Think of Melbourne’s humble beginnings, right here at the Enterprize Landing Memorial. This monument marks where the first European settlers landed. They came seeking land and opportunity. The Enterprize Landing Memorial stands as a reminder of that pivotal moment.
Melbourne’s story began on Sunday, August 30, 1835. Settlers from the schooner Enterprize landed here. The ship docked on the Yarra River’s north bank. This spot is near today’s Customs House, now the Immigration Museum and Enterprize Park. These pioneers journeyed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land. They sought land to graze their sheep. John Lancey led them. John Pascoe Fawkner, the ship’s owner, appointed him. Fawkner couldn’t join this initial voyage because creditors held him back.
The settlers chose this location because of a small waterfall. These rapids prevented further river navigation. Surveyor Charles Grimes had noted this waterfall in 1803. It separated the tidal flow from the fresh water. The Enterprize, sometimes spelled “Enterprise,” played a crucial role.
This Enterprize Landing Memorial commemorates the landing of the first Europeans. It marks the site that would become Melbourne. The settlers arrived via the ship Enterprise from Launceston, Tasmania. After navigating the Yarra River, they moored the vessel on August 30. Unloading commenced the next day. The construction of the first turf hut began immediately. The Right Honorable the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Councillor Thomas S. Lynch, unveiled this memorial on September 1, 1985.
The schooner Enterprize, captained by Peter Hunter, reached this area on August 29. The next day, Sunday, August 30, horses and deck cargo were unloaded. Seven people stayed behind when the Enterprize returned to Launceston. They were John Lancey, George Evans, Evan Evans, James Gilbert, Thomas Morgan, Charles Wise, and Mary Gilbert. Mary was James Gilbert’s wife. On December 29, 1835, she gave birth to James. He was the first European child born in Melbourne.
John Pascoe Fawkner purchased the 60-ton schooner Enterprize in May 1835. He hired Captain John Lancey. The party included carpenters William Jackson and Robert Marr. Charles Wise was a farmhand. James Gilbert was a blacksmith. His wife, Mary, and Evan Evans, George Evan’s servant, also joined. Master John Hunter and two seamen completed the crew. The ship sailed from Devonport in August 1835. Fawkner disembarked at Launceston. Reasons vary from seasickness to creditor issues. The ship continued without him. Lancey led the landing party on August 30, 1835. Fawkner arrived six months later, resolving his finances. He receives credit for establishing Melbourne.
The Enterprize Landing Memorial reminds us of Melbourne’s founders. Their courage and determination shaped this great city. Consider their journey. Think about their hopes as you stand here. This place marks not just a landing but a beginning.