'On Austral Shores' tells in detail for the first time the story of the
European exploration of the 4000 kilometre coast of Victoria and New South Wales.
Part Australian history, part travel guide, this unique book takes the reader
on a journey to rediscover those features, on or near the shores of New South
Wales and Victoria, which were described and named by James Cook, Matthew
Flinders, George Bass, Nicolas Baudin, John Oxley and other early explorers.
As far as possible this fascinating story is told in the explorers' own words
and through their charts. Extracts from their originals journals help the reader
to experience the excitement of discovery, share what they found, and discover
the origins of the names they bestowed. Copies of their charts, often
beautifully rendered, illuminate their words.
This book provides directions on how to reach nearly 200 exploration sites by
road or on foot, and information about what can be found there today. Detailed
research and on-the-ground investigations have identified a number of sites
which have not previously appeared in the published record, as well as new
information on many others.
With an appeal for the both general and specialist reader, this book provides
access to a range of previously uncomplied information on Australia's coastal
exploration. It will interest lovers of Australian history and armchair
travellers, but its major purpose is to enourage readers to seek out and enjoy
Australia's coastal heritage. Meticulously researched, this book is also a
valuable resource for cultural heritage managers and school projects.
If you enjoy coastal scenery, or like to walk in national parks, this book
will have particular appeal. There is a special excitement in visiting a remote
cover and finding that it is just as it was described when the first Europeans
set eyes on it more than two centuries ago. The book's appendices and index make
it easy for readers to follow in the wake of a favourite explorer, or to visit
exploration sites on a particular stretch of coast.
Contents:
List of Maps
Acknowledgments
Conversion
Introduction
1. Discovering Australia's Coast
2. The Age of Trade
3. The Age of Science and Exploration
4. The Age of Settlement
5. Europeans on Victoria's Coast - 1770 to 1800
6. Europeans on Victoria's Coat - after 1800
7. Victoria's Coastal Exploration Sites: Cape Howe to Western Port
8. Victoria's Coastal Exploration Sites: Discovery Bay to Port Phillip Bay
9. New South Wales: Cape Howe to Botany Bay
10. New South Wales' Coastal Exploration Sites: Between Botany Bay and Cape Howe
11. New South Wales: Botany Bay to Point Danger
12. New South Wales' Coastal Exploration Sites: Botany Bay to Point Danger
Appendix 1. Matthew Flinders' Charts of the Coast of New South Wales and
Victoria from 'Voyage to Terra Australis'
Appendix 2. Exploration Sites by Voyage
Appendix 3. Notable Firsts in the European Exploration of the Coasts of Victoria
and New South Wales
Resources
Bibliography
Index
