Heritage & monuments
Captain James Cook Memorial
Captain James Cook Memorial
This monument commemorates the 200th anniversary of Captain James Cook's discovery of the east coast of Australia. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the site consists of a globe sculpture engraved with the route of his voyage and a water jet that rises from the lake.
Getting There
The memorial is located near the city centre of Canberra. Depending on your starting point downtown, it is a short trip via taxi or ride-share, typically taking about 5 to 10 minutes. It is also accessible via local bus routes or by walking along the lakefront paths.
Visit Duration
Because the memorial is an outdoor sculpture and water feature, most visitors spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes here to view the engravings and the water jet.
When to Visit
The site is open to the air, making it accessible at any time of day. Visiting during the day allows for a clear view of the globe's engravings. Like most public lakeside areas in Canberra, it is generally quiet, though it may see more foot traffic during weekends and public holidays.
Nearby Attractions
The memorial is positioned close to several other points of interest, making it easy to combine with other stops:
- Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (0.3km)
- Commonwealth Park (0.7km)
- National Library of Australia (0.7km)
- Questacon (0.9km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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