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Captain Cook Floating Restaurant match box
Captain Cook Floating Restaurant match box

Captain Cook Floating Restaurant match box

Date1940-1970
Object number00049845
NameMatchbox
MediumPaper, ink, timber
DimensionsOverall: 55 x 40 x 7 mm, 7 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Christopher Beazley
DescriptionA souvenir match box from the 'Captain Cook Floating Restaurant' reading 'Captain Cook Floating Restaurant convention - Reception Rooms Available'. On back is printed 'Captain Cook Rose Bay Sydney'. The restaurant, renamed over the years, was removed from its site at Lyne Park in Rose Bay in 2007 due to its dilapidated condition. It is currently moored off Balmain in Sydney. HistoryIn 1970 themed and novelty style restaurants were very popular. Sydney welcomed the 'Captain Cook Floating Restaurant' when it came to Rose Bay, where it remained for almost 40 years. It later changed its name to 'Flanagan’s Afloat', 'Imperial Peking Afloat' then finally 'Rose Bay Afloat'. However, in 2007 local pressure to remove the 'restaurant' grew and as it no longer presented a viable business, the vessel was moved to be moored off Balmain in Sydney, and at this stage, awaiting an uncertain future.SignificanceThe 'Captain Cook Floating Restaurant' was an icon not only of dining and leisure trends in Sydney Harbour's past, but also the ongoing association and many guises of Cook to Sydney.