SEQ History

South East Queensland History

Matthew Flinders

Matthew Flinders is truly an interesting character that seems to be in the shadow of Captain James Cook. I find it entertaining to read his comments of Captain Cooks' navigational positions. His interaction with the local aboriginals of Bribie Island in Moreton Bay was, at first, rather aggressive, mainly due to negative experiences with the natives at Port Jackson. However, he learns and discovers the hospitable and kind nature of the aboriginals and builds a relationship with them.

Flinders in the Norfolk - July 1799

Captain Matthew Flinders first endeavoured to explore Moreton Bay after the discovery of the Glass House Mountains by Captain James Cook 29 years earlier. His time spent near the Pumice-stone River lead to interaction with the local natives. He walked to the Glass House Mountains by foot and returned via a different route. He discovered the famous Brisbane Pine and brought samples back for examination. He did not discover the Brisbane River but concluded that there must be a large creek feeding the bay.

D. Collins, Account of the English Colony in New South Wales (2 vols.; London: T. cadell, Jr. and W. Davies, 1798-1802), II, 225-63.