In "In a Sunburned Country," Bill Bryson highlights Captain Cook's remarkable skills as a navigator and his keen observational abilities. However, he points out a significant error Cook made during his first voyage. This mistake involved misjudging Australia's wet season for the dry, leading him to believe that the land was more welcoming than it actually was.

This misunderstanding had lasting implications for perceptions of Australia, as Cook's assessment influenced future explorations and settlers. Bryson emphasizes that despite Cook's talents, this critical oversight showcased the challenges of interpreting unfamiliar environments accurately.