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Captain Cooks landing place

Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Construction of ferry wharves

The NSW Government is replacing the previous ferry wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell as part of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Master Plan. Transport for NSW is managing construction of this project. Find out more about the Kamay ferry wharves.

Visit Kurnell to see Captain Cooks landing place and the place of encounter between Aboriginal Australians and the crew of the HMB Endeavour in 1770. This heritage-listed site is an important place in Australia's history.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

If you're driving into the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park please note that gates are open:

  • 7am-7.30pm (August to May)
  • 7am-5.30pm (June to July)

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.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Wide view of grassy parkland dotted with mature trees and picnic tables. Photo credit: Natasha Webb © Natasha Webb

    Commemoration Flat picnic area

    Commemoration Flat picnic area is in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Kurnell Visitor Centre. This beautiful grassy spot is perfect for seaside family gatherings.

  • Family walking near whale bones sculptures on foreshore of Burrawang walk. Photo credit: Natasha Webb © Natasha Webb

    Burrawang walk

    Take a short stroll along Burrawang walk in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Enjoy historic sites and 3 bronze sculptures that mark the 250th anniversary of the encounter between Aboriginal Australians and the HMB Endeavour crew. Most of this walk is wheelchair-accessible.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Operated by

  • Kurnell Visitor Centre
  • CLOSED TO VISITORS. Email and phone contact only. Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9.30am to 4pm. Closed Christmas holiday.
  • 02 9668 2010
  • 21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231

Park info

  • in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • 7am–7.30pm August to May. 7am–5.30pm June to July.

    Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins. The park also has credit card accepting payment facilities.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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