Historic Cruise Down The Endeavour River

OVERVIEW

Settle back for a cruise along a serene, mangrove-lined river little changed from when pioneering explorer Captain James Cook named it in 1770. Departing the pier aboard a vessel optimized for sightseeing, you’ll venture into a landscape rich in indigenous wildlife and natural beauty – as it was when Cook beached his HMS Endeavour along this watercourse to make emergency repairs after an unplanned encounter with the Great Barrier Reef just offshore. The Endeavour River banks are still clad in mangroves backed by a seemingly impenetrable rainforest beyond. You can still expect to see large crocodiles sunning in the shallows, and sea eagles flying overhead or perched in the overhanging branches. The brilliant flashes of color you may see flitting about the forest are lorikeets, sunbirds and orioles, and long-legged Jabiru or black-necked storks are commonly spotted wading at the river’s edge. Even though Captain Cook and his crew only spent 48 days here before sailing on, Cooktown earned the distinction of being the first non-indigenous settlement in Australia. As you cruise the river and harbor, you’ll learn more about the area, including its history of pearling and the rapid wealth that came after gold was discovered nearby in 1872.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Cooktown harbor and the Endeavour River aboard a vessel designed for comfortable touring.
• Learn about Captain Cook’s time spent along these same waters in 1770 and the unique designation this remote town holds in the history of Australia.
• Glide up the river, its mangrove banks alive with wildlife including crocs, sea eagles, storks and colorful lorikeets and sunbirds.
• Hear stories of how gold strikes in the 1870s completely changed life here, and how pearling in these waters evolved from small aboriginal pursuit to big business.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.