River of Gold Motel

“Utterly brilliant the motel is good but the food was extraordinary so good and so much of it. The staff all Chinese one family so very very friendly. What really sold me was the coffee pod machine in all the rooms. If I am ever in Cooktown again that is where I will stay.”

“We enjoyed our two night stay as part of our travel tour. Shirley is very welcoming and is wiling to help you with anything you need to make your stay more comfortable. It's a family run business and they do a remarkable job looking after their guests.”

“Stayed here mid May with a Dutch friend from Europe, when doing some 4wd-ing in FNQ. We picked the motel based on the positive reviews. We were certainly not disappointed! Rooms were clean, comfortable and have good beds. Interesting that there are 3 coffee facilities: Nescafé, a plunger and a Nespresso machine. Too bad I ran out of pods! Shirley at reception sure made a difference. The motel seems a family business run by 3 generations: Shirley in the center, the kids accompanied us showed us the way to the room and later in the restaurant we met (I guess) the parents! A lovely experience and one we’d like to support. So we decided to have diner in their restaurant (hong kong), and admittingly, we ordered way too much and ending up really stuffed. I think given the remote location prices were more than reasonable. Shirley came to check out how we liked the meal, what our plans were and gave us some more ideas where to drive to, such as Elim Beach. For sure, next time I’ll be back in Cooktown I’ll stay here again. Location wise, you can just walk to the end of the street (2 minutes) and you’re in Charlotte Street where we went for an after dinner beer.”

“Absolutely loved our stay here. You can tell it’s a small business that genuinely cares about its guests. The staff were warm and welcoming, the food at the restaurant was fantastic, and the whole place had such a relaxed, personal feel to it. Everything was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully done. It’s always nice supporting local businesses when the experience is this good. We’ll definitely be back and would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a great stay and meal.”

“I recently stayed at the River of Gold for a work trip to Cooktown in April 2026. It was absolutely lovely from the moment I arrived. The location was easy to find and park my vehicle. The location is very central and close to everything one could possibly want. The area felt safe and quite. The staff were so friendly and appeared to love their job. My room was very clean, tidy, smelt fresh and spacious. The large bed was very comfortable with beautiful crispy fresh sheets and quality pillows I slept really well I was surprised. The shower had great water preassure and very hot water. I loved the little lemon grass scented soaps in my room! I spent my afternoons sitting on the balcony overlooking the glorious pool after a long days work enjoying the peace and quiet aswel as the lovely breeze. Overall, very good value for money and we will be back for sure! I travel alot for work all over Far north Qld and found my whole experience with your establishment to be a wonderfully pleasant experience! Thank you River of Gold.”

“Great place to stay, clean and comfy rooms, biscuits and coffee pods...Bonus!!. The food in the restaurant is just yummy! BYO shampoo & Conditioner. Shirley is awesome, friendly and super helpful. Walk to Finch Bay for sunrise, which is gorgeous! Easy walk to restaurants and the water for sunset!! Thanks so much! Will definitely come again!”

“If I could give 10 stars I'm not sure that would be enough. Rooms are huge and wonderfully comfortable. The family owners are amazing The food is unbelievable, cooked fresh and wonderfully tasty. The staff are so willing to oblige you really feel at home. Thank you George and Leonarda South Bunbury Western Australia 6 June 2026”