Matthew Flinders: Adventures on Leaky Ships

By Dan Lee
  • Birth

    Matthew Flinders was born.
  • He Joined the Royal British Navy

    Matthew joined the Royal British Navy, much to the surprise of his father, who expected him to be a doctor.
  • He Went On His First Voyage

    He went on his first voyage to Tahiti under the command of Captain Bligh, who was famous for surviving The Mutiny on the Bounty
  • He Fought Against the French

    He fought against The French in a naval battle.
  • He Went to Australia

    Matthew served on the Reliance with his 13 year old younger brother, which was headed for NSW.
  • He Explored NSW's Coast With George Bass

    He wanted to explore NSW's coast with his new friend, George Bass, the ships surgeon, and they set sail on a small boat, the Tom Thumb.
  • On The Tom Thumb

    Matthew and George made friends with the Aboriginals on their travels, who showed them how to find fresh water and food. Matthew thanked them by cutting their hair, which they accepted.
  • Return Voyage

    On the Return Voyage, Matthew found a litter of kittens on his ship.
  • Another Adventure

    Whilst Matthew had free time, he volunteered to be on a ship the Francis, to explore a group of islands off Tasmania, which he named the Chappell Isles.