The Rest Is History 121. Australia Before Cook
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Nov 18, 2021 
David Hunt, an author and broadcaster known for his expertise in Australian history, joins the hosts to dismantle the myth of Captain Cook as the sole 'discoverer' of Australia. They delve into the rich pre-colonial history, exploring Aboriginal heritage and significant archaeological findings like the Mungo Man. The discussion also tackles the humorous misconceptions about Cook’s legacy, the early European exploration before him, and how the diverse narratives shape modern Australian identity. Giant wombats make a cheeky appearance too!
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Cook's Controversial Discovery
- The inscription on Captain Cook's statue in Sydney, "Discovered This Territory, 1770," is controversial.
- It ignores the 65,000 years of Indigenous Australian history pre-Cook.
Cook's Qualifications
- Cook was a skilled navigator and cartographer, not initially a captain.
- He was chosen for the Endeavour voyage primarily to observe the transit of Venus.
Cook's Secret Orders
- Cook's primary mission was observing Venus's transit.
- His secret orders were to search for Terra Australis, the mythical southern continent.
