Replica HMS Endeavour to sail around Australia

A replica of Captain James Cook’s HMS Endeavour will embark on a 14-month circumnavigation of Australia that aims to embrace history but will likely become a flashpoint for activists.

A REPLICA of Captain James Cook’s HMS Endeavour will embark on a 14-month “sensitive” circumnavigation of Australia that aims to embrace history but will likely become a flashpoint for “change activists”.

Today in Cooktown, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce the almost $7 million plan to mark to the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s first voyage to Australia and the Pacific.

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The Australian National Maritime Museum’s replica will make 39 stops across the country and host events.

Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said that the circumnavigation of the country “would be managed sensitively, and will present both the view from the ship and the view from the shore of Cook’s historic voyage”.

Antagonists who want the date of Australia Day changed last year vandalised Captain Cook monuments.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the planned trip will help Australians “better understand Captain Cook’s historic voyage”. Picture: Marc McCormack/AAP

And in 2017, a debate erupted over a Captain Cook plaque that stated he “discovered this territory”.

Mr Morrison said that the commemoration, which will start from Botany Bay in March 2020, would offer new generations an insight into Captain Cook, the Endeavour and the experiences of indigenous Australians.

“As the 250th anniversary nears we want to help Australians better understand Captain Cook’s historic voyage and its legacy for exploration, science and reconciliation,” he said.

“That voyage is the reason Australia is what it is today and it’s important we take the opportunity to reflect on it.”

Mr Morrison said all Australians would be able to see the legacy of Captain Cook and the voyage of the Endeavour.

The final itinerary will be announced in the first half of this year but in Queensland it is expected to berth at Aurukun, Brisbane, Cairns, Cooktown, Gladstone, Hamilton Island, Lizard Island, Mackay, Possession Island, Town of 1770, Thursday Island, Townsville, Weipa and Yarrabah.