Captain James Cook Memorial, Navigation memorial in Canberra, Australia
Captain James Cook Memorial is a monument on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin featuring a striking water jet and a metal globe sculpture. The globe displays the routes from his three major Pacific Ocean expeditions and forms a key landmark on the lake.
The memorial was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970 to mark 200 years since Cook documented Australia's eastern coastline. Its construction honored his groundbreaking cartographic contribution to Pacific exploration.
The memorial tells the story of Cook's voyages through its sculptural globe and engraved details that connect visitors directly to his exploration journeys. This visual representation allows anyone to understand the ocean routes he traversed.
The best time to visit is during quieter periods to fully observe the water jet in operation. The memorial sits by the lake with easy access and plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the views.
The water jet design originated from diplomatic talks and draws inspiration from Geneva's famous Jet d'Eau fountain. This international collaboration made it an unexpected example of cultural exchange within an Australian memorial.
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