store
General Store & Groceries
Fuel (Shell), Post Office
Commonwealth Bank Agency, ATM
Open 7.45am-5pm Mon-Sat
Camping with Hot Showers
EFTPOS Tel 40601134
Public Telephones outside
BP Coen
Halfway Service Station
General Store & Groceries
Fuel (BP) Motor Workshop (closed Sun)
Spares (limited)
Punctures repaired
Fuel and Oils
Block & Party Ice
Open daily 8 am - 5.30 pm
EFTPOS Tel 40601144

Wunthulpu Visitor Centre

The Wunthulpu Cultural Centre (Visitor Centre) was initiated by the Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation (CRAC) to record and foster Indigenous culture.

The Centre was built on part of the old Aboriginal Reserve, with assistance from various sources, including the National Heritage Trust (NHT). A story of the peoples of the region unfolds in wall displays which include a fine collection of photographs. Many of these were taken by the anthropologist Donald Thompson who began his  research nearby in 1928. Learn about the different language groups, their inter-relationships and their history after European contact.

Contact the CRAC office if the Centre is not open.

Part of the building is a hall for community meetings, and is available for hire. The kitchen is used to prepare meals for Home and Community Care, a CRAC-auspiced program which provides meals and home care for elderly or infirm local residents

Art and Craft work such as printed T-shirts, postcards, leather and basket work is available for sale. Some of these are produced at the Wunthulpu Arts Centre ("Arts Shed"),  another CRAC project.

Cape York Heritage House was one of the original Repeater Stations on the Overland Telegraph line to the Tip of Cape York. It has been relocated to Coen and restored as a museum with many items of original equipment.

The Telegraph used Morse Code, and signals could only be transmitted over short distances. Hence the need for manned repeater stations at spaced intervals

There is a collection of stories about the pioneering families of Cape York who were involved in the pastoral and mining industries, and about the construction and running of the Telegraph. In addition, many old photographs and other memorabilia are displayed, recalling the lifestyles of the pioneers, early settlers, and some of the indigenous people. This includes the Coen Race Meeting held annually until 2000.

Within the grounds there are toilet facilities and a picnic shelter. Ideal spot for lunch or a snack!

click to enlarge images