The First Fleet was a pivotal expedition that marked the beginning of European settlement in Australia. Departing from Portsmouth on 13 May 1787, the fleet consisted of eleven ships carrying around 1,400 people, including convicts, marines, and officers. Commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip, the voyage lasted over eight months and covered more than 24,000 kilometres.
The fleet arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788 but soon found it unsuitable for settlement due to poor soil and limited fresh water. Phillip then moved the fleet north to Port Jackson, where a more favourable site was found. On 26 January 1788, the British flag was raised at Sydney Cove, establishing the colony of New South Wales.
The First Fleet laid the foundation for modern Australia but also began a period of profound disruption for Indigenous Australians. The arrival of the British led to land dispossession, cultural upheaval, and conflict with Aboriginal peoples.
Today, the legacy of the First Fleet remains a significant and often debated chapter in Australia’s history, shaping national identity and discussions about reconciliation.