The picturesque town of Redcliffe celebrates a significant anniversary—225 years since English explorer Matthew Flinders first set foot on its shores.
The striking red soil cliffs that dominate the landscape were named “Red Cliff Point” in 1799 while Flinders was aboard the H.M. Sloop Norfolk.
A Pioneering Maritime Legacy
While Australia has welcomed many explorers, few have matched the achievements of Matthew Flinders. He is widely credited with bestowing Australia its name, a legacy that Redcliffe proudly shares as the namesake of his “Red Cliff Point.”
Flinders’ maritime journey began in his hometown of Donington, Lincolnshire, England. He joined the Royal Navy at age 15 and rose quickly through the ranks, inspired by stories like Robinson Crusoe. His adventurous spirit led him to New South Wales aboard HMS Reliance in 1795, where he forged a lifelong friendship with surgeon George Bass.
Charting New Territories
By 1798, Lieutenant Flinders, commanding the sloop Norfolk, circumnavigated Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) with Bass, naming the strait between them “Bass Strait.” In 1799, Flinders’ thirst for discovery led him north, exploring the coast aboard the Norfolk, accompanied by his brother Samuel, Kuringgai man Bungaree, and his loyal cat, Trim.
Although Captain James Cook had named Moreton Bay in 1770, Flinders was the first English explorer to venture into its waters. On 16 July 1799, the Norfolk anchored off the Redcliffe Peninsula, and the following day, Flinders made landfall at Woody Point. His meticulous mapping of Moreton Bay, which included Redcliffe and Bribie Island, paved the way for John Oxley’s exploration in 1823, which in turn resulted in the establishment of a penal colony in Redcliffe in 1824—an event that Redcliffe would soon commemorate in September.
A Voyage of Discovery and Circumnavigation
Flinders’ exploration continued north to Hervey Bay before returning to Sydney. Promoted to commander in 1801, he embarked on a groundbreaking mission aboard HMS Investigator: to chart the entire coastline of New Holland, beating his French counterpart, Nicholas Baudin, to the feat. By 1803, Flinders had achieved this monumental task, becoming the first to circumnavigate and identify Australia as a continent.
A Legacy Etched in History
Flinders’ return to England aboard HMS Cumberland was challenging, including a six-year detainment on the Isle de France (Mauritius) during wartime. Despite this setback, he dedicated himself to documenting his findings, solidifying the name “Australia” or “Terra Australis” for the continent.
Returning to England in 1810, Flinders battled ill health while tirelessly working on his magnum opus, “A Voyage to Terra Australis.” Sadly, he passed away the day after its publication in 1814 at 40.
Honouring Flinders’ Enduring Impact
Matthew Flinders’ legacy is etched across Australia, with numerous locations, statues, and monuments bearing his name, paying tribute to his pivotal role in mapping the continent. Redcliffe’s commemoration of Flinders’ landing 225 years ago serves as a poignant reminder of the intrepid spirit and thirst for knowledge that shaped the nation’s history.
Redcliffe: A Living Tribute to Flinders’ Legacy
Redcliffe stands as a living testament to Matthew Flinders’ enduring legacy. The town’s name, a direct evolution of his “Red Cliff Point,” honours his pivotal role in its history. As Redcliffe marks this historic anniversary, residents and visitors are reminded of the spirit of exploration and discovery shaping this beloved community.
Published Date 22-July-2024