The replica ship HMB Endeavour will circumnavigate Australia from March 2020 to May 2021, to mark 250 years since Captain James Cook reached the east coast of Australia.
Led by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the circumnavigation will provide an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the voyage in Australia’s history, including the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The voyage complements a range of other activities and events planned by the Museum to explore stories of encounter, science, exploration and transformation involving Indigenous, migrant and other communities from Australia and beyond. A detailed program of exhibitions and events will be announced in early 2019.
The HMB Endeavour voyage aims to contribute to reconciliation and encourage all Australians to discuss our shared history.
Museums play an important role in our community because remembering and learning from our past is essential to set a course for the future.
When the HMB Endeavour arrived, it changed Australia forever. This new voyage provides a unique opportunity for all Australians to reflect on, question and commemorate that event.
This is a voyage of reconciliation, which will aim to build relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Museum will consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure that the voyage is sensitive to any significant cultural and local issues and provides a perspective of Cook’s arrival in Australia from both the shore and the ship.
The HMB Endeavour will berth in a variety of ports to connect with as many Australians as possible.
The Museum thanks the Australian Government for its funding of this program.
Media contact: Tim O’Halloran 0409 059 617