28 July 2010
Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts
The Australian National Maritime Museum’s magnificent replica of Captain Cook’s ship HM Bark Endeavour will make a historic circumnavigation of Australia in 2011-12, Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, announced today.
Peter Garrett said the vessel will visit 18 ports on the 13 month voyage and be open along the way for public inspection as a floating museum, displaying the living and working conditions on the ship.
“Cook’s circumnavigation of the globe between 1768 and 1771 was one of history’s great voyages of discovery. This exciting new journey will provide unique opportunities for people right around the Australian coastline to experience the ship and gain an insight into what it must have been like for Cook and his crew,” Peter Garrett said.
“Since being presented to the Australian National Maritime Museum in 2005 the museum has kept the Endeavour completely seaworthy and in survey and has sent it on several voyages along Australia’s east coast in recent years.
“Following a complete communications refit and upgrade which would be the envy of pioneers like Captain Cook, including facilities ranging from improved telephone connections to an ability to broadcast video live from the open sea, this voyage is sure to be a landmark event both for HM Bark Endeavour and the ANMM.
“The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of this country’s important cultural institutions and a treasure trove of our fascinating maritime history. This voyage is part of the museum’s outreach program, taking facilities and services across the country.”
Peter Garrett said between ports, the Endeavour will be sailed by a core professional crew and 40 voyage crew who pay for their place on board and ‘learn the ropes’.
Anyone wishing to join the ship, for what has been described as the sailing experience of a lifetime, can apply for a berth from today.
The ship will depart Sydney on Friday 15th April next year and is expected back at its home berth at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, on Monday 21st May 2012.
“We wish her fair winds, following seas and every success in all the ports she visits,” Peter Garrett added.
The ports where the Endeavour will open for inspection are: Brisbane (28 April–8 May 2011), Gladstone (21 – 26 May), Townsville (10–14 June), Cairns (24 June–5 July), Darwin (3–14 August), Geraldton (30 September–4 October), Fremantle (14 October–1 November), Bunbury (9–13 November), Fremantle (20 November-30 December), Albany (14–18 January 2012), Port Lincoln (4-8 February), Adelaide (1-23 February), Portland (7-11 March), Hobart (24 March-3 April), Melbourne (18-29 April), Eden (9-13 May).
The ship will also call briefly at Thursday Island, North Queensland (16-19 July 2011), Broome, WA (29 August – 1 September 2011) and Exmouth, WA (14-17 September 2011) to take on provisions and exchange voyage crew.
In Fremantle, the Endeavour will be a celebrity visitor at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Championship regatta (3-18 December 2011).