James Cook Museum

From $3

* Terms and conditions apply

Be first to recommend
Sign In or Sign Up to
Be first to review
Sign In or Sign Up to

Features

Museum
7 Days/Week

Best For

Sign In or Sign Up to

Contact Us

The James Cook Historical Museum in Cooktown, Queensland, houses rare historical pieces associated with the discovery of the area by Captain Cook.

The Museum is located in the former convent of St Mary, erected 1887-1889. The existence of this large masonry building is indicative of Cooktown's importance during the Palmer gold mining boom. The collection includes an Endeavour cannon, one of six jettisoned by James Cook when his barque, Endeavour, ran aground on the Endeavour Reef south of Cooktown in 1770. Special features include the original Endeavour anchor also recovered from the reef, items pertaining to Cooktown history and the beautiful convent chapel.

The James Cook Museum is run by the National Trust of Queensland. Open daily from 0930 to 1600. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday.

James Cook Museum

Details

Further Information: The museum houses rare historical pieces associated with the discovery of the area by Captain Cook, including Cook's cannon and anchor, and relics of the Palmer River gold rush and early Cooktown. Built in 1889 as a convent school run by Irish nuns, the museum documents Cook's voyages and focuses on the 48 days he and his crew spent in Cooktown in 1770 repairing his ship on the banks of the Endeavour River. The museum helps celebrate Cooktown's status as Australia's first, if brief, European settlement. A visit to the museum also provides an insight into the area's Aboriginal and natural history, the gold rush days and their Chinese legacy.
Opening Times: Daily 9:30am - 4:00pm (Off season closure may occur in part of February and March) Adults $10.00 Child $3.00
Site Description: Museum
Operating Times: 7 Days/Week