Ever wondered about the story behind this rugged point jutting into the sea? This is Bass & Flinders Point. It stands as a monument to exploration and friendship.
Bass & Flinders Point commemorates George Bass and Matthew Flinders. These two men left their mark on Australian history. They were bound together by the spirit of adventure. Their friendship blossomed on their voyage to Australia in 1795 aboard the Reliance.
Just a month after arriving in Sydney, Bass, at 24, and Flinders, at 21, embarked on their first voyage together. They set sail in the Tom Thumb. This tiny boat was only 2.5 metres long. William Martin, Flinders’ young servant, joined them.
Their destination was Botany Bay. They ventured 32 kilometres upstream along the Georges River. No explorer had ever gone that far before. Martin accompanied Bass and Flinders on their second Tom Thumb expedition to Lake Illawarra. He proved to be a competent sailor. People consider him the youngest explorer in Australia’s early colonial history.
But the story of Bass & Flinders Point doesn’t end there. On March 30, 1796, they sailed past this headland in Tom Thumb II. They discovered and named Port Hacking.
In 1797, George Bass noticed the Kiama Blowhole after anchoring in a sheltered bay. Later, that bay became Robertson Basin. A year later in 1798, Bass and Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania in the sloop Norfolk.
Sadly, Bass disappeared in 1803 on a voyage to Tahiti and Chile. But their legacy endures. The southernmost point of Cronulla is named Bass & Flinders Point in their honour. It is a testament to their courage and determination.
In 1949, Frank Cridland erected a memorial at his own expense. It was restored in 1998. The memorial honours Matthew Flinders, George Bass, and the boy Martin. It stands as a reminder of their historic voyage.
Today, Bass & Flinders Point is more than just a historical landmark. It’s also a popular spot for diving. Divers can explore the underwater reef. Here they find flathead, blue swimmer crabs, and cuttlefish. The reef runs east from the entry point. It drops quickly to the sand. Divers can see the remains of a car after about 30 metres.
So, as you stand here at Bass & Flinders Point, remember the story of these explorers. Think about their small boat. Consider their daring spirit. Imagine the young boy, Martin, sailing alongside them. This point is a reminder that even the smallest of vessels can make the biggest impact. It’s a place where history and adventure meet.