The sloop Norfolk was built on Norfolk Island under Commandant John Townson's orders in 1798. Towson intention was to improve communication links with Port Jackson. The 25 ton sloop contructed from Norfolk Island pine was not a substantional craft, being about 35 feet (10.6m) in length and 11 feet (3.3m) in the beam.
Upon her maiden voyage across the Tasman Sea the Norfolk leaked badly. When the sloop arrived at Port Jackson, Governor Hunter, who did not approve of boat building on Norfolk Island, confiscated the craft. Hunter was the person to give her the name Norfolk.
Governor Hunter ordered the Norfolk to be fitted out so that it could be lent to Bass and Flinders. He wanted to prove, once and for all, the existence of a strait between the mainland and Van Diemen's Land. He proposed that Bass and Flinders undertake a three month voyage of discovery during which time they were to circumnavigate Van Diemen's Land (named Tasmania after 1856). Flinders and Bass were under orders to pass through the strait and return by the south of Van Diemen's Land.
Matthew Flinders (1774-1814) navigator, hydrographer and scientist, was born on 16 March 1774 at Donington, Lincolnshire, England. Instead of following his father and grandfathers footsteps in becoming doctors, he embarked on a life of adventure and exploration. Flinders arrived in Port Jackson aboard the Reliance on 7th September 1795. Also aboard on this voyage was George Bass (1771-1803?), surgeon and sailor, who was born on 30 January 1771 at Aswarby in Lincolnshire, England. The two young men both shared a great interest in navigation and maritime exploration. Bass was also a keen naturalist and made detailed studies of animals he encountered among his voyages.
The Norfolk was a small craft for such an extended voyage as proposed by Governor Hunter. Flinders, Captain, George Bass, and there eight crew departed Port Jackson on the 7 October 1798. They had been allowed twelve weeks for the voyages. In her they completed the first circumnavigation of Van Diemen's Land.
They made many important discoveries on this voyage. On the north coast of Van Dieman's Land they spent time exploring Port Dalrymple, the future site of Launceston. On Christmas day the climbed Mount Wellington which now overlooks Hobart, Tasmania's capital. The Norfolk sailed back into Port Jackson on the 12 January, 1799. Governor Hunter, upon Flinders recommendation, named the newly discovered passage, Bass Strait.
The Norfolk again departed Port Jackson on the 7 July 1799. George Bass did not accompany Captain Flinders on this voyage; instead he was accompanied by his young brother Samuel. Bass did not travel on this voyage, suffering from ill health. This time the Norfolk was heading north to explore the Glass-house (Moreton Bay) and Hervey's Bay (Queensland), of which entrances were only known. They arrived back in Port Jackson, 20 August, 1799.
In October 1800, the Norfolk departed for the Hawkesbury River. It was to collect a cargo of grain to supply Port Jackson. The Norfolk was seized by 15 convicts in Broken Bay at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. The convicts sailed north, running into a storm. Attempting to shelter in Coal River (Hunter River) they only succeeded in wrecking her (November 1800) at Pirate point. This is now known as Stockton opposite Newcastle.
Six of the escaped convicts ran into the bush, and were not heard of again. The others took a small boat and went to sea but were soon recaptured. Two were hanged, and seven sent to Norfolk Island. Much later it was learned that those who went bush got to Port Stephens. Sick and hungry three decided to give themselves up and started walking to Sydney. They surrendered upon meeting Lt James Grant at Pittwater in Lady Nelson.
The sloop Norfolk had a short 2 1/2 years life but a very eventful one for the Colony at a critical time, providing superior service.
