Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia

is a historical account written dur ing the early 19th century. The work chronicles King’s extensive survey of the largely uncharted and unexplored coasts of Australia between the years 1818 and1822, detailing the geography, flora, fauna, and interactions with in digenous peoples. Thenarrative provides insights into the early colonial en deavors and maritime exploration of Australia, aiming to augment existing knowledge for navigational and hydrographic purposes. At the start of the text, Kingreflectsontheimportanceofhismissionandoutlinestheprepara tions for the voyage,includingthechoiceofthevessel,theMermaid,andthe crew assembled for the journey. Hedetails the intended route andinitial ge ographical features encountered, including their departure from Port Jack son and a stop at Twofold Bay, where they made contact with indigenous Australians. This opening portion sets the tone for a meticulous scientific expedition, filled with challenges of navigation and the interplay between exploration and indigenous cultures, thereby providing a glimpse into the life and struggles of early 19th-century maritime survey work in Australia.Intended mode of proceeding, and departure from Port Jackson. Visit Twofold Bay. Natives seen. Passage through Bass Strait and along the South Coast to King George the Third’sSound. Transactionsthere. Voyage to the North-West Cape, and Survey of the Coast between the North-West Cape and Depuch Island, including the examinations of Exmouth Gulf, Curlew River, and Dampier’s Archipelago. Loss of Anchors, and Interview with the Natives. Remarks upon Dampier’s account of Rosemary Island, and of the Island upon which he landed