Recently renovated, this museum is operated by the Queensland National Trust and is regarded as the best regional museum outside any capital city in Australia. The building was erected as the convent of Saint Mary and was built during the gold rush era in 1888-9. This was the first high school in North Queensland.
During World War II, the building was used as a U.S. command post and the Sisters of Mercy were evacuated, never to return. The building fell into disrepair until 1969 when it was restored to its former glory and was reopened by the Queen in 1970 as the "James Cook Museum". It was again refurbushed in 1999 and now houses the anchor and cannon of the HMS Bark Endeavour and Chinese, Pastoral, Mining, and Indigenous collections.
The museum is a large, two storey building located on Helen Street between Furneaux and Walker Streets and should not be mistaken for the Cooktown museum (privately owned) on the corner of Walker and Helen Streets. James Cook museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Contact:
PO Box 103
Cooktown, Qld. 4871
Ph:(07) 4069 5386
