Crossing through an entrance-way entitled ‘Collins Settlement 1803 – the First Official European Settlement in Victoria‘, a large stone monument commemorating this momentous event in the evolution of Australia over the past 200+ years is revealed.
Located in close proximity to another monument commemorating the people who were involved in this settlement whether they be convicts, constabulary or free settlers; an information centre; and fascinating information signage dispersed along the short walk around the area; one begins to sense the significance of this moment in history . . .
The two rocky outcrops that bordered ‘Sullivan Bay’ were known as the ‘Western’ and ‘Eastern Sisters’ – where many of the water casks which provided “drinkable” water to the people were located:
” . . . On the 21st, the Calcutta was brought closer in; and it is stated, “the captain and master on shore abreast of the ship in search of fresh water, began to sink wells until we came to sandstone rock, under which water appeared . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Early History of the Colony of Victoria . . . ‘ – by Francis Peter Labilliere – published 1878
The following extract of a letter from Lieutenant-Governor Collins to Lord Hobart, dated the 14th November 1803 indicates his satisfaction with the quality of the water derived from the water casks:
” . . . I cannot but suppose that all the disadvantages of Port Phillip are as well known to your Excellency as they are to myself at this moment. If they are, you will have anticipated this Report; but it may not have entered into your contemplation that there are at this time between 300 and 400 people sitting down cheerfully, with no other or more certain supply of water than what is filtered daily through the perforated sides of six or eight casks, which are sunk in the sand. The water certainly is good—at least my sick-list does not indicate that it is otherwise. How long the supply may last, or how far it is calculated to meet a continuation of the dry weather which we have hitherto experienced, time alone can determine; at present the casks’ regularly fill as they are emptied . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Early History of the Colony of Victoria . . . ‘ – by Francis Peter Labilliere – published 1878
It was the need for fresh water that would ultimately provide sufficient cause to abandon the ‘Collins Settlement‘ of 1803 to 1804 – the assemblage then heading for another new outpost, that was to become Hobart, Tasmania.
Apart from the large title stone reading:
This is the Site of the
1803 FIRST SETTLEMENT AT PORT PHILLIP 1804
. . . three accompanying plaques read:
“This Memorial was erected by Local Residents sponsored by The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and the Royal Victorian Historical Society”
“A British Settlement landed here in October 1803 under Lieutenant Colonel David Collins and remained until May 1804 when it was finally removed to Hobart Tasmania”
“175 years later on 14th October 1978 this Plaque was presented by the Hobart Town (1804) First Settlers’ Association – Direct Descendants of the Original Settlers who departed from here in 1804 to found Hobart Town on 20th February 1804”
A walking trail meanders its way along foreshore linking the many stunning sceneries to be found here, as well as an information centre, lookouts, heaps of historical information, sites of interest, and some pioneer graves. A wander of some 230 m northward, reveals even more information about this intriguing settlement attempt . . .
Helpful Hints:
– Located some 2.4 km South-East of Sorrento – obtain Directions here
– Pets are permitted at various times during various seasons of the year
– For a list of Points of Interest regarding the ‘Collins 1803 Settlement’ – click here
– Some Car Parking available along the Service Road
Discover Sorrento:
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- Off Street Parking
- Sealed Road