James Cook and Tupaia charted the east coast of Australia and circumnavigated New Zealand aboard HMB Endeavour

James Cook was joined by Tahitian high priest, Tupaia, on board HMB Endeavour for their voyage to the south Pacific. Aboard HMB Endeavour, the crew made discoveries that would change the course of Australia forever.
[icon] The animation shows the highlights of their voyages. Watch it together with your students and answer the discussion questions below.

A: The three jobs Cook and his crew were given were:
<ol>
<li data-list-item-id="e9d6079a66d03aedb1299ec726b2423d1">Observe the Transit of Venus from Tahiti. This helped scientists to calculate distances in the Solar System.</li>
<li data-list-item-id="e4de18764c83147c7010e74efa3b1a2ab">Record every new plant and animal.</li>
<li data-list-item-id="ea76e04e5f18a303fa115842aa3690b8e">A secret order to claim any land with the permission of the people they met. But if no one lived there, to take it for Great Britain.</li>
</ol>

1. What were the three jobs James Cook had on his voyage on HMB Endeavour?

A: Tupaia was a high priest who James Cook met in Tahiti. He was an excellent navigator so helped Cook and the crew find their way across the south Pacific Ocean. Tupaia was also able to speak the language of the Māori people, which helped to stop fighting, and avoid further conflict and injury to both sides.

2. What was Tupaia’s role in the journey?

3. Where was the first place HMB Endeavour landed in Australia?

A: After HMB Endeavour was damaged in the Great Barrier Reef, it limped into a nearby river to make repairs. The local Guugu Yimithirr people called this river Waalumbaal Birri. Today, it is also known as the Endeavour River. While fixing the ship, a conflict broke out when the Guugu Yimithirr people found that the British had caught and taken more turtles than they needed. However, an elder eventually made peace with Cook. This was the first act of reconciliation recorded between First Nations Australians and the British.

4. What happened at Waalumbaal Birri (Endeavour River)?

A: Australia had been home to First Nations Australians for many years before Cook arrived. However, he didn’t consider this when he claimed the whole of the east coast for Britain. It also went against the secret orders, which said he should only claim the land with the permission of the people there.

5. What was the problem with Cook claiming the East Coast of Australia in 1770?

Discussion questions

The chapters contain more information about Cook and Tupaia’s voyage on board HMB Endeavour. You’ll discover an interactive map about their voyages, images from the Museum’s collection, and more activity ideas for your students!

James Cook and TupaiaJames Cook and Tupaia

James Cook and Tupaia charted the east coast of Australia and circumnavigated New Zealand aboard HMB Endeavour

Discussion questions

Chapters

James Cook and Tupaia