Australian gov't plans commemorations for 250th anniversary of "first landing" in Australia

The Australian government has confirmed it is planning public commemorations for the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's first landing in Australia, which occurred in April 1770.

The anniversary, which falls in 2020, will likely involve the creation of new memorials and exhibitions, while it has also been tipped that local museums will attempt to acquire priceless artifacts from the voyage.

Captain James Cook, a British explorer, was ordered by the British Navy to sail south in search of the "mysterious" great southern land, at the time only known as "Terra Australis."

Cook left Plymouth in England in August 1768, for a nearly three-year journey during which his ship "Endeavour" made landfall on what is now known as Australia in April 1770.

On Friday, Australia's Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield confirmed to News Corp that there are commemorative events planned for the occasion, which could include exhibitions, school programs and the acquisition of historical publications relating to the landings.

"This is a significant anniversary in Australia's recent history," a spokesperson for the minister said.

"Early planning is under way regarding this anniversary and the involvement of the community in this process."

According to local media, Australian museums hold a number of Cook's key historical artifacts, including a journal which was purchased at a London auction in 1923.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the New South Wales Minister for Arts said that the state government was "working on a plan to appropriately commemorate the arrival of Captain Cook" as Cook first arrived on land in modern New South Wales. Endit