First Fleet

First_Fleet.jpg The First Fleet entering Port Jackson on 26 January 1788

The First Fleet was a fleet of 11 ships that departed from Portsmouth, England, on 13 May 1787, to establish the first European colony in New South Wales, Australia. The fleet carried convicts, marines, and officers, as well as supplies to sustain the new settlement. The journey marked the beginning of European settlement in Australia.

Composition of the Fleet

The First Fleet consisted of two Royal Navy escort ships, three store ships, and six convict transports. The ships were:

• HMS Sirius (flagship)
• HMS Supply
• Alexander
• Charlotte
• Friendship
• Lady Penrhyn
• Prince of Wales
• Scarborough
• Borrowdale
• Fishburn
• Golden Grove

The Voyage

The fleet set sail from Portsmouth and made several stops along the way, including at Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and Cape Town in South Africa, to resupply and take on fresh provisions. The journey covered over 15,000 miles and took approximately 252 days.

Arrival in Australia

The First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay between 18 and 20 January 1788. However, the site was deemed unsuitable for settlement due to poor soil and lack of fresh water. Consequently, the fleet moved to Port Jackson, where they arrived on 26 January 1788, a date now celebrated as Australia Day.

Establishment of the Colony

Upon arrival, the British established the colony of New South Wales, with Arthur Phillip serving as the first Governor. The initial settlement was at Sydney Cove, chosen for its deep harbor and fresh water supply.

Legacy

The arrival of the First Fleet marked the beginning of British colonization in Australia, leading to significant changes in the lives of the Indigenous peoples and the environment. It laid the foundation for the development of modern Australia.

Also see

• Second Fleet
• Arthur Phillip
• History of Australia
• Convict era of Australia
• Colonial Australia