Captain Cooks landing place
Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Overview
Kurnell area upgrades and closures
Parts of Kurnell area are closed while several infrastructure upgrades take place in 2024-2025. Kurnell Visitor Centre is closed while NPWS builds a new one. Parking will be affected. Learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay- Botany Bay Masterplan.
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
- 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.
Also see
-
Commemoration Flat picnic area
Commemoration Flat picnic area is in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. This beautiful grassy spot is perfect for seaside family gatherings.
-
Burrawang walk
Take this short, wheelchair-accessible stroll along Burrawang walk in the Kurnell area and enjoy several historic sites. You can't miss the 3 bronze sculptures that mark the 250th anniversary of the encounter between Aboriginal Australians and the HMB Endeavour crew.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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
- npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 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
What's nearby:
Things to do (192)
- Aboriginal culture (16)
- Beach (3)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (49)
- Cafes and kiosks (5)
- Canoeing/paddling (24)
- Cultural heritage (5)
- Cycling (6)
- Educational activities (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Fishing (16)
- Historic heritage (48)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (5)
- Photography (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (62)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (7)
- Sightseeing (69)
- Snorkelling and scuba (5)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (24)
- Visitor centres (3)
- Walking (74)
- Waterfalls (8)
- Waterhole (1)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (12)