James Cook, a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer, commanded the HMS Endeavour on a voyage to the Pacific Ocean. During this expedition, he was tasked with observing the transit of Venus, but he also sought new lands for Britain. On April 29, 1770, Cook arrived at Botany Bay, a coastal area in New South Wales, Australia, after having sailed up the eastern coast. This location was chosen due to its sheltered harbor and the abundance of fresh water and food sources available in the vicinity.

Upon arrival, Cook and his crew explored the area, taking careful notes of the diverse plant species and wildlife, which were previously unknown to European botanists. He noted the presence of indigenous peoples and described their way of life, though his accounts were limited and often marked by an Eurocentric perspective. The natural beauty of the region captivated Cook and his men, and they dubbed it Botany Bay due to the botanical discoveries made during their exploration.

After several days of exploration and detailed mapping, Cook claimed the area for the British Crown, marking a significant moment in European engagement with Australia. The discovery and naming of Botany Bay would later hold great significance as it became the site chosen for the first penal colony in Australia, leading to extensive settlement and transformation of the continent.