Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

In 1770, the HMB Endeavour with Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook and his crew landed at Botany Bay’s Inscription Point. The crew stayed in the area for 8 days and had a dramatic impact on Australian history.

Nationally heritage-listed, this reserve interprets the story of the meeting of European and Aboriginal cultures. Three bronze sculptures were installed in 2020 as part of the 250th anniversary of the encounter. These are named: The Eyes of the Land and the Sea, Nuwi/Canoes, and The Whales. These can easily be found on a walk along the foreshore.

Visit Kamay Botany Bay National Park to discover this significant place yourself. The best way to get there is along the Burrawang walk that features a soundscape of Aboriginal songs and stories. As you pass over the dune you’ll see views of the bay where the Endeavour was first sighted. A small plaque marks the location where Captain Cook landed; near Silver Beach on the Kurnell Peninsula headland.

Take a virtual tour of Captain Cooks landing place, captured with Google Street View Trekker.