Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia


The Bicentenary of James Cook in Australia was commemorated in Australia in 1970. The British explorer Lieutenant James Cook sailed and charted the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and claimed the Eastern Seabord of the Continent for the British Crown. This is not considered the official bicentenary of Australia, but rather the mapping of the Eastern coastline.
Commemorations were held in Australia in 1970. A commemorative 50 cent piece was issued. A re-enactment was held on 29 April 1970. The re-enactment was disrupted by university students, one of whom was dressed as James Cook, arriving at the point on speedboat. The name of the place on which Cook is believed to have made first landfall was renamed from Cape Everard back to the name Cook had given it, Point Hicks.

Protest

Indigenous leaders declared 29 April a 'Day of Mourning', and an overnight vigil was held.