Matthew Flinders and Bungaree made history by circumnavigating Australia aboard HMS Investigator

Matthew Flinders and Bungaree were navigators who played a key role in mapping the coastline of Australia from 1798 to 1803. Together with the crew of HMS Investigator they were the first people to circumnavigate the continent.
[icon] The animation shows the highlights of their voyages. Watch it together with your students and answer the discussion questions below.&nbsp;

A: He circumnavigated Lutruwita (Tasmania) with George Bass in the sloop Norfolk.&nbsp;

1. What did Matthew Flinders do on his 1798 voyage?

A: Matthew Flinders, Bungaree, the ship’s crew, and Trim.

2. Who sailed around Australia in 1802-1803 on HMS Investigator?

A: Flinders met Noongar men in Western Australia on his trip from England to Sydney in 1801. Flinders and Bungaree met Butchella people on K’gari, people from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait, and Yolgnu people in the Northern Territory.&nbsp;

3. Which First Nations people did Flinders meet in Australia?

A: Bungaree helped Flinders to communicate with First Nations Australians along the coast. Even though he couldn’t speak the language of the people he met, he understood cultural protocols which helped to prevent conflict. His knowledge of Country also kept Flinders and the crew safe by helping them to navigate the unfamiliar land and by finding food to eat.&nbsp;

4. How did Bungaree help Flinders on his voyages?

A: Flinders’ maps helped the British learn more about Australia’s coastline, including safe sailing routes, the location of possible farming areas, and fresh water sources. The journey was valuable for the British, but it was part of colonisation, which had a negative impact on First Nations communities. Although some meetings were friendly, others led to conflict, and the names of many First Nations places were not recognised and replaced with English ones on the voyage.&nbsp;

5. Why was the circumnavigation important for Australia?

Discussion questions

The chapters contain more information about Matthew Flinders’ and Bungaree’s story. You’ll discover an interactive map about their voyages, images from the Museum’s collection, and more activity ideas for your students!&nbsp;

Matthew Flinders and BungareeMatthew Flinders and Bungaree

Matthew Flinders and Bungaree made history by circumnavigating Australia aboard HMS Investigator

Discussion questions

Chapters

Matthew Flinders and Bungaree