Mermaids. Pirates.

This community mural wraps around the public toilets at Lions Park in Cooktown, turning a functional building into a colourful celebration of land, sea, and cultural identity. Each wall tells a different story, blending naturalistic depictions of Far North Queensland’s wildlife with bold, stylised imagery and references to Indigenous art traditions.

Marine Life & the Reef

One façade bursts with swirling blues, carrying reef fish through a painted ocean current. Parrotfish, barramundi, cod, and other species swim together, highlighting Cooktown’s connection to the Great Barrier Reef. Painted poles add playful details, with turtles, shells, and fish climbing vertically like totems of the sea.

Coastal Birds & the Jetty

Another side depicts a jetty scene alive with seabirds, their white wings catching the breeze above turquoise waves. The dark silhouette of distant hills roots the mural in Cooktown’s coastal landscape, while the repetition of the birds in flight suggests freedom, abundance, and migration.

Crocodile & Country

A striking crocodile stretches across the wall in earthy tones of green, yellow, and turquoise. Its patterned back evokes both scales and geometric designs, referencing Indigenous symbolism while celebrating the presence of saltwater crocodiles in local rivers and estuaries.

Mermaids, Pirates & the Deep Sea

The front wall invites viewers into a mythical underwater world. On one side, the word “Mermaids” hovers above sea creatures, jellyfish, and fantastical organisms floating in deep blues. On the other, “Pirates” accompanies a majestic mother-and-calf humpback whale, gracefully moving through the dark ocean depths.

People & Culture

Throughout the mural, stylised figures with elongated limbs and patterned bodies appear, fishing or standing under trees. These designs echo traditional storytelling, linking people with land and water. The figures serve as reminders that Cooktown’s history and culture are deeply intertwined with both the environment and the reef.

Artists & Community Spirit

The murals carry signatures such as “Dani R-K,” marking the collaborative effort behind the project. By transforming a public utility into a canvas, the artwork enriches the community space, inviting locals and visitors alike to pause, explore, and reflect on the unique heritage of this northern coastal town.