HM Bark Endeavour in Aust Day celebrations

by Shirani Aththas on 16 Jan 2006 Spectators will see the splendid HM Bark Endeavour replica in the peak of condition when it sails out on Sydney Harbour for this year’s Australia Day celebrations.

Hailed as one of the world’s most accurate maritime reproductions, Endeavour returned recently from a major refit at Garden Island.

Paintwork glistens above decks and below, the masts and yard arms are varnished and the rigging all freshly tarred and tensioned. Even the furniture and artefacts below decks have been refurbished.

The ship will have museum members on board when it meets other historical vessels and pleasure craft on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the start of the spectacular Australia Day Parade at 12 noon.
With Endeavour out in front, the parade will proceed east to Clark Island and return to the Harbour Bridge.

Endeavour will then head east again for the start of the tall ships race at Bradley’s Head at 3pm. This spectacular sail back to the Harbour Bridge, will pit Endeavour against tall ships Svanen and South Passage.

This will be the first time the replica appears under the flag of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Built in Fremantle WA in the early 1990s, the ship was previously owned by a privately funded foundation. It was acquired by the Australian Government in April last year.

The Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour will be open FREE, as usual, on Australia Day.

Visitors on 26 January will also enjoy discounted admission to the museum’s former Navy destroyer HMAS Vampire: $3 adult, $2 child/concession, $8 family (2 adults + 4 kids) – usually $18 adult, $9 child/concession, $40 family.

The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, will be open 9.30 am to 6 pm on Australia Day. All inquiries, (02) 9298 3777.