Colonisation By facebooker_100001534775559 May 13, 1787 First Fleet leaves Portsmouth Period: May 13, 1787 to Jan 26, 1788 First Fleet journey Aug 6, 1787 First Fleet stop in Rio De Janeiro Repairs, fresh water. Sep 4, 1787 First Fleet departs Rio De Janeiro Oct 14, 1787 Arrive at Cape of Good Hope Fresh food and livestock Nov 12, 1787 Depart from the Cape of Good Hope Jan 18, 1788 First ships arrive at Botany Bay Jan 26, 1788 All ships of the First Fleet anchored at Sydney Cove, Port Jackson