The Australian National Maritime Museum has announced the suspension of the planned circumnavigation of Australia by the HMB Endeavour and its companion touring exhibition ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’.
The circumnavigation was due to begin last month to mark Captain James Cook’s first voyage to Australia in 1770.
Museum director, Kevin Sumption said the voyage was cancelled to protect the health and safety of the public and crew given the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” Mr Sumption said.
“After four years of planning, this is disappointing but it is necessary at this time,” he said.
“I trust the public will understand and hope they engage with our digital resources instead.”
The Endeavour’s journey was to retrace Captain Cook’s course along Australia’s east coast, 250 years after the British explorer’s arrival in Australia.
Mr Sumption said the Endeavour replica had been due to leave Sydney and head south to Hobart before circumnavigating mainland Australia until May 2021.
He said the vessel had been scheduled to stop at 39 different locations as it circled the country.
Mr Sumption said the Museum was liaising with the communities the ship had been due to visit and would commence the process of providing refunds to people who purchased tickets for the voyage.
He said the Endeavour replica remained an important part of the Museum’s fleet and further opportunities to share it with the people of Australia will be sought in the future.
He said the Museum was currently considering options for other ways to mark the 250th anniversary, including through its online program.