The Cooktown Museum, formerly known as the James Cook Historical Museum, is located in a 19th-century building in Cooktown, Queensland. It houses exhibits reflecting the region's history and cultural heritage, including an Aboriginal Gallery, a Chinese Joss House, the James Cook Gallery, and historical items related to Cooktown's past as a port and supply center.
The James Cook Gallery in the museum showcases panels depicting Cook's life story, a diorama of the Endeavour, and a scale model of the ship. The museum also houses a significant collection of Indigenous artifacts. Originally a convent and school, the building has a history dating back to the discovery of gold at Palmer River in 1873. In 2021, the museum was renamed Cooktown Museum.
In addition to the Cooktown Museum, North Queensland is home to other museums catering to diverse interests such as aviation, military history, Indigenous culture, geology, and art. Museums like the Cairns Museum, Mareeba Heritage Museum, and Herberton Mining Museum offer various experiences, including hands-on activities and living history displays. The Historic Village Herberton stands out with its 50 restored period buildings from a reconstructed mining town.