Why did Captain Arthur Phillip want to explore?

Answer 1

Captain Arthur Phillip did not actually choose to be captain of the First Fleet. He had been in semi-retirement for several years, occupied as a farmer, but he was keen to be of service in the navy once again. Phillip offered his services and informed the authorities he was prepared to be of service "anywhere in the Empire" - and they took him up on his offer, sending him as Captain of the First Fleet to New South Wales, literally the other side of the world.

Answer 2

Captain Arthur Phillip was chosen by the British Government to lead the First Fleet. He was an excellent choice of leader as he had a strong background in the Royal Navy, and had served on ship at war with France in the West Indies and Mediterranean Sea. He had a reputation for strong discipline and effective leadership. His biggest problem was that the English authorities did not listen to him. He was a practical man who suggested that convicts with experience in farming, building and crafts be included in the First Fleet, but his proposal was rejected.

Arthur Phillip was the one who recognised that Botany Bay was not everything James Cook had said. When the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay on 18 January 1788, Phillip immediately determined that there was insufficient fresh water, an absence of usable timber, poor quality soil and no safe harbour at Botany Bay. He moved the fleet north to Port Jackson, arriving on 26 January 1788. It is significant to note that, of all the Fleet leaders in the early part of Australia's settlement, fewer convicts' lives were lost during the sea journey under Phillip, than under any of the other Captains later on.

Answer 3

Captain Arthur Phillip did not actually decide to make the journey to Australia. It was part of his requirement as captain of the First Fleet.

Phillip had been in semi-retirement for several years, occupied as a farmer, but he was keen to be of service in the navy once again. Phillip offered his services and informed the authorities he was prepared to be of service "anywhere in the Empire" - and they took him up on his offer, sending him as Captain of the First Fleet to New South Wales, literally the other side of the world. His selection to as Governor of NSW was influenced by the recommendation of his Patron, the Earl of Sandwich.

Answer 4

Captain Arthur Phillip needed to explore to find new land to meet the needs of the growing colony of Sydney. Late in April of 1788, soon after arriving in New South Wales, Phillip travelled as far as he could by boat up Sydney Harbour, continuing on up the Parramatta River which he traced to the point where Rose Hill (later Parramatta) was established six months later. His expedition then spent four days travelling overland towards the Blue Mountains, but the difficult terrain and lack of supplies forced the group back.

On his next expedition which departed late in June 1789, Phillip also traced the Hawkesbury River as far upstream as he could, to Richmond Hill, and he then continued on to the junction with the Grose River.

Answer 5

Captain Arthur Phillip was faced with a crisis. The colony was starving because of lack of land for growing crops or grazing livestock, and more settlers were expected to arrive with subsequent fleets of convicts. Phillip explored in order to expand the colony for farming purposes.

Answer 6

Captain Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet to Australia. Although each of the eleven ships had their own skipper, Phillip was in charge overall of the crew, including their discipline and how many rations they received. He was in charge of organising supplies, and generally maintaining order. He was also the one who determined the suitability of prospective sites for settlement.

Answer 7

Captain Arthur Phillip was a navy officer who, in October 1786, was appointed Governor-designate of the proposed British penal colony of New South Wales. Hence he commanded the First Fleet.