Main Deck
Cook’s Great Cabin
Surround yourself with Captain James Cook and his crew as they come to life in this space of intense learning. Cook surrounded himself with people who interested him and from whom he could learn.
Plus, find out what happened when the ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef and experience Cook and his crew seeing Australian natives for the first time!
Cook Up A Map
Captain James Cook was one of the best seamen and greatest explorers of his time, but he was also an extremely skilled navigator and cartographer.
Try your hand at being Captain Cook… plot the journey on the magnetic map and form your own islands and seas in the interactive Sandbox.
Nautical Knots
At the Nautical Knots display, you can play giant top trumps and practice your knot tying skills, just like sailors would have played cards to keep them entertained on long voyages.
Ship’s Security
All His Majesty’s ships carried a company of marines – this striking display in the great Cabin will give you an insight into why they were needed.
Looking into the stars
Travel through the night sky and gaze through the eyes of the Astronomer on board.
Yorkshireman Mr Charles Green was the astronomer appointed by the Royal Society to make observations of the ‘Transit of Venus’ in 1769.
Meet Molyneux the Ships Master
As the most senior member of the crew, the Ship’s Master had many roles and responsibilities.
The Sailmaker & Carpenter
Ships during the Age of Sail didn’t benefit from all the modern fittings warships have today. The ship’s sailmaker and carpenter kept the ship in tip-top condition and made any necessary repairs to keep her above the water.
Botanical Bounty
Exquisite botanical images of the fauna and flora of Australia and New Zealand are brought to life, showing first-hand the observations of Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson.
The navy’s “nursery”
Can you imagine being a child at sea? It is estimated that between 5 and 10% of the crew of an 18th century ship would have been boys aged from 13 acting as servants to the officers.
Monkhouse the Barber-Surgeon
Hear the blood curdling screams of a crew member as Monkhouse performs surgery with nothing but a swig of rum for anaesthetic.
Sea Shanty Karaoke
Sing along to traditional sea shanties and learn the value of song to bring sailors together for a common cause!
The One-Armed Cook
Find out why it was so important to keep the crew healthy, smell the smells and hear the sizzling of the supper being prepared.
Secret Signals
How do you communicate from one ship to another across great distances? Simple, signal flags.
Top Deck
The Capstan and Ships Wheel
The capstan was a human powered winch used to help with the heavy lifting required on board. It took eight sailors to power the capstan!
Canons
Learn about how Naval crews during the Age of Sail fired cannons at their enemies.
Seats of Ease
Find out how the crew went to the toilet – no plumbing in those days!
Livestock
It was unusual for a Naval ship to carry livestock on board, as animals often fell foul to disease or were eaten early on in the voyage.
Discipline was everything
The Navy is renowned for its well-disciplined officers. It was common practice during the Age of Sail for Naval ships to rely on corporal and public punishment to deter officers from committing crimes on board.
Orlop Deck
The Orlop Deck Café & Restaurant
Feast like a Captain in the Orlop Deck Café, where you can choose from a varied selection of hot & cold drinks, freshly baked cakes and scones, and light sandwiches. Your little explorers can choose from our children’s menu, and stay entertained in the Captain’s Corner.
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