The Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration

Captain James Cook, on his last voyage, was the fourth navigator to visit Tasmania and the second to obtain shelter, wood and water at Adventure Bay. Cook had been back in England only a short time, less than a year, after his voyage of more than three years in the Resolution when he sailed again on July 12, 1776, in the 462-ton Resolution, accompanied by the 300-ton Discovery, commanded by Capt. Clerke.

Early on January 24 of the following year, the west coast of Tasmania was sighted and two days later the two vessels entered Adventure Bay.

For four days men from the ships cut wood, collected water, grass and surveyed the bay. Cook himself went ashore frequently making contact with the natives to whom he presented medals.

Cook climbed a very large hardwood tree at East Cove and viewed the bay across the isthmus. The remaining stump is still known as Cook’s Tree and part of it is on view in the museum.

He left Adventure Bay for New Zealand on January 30. His death at the hands of Hawaiian natives on February 14, 1779, cut short the career of one of the world's greatest navigators.