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Captain Cook Memorial Globe: A Tribute to Exploration

A monument commemorating Captain James Cook's voyages, featuring a detailed globe on the scenic Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.

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The Captain Cook Memorial Globe, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, commemorates Captain James Cook's voyages. This open-cage terrestrial globe, inaugurated in 1970, is a prominent landmark offering insights into Cook's expeditions.

A brief summary to Captain Cook Memorial Globe

  • Barrine Dr, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, 2600, AU

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a moment to read the inscriptions detailing Cook's voyages to fully appreciate the globe's significance.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding park area, enhancing your visit with a relaxing meal outdoors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the National Gallery of Australia, walk south toward the lake. Upon reaching the lake, turn right and follow the path along the water. Continue until you reach Barrine Drive; the globe will be on your left, a short walk from the lakefront.

  • Public Transport

    From Canberra Centre, take bus route 2 or 3 towards Parkes. Alight near the National Library of Australia and walk towards the lake. Follow the lakeside paths to Barrine Drive, where you'll find signs directing you to the Captain Cook Memorial Globe. A single bus fare is $5.00.

  • Driving

    From the city center, navigate to Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT 2600. Plenty of parking is available on Barrine Drive. Parking is also available on Regatta Place, with guest parking on-site. Parking costs vary, with some areas charging $2 per hour up to $7 per day. Ensure you check parking signs for specific time limits.

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Discover more about Captain Cook Memorial Globe

The Captain Cook Memorial Globe stands as a tribute to Captain James Cook's exploration and mapping of the Pacific. Situated on Barrine Drive at Regatta Point, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the globe is part of a larger memorial that includes the Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet. The globe itself is a terrestrial representation, constructed with meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude forming an open-cage structure. Landmasses are depicted in beaten bas-relief copper, and lines trace Cook's three major voyages. The memorial was inaugurated on April 25, 1970, by Queen Elizabeth II, marking the bicentenary of Cook's first sighting of the east coast of Australia. The architectural firm of Bunning Madden, which also designed the National Library, designed the Captain Cook Water Jet and Globe. The nearby water jet, part of the memorial, sends water to a height of 152 meters and operates from 11 am to 2 pm daily. The globe provides an opportunity to reflect on Cook's impact on navigation, cartography, and exploration, as well as his interactions with indigenous populations.

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