1. Captain Cook’s ‘secret mission’
2. Clips

In 1788 the First Fleet arrived in New South Wales. What were some of the reasons for sending convicts to New South Wales? What kind of crimes were punishable by death? What does the term 'transportation' mean in this context? How do you imagine the Aboriginal people would have felt after seeing the first white people arrive on shore? What did the colour white represent to some Aboriginal people?

Aboriginal Australians looked at the constellations in the night sky to help guide their knowledge of things such as emu egg collection and trade with the Macassans. Tony outlines the different theories around the first non aboriginal people to land on Australian land, including Janszoon, Dampier and Zheng He. Ultimately, it was a rare astronomical occurrence; the transit of Venus, which led to Cook's arrival.

Cook set off to the great unknown southern land on the ship the 'Endeavour' with 94 people and a goat! As Captain, he took responsibility to care for all of those in his charge. How did Cook prevent scurvy among his crew?

In 1770, Cook arrived on the east coast of the island continent we now know as Australia. How did his route differ from previous voyages? What 'secret mission' had Cook been tasked with by the King?

Cook and his crew encounter kangaroos, emus, echidnas and platypuses. All things 'New Holland' become the craze back in England as stuffed Australian animals are sent back to the homeland.

Joseph Banks suggests that Botany Bay become a penal colony. The British decide they can claim it as their own despite the existence of Aboriginal people.