June 12, 2010

The First Fleet


Botany Bay, the First Fleet's intended destination, was reached by the divided convoy in January 1788. On closer inspection by the area proved unsuitable for permanent settlement. Phillip therefore set off to explore Port Jackson, where he found "one of the finest harbours in the world".On the evening of 26 January the British Flag was raised at Sydney Cove, and the King's health toasted. Australia Day is celebrated on the anniversary of this simple ceremony, marking the founding of the British settlement of New South Wales, and hence of the Australian nation.

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