History shows us that Botany Bay is viewed by most as the birthplace of our nation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But what’s not as well known is that Woonona almost had that title.
The day before Captain James Cook landed his boat The Endeavour off Botany Bay, he tried to do the same thing at Collins Creek estuary in Woonona.
Local historian Michael Organ said ironically it was one of the Illawarra’s greatest assets – the surf – which prevented The Endeavour from getting to shore on April 28, 1770.
‘’He got very close to shore. They were behind the surf break [wave] … they spent a couple of hours trying to get to shore but couldn’t get through the surf,’’ he said.
‘’They wanted to get in because they could see Aboriginal people there. They wanted to meet up and hopefully talk with the Aboriginal people. They were very, very keen to land.’’
Bulli Community Centre (BCC) and the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to help organise Endeavour Day on April 28, 2020 to mark the 250th anniversary of the unsuccessful landing.
A small plaque was erected at Collins Rocks headland (Woonona Pool) in 1970 to commemorate the event.
‘’The idea of Endeavour Day – named after Cook’s ship – reflects our endeavor to get community involvement in celebrating this historic event,’’ BCC manager Elizabeth Brassaud said.
‘’We are also hoping to have the Maritime Museum Endeavour replica sail past on the day.’’ To assist the celebrations phone 4284 7006.