Captain Cook in New South Wales; Or, The Mystery of Naming Botany Bay

An inquisitive look at the early days of British exploration down under, this work re‑examines the accounts of Captain Cook’s 1770 landing and the puzzling choice of names that still shape Australia’s map. By peeling back the layers of Dr. Hawkesworth’s celebrated but contested narrative, the author invites listeners to follow the trail of original logs, journals and Admiralty records, asking how much of the story we have taken for granted.

The investigation shines a light on the scholarly debates of the 18th and 19th centuries—questions of accuracy, bias, and the very language used when claiming new territory. Listeners will discover why “Botany Bay” and “New South Wales” sparked controversy, and how the silence of key figures like Banks and Cook himself adds intrigue. It’s a thoughtful journey into the making of history, perfect for anyone curious about the foundations of Australia’s colonial legacy.