What ship did Captain Cook sail to Australia?

Captain James Cook sailed the HM Bark Endeavour to Australia, marking the first contact between Australia and the European world. The Endeavour was not classified as a ship but as a bark or barque, which was the most common type of seagoing vessel at the time. It is not to be confused with the HM Sloop Endeavour, which was also in service in the British Royal Navy at the time.

A bark is a type of vessel that is characterized by its three masts that are square rigged. The word "barque" entered the English vernacular from French via the Latin "barca." "Barca" is thought to be derived from the Celtic word "barc," which is Egyptian for "boat."