Cook’s map of the Endeavour River.

As it travelled north along Australia’s coast, the Endeavour, captained by James Cook, got stuck on coral on the Great Barrier Reef. After 24 hours, the crew freed the Endeavour from the reef. They sailed into the (newly named) Endeavour River, where they were protected from strong winds. Here they began emptying the ship and repairing the damage to the hull. It took two months for the crew to repair the ship, regain their health and stock up on valuable food supplies.

At Endeavour River the botanist Joseph Banks collected Australian plants and animals, including a kangaroo. Also, the ship’s crew made good relations with the Guugu Yimithirr people.