Endeavour River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Endeavour River |
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Endeavour River, 2004, taken from Starcke St., Marton
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Henderson Range, Audaer Range, Hopevale |
| River mouth | Coral Sea at Cooktown, Queensland |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 2,054 km² |
| Landmarks | Australia |
The Endeavour River is located on the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, Australia. It was given its name in 1770 by the famous English explorer, Captain James Cook.
Cook named the river because he had to bring his ship, the HM Bark Endeavour, to the beach at the river's mouth. The ship needed repairs after it was damaged by coral on the Great Barrier Reef. The local Aboriginal people, the Guugu Yimithirr, called the river Wabalumbaal.
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Meeting the Guugu Yimithirr People
Captain Cook and his crew stayed near the river for seven weeks. During this time, they met and interacted with the Guugu Yimithirr people.
It was from them that Cook learned the word "kangaroo" for the animal. He wrote this word down in his diary. Two naturalists on board, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, collected many native plants and flowers. Another crew member, Sydney Parkinson, drew pictures of the plants (flora) and animals (fauna) he saw in the area.
River Features and Wildlife
The Endeavour River is very wide where it meets the sea. However, further upstream, it quickly splits into many smaller creeks.
Along the riverbanks, you can find 25 different species of mangrove trees. Saltwater crocodiles also live in the river. They are often seen resting on the banks during the cooler winter months of June and July. It's important to be careful around the river because crocodiles can be dangerous. In 2008, a fisherman was attacked by a crocodile, which was later found to be about 4.5-metre (15 ft) long. The river is also a great spot for fishing, especially for barramundi.
Protecting Native Fish
In recent years, a type of fish called tilapia has moved into the river in large numbers. These fish are considered a "noxious species" in Australia. This means they are harmful to the local environment.
Scientists are worried that the growing number of tilapia will hurt the populations of native fish. Tilapia are often raised for food in other countries. However, they are listed among the worst 100 introduced species worldwide because they can cause so much damage. In Australia, owning or selling a tilapia fish can result in a large fine, up to AU$11,000.
Cooktown and National Park
Today, a town called Cooktown is located at the mouth of the Endeavour River. About 2000 people live there. Cooktown is the northernmost town on Australia's east coast.
The town was first settled in 1873. It was built at the same spot where Captain Cook landed his ship. Cooktown became an important port for the goldfields discovered nearby on the Palmer River. Some of the beautiful natural areas near the river's mouth are now protected as the Endeavour River National Park. This park helps keep the river's natural features safe.
Images for kids
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Captain James Cook Commander, H.M.B. “Endeavour” which was beached and repaired near this site 17 June – 4 August 1770
