The Cook Society was founded in 1969 on the initiative of Prime Ministers Sir Alec Douglas Home and Sir Robert Menzies, with the aim of promoting British-Australian relations at a high-ranking level. The Society has counterparts in the Australian States.

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Membership of The Cook Society in Britain is limited and by invitation only. Members represent a wide range of national interests, include senior business and professional people, academia, arts and representatives of government.

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Throughout the year the Society holds three or four private lunches and a dinner, in London, which are attended by members and their invited guests. A distinguished person is invited to address the luncheon or dinner and points of interest to both countries are freely discussed. In addition there are occasional events organised of interest to Cook Society members.

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Every two years or so, about a week-long Gatherings of members are held alternately in the UK or Australia to discuss with governments and business leaders matters of import affecting the interests of both countries. The formal business activities of the Gathering are augmented with a wide range of social engagements.