Why was Matthew Flinders famous?

Answer 1

Matthew Flinders performed 2 major circumnavigations in Australian waters.

In 1798 he was the first to circumnavigate Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) thus proving it is an island.

From 1801 to 1803 he performed the first close circumnavigation of the continent of Australia.

In both cases he provided the first highly accurate and relatively complete maps of the Coastlines.

Many years before he also circumnavigated the globe whilst serving with William Bligh.

Answer 2

Matthew Flinders was most famous for circumnavigating Australia.

He first circumnavigated Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) with George Bass, determining that Tasmania was an island, and thereby reducing travel time from South Africa to New South Wales by a full week.

Between December 1801 and June 1803, Flinders charted the entire coastline of Australia.

Australia was previously known as New Holland, and Flinders first proposed the name "Terra Australis", which became "Australia", the name adopted in 1824.

Flinders was also famous for his cat "Trim", who accompanied him on his voyages between 1799 and 1804.

Flinders was captured by the French on the island of Mauritius from 1803-1810. When he was released, he left to go back to England although he was very ill. He died in 1814, the same day his book was published, A Voyage to Terra Australis.

Answer 3

Why was Matthew Flinders famous?

Answer 4

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