Journals of the First Fleet

with transcriptions

The State Library holds an unrivalled collection of journals from the First Fleet. Written by naval and marine corps officers, as well as seamen and surgeons, these journals paint, in vivid detail, the voyage to and early settlement of Australia between 1787 and the 1790s.

Read the transcripts here.

Collection 01: Arthur Bowes-Smyth, illustrated journal, 1787-1789. Title page.

Arthur Bowes Smyth, illustrated journal, 1787-1789

William Bradley - Journal. Title page, with beginning of journal entry.

William Bradley, journal, 1786-1782

Ralph Clark - Journal kept on the Friendship during a voyage to Botany Bay and Norfolk Island; and on the Gorgon returning to England. "List of Convicts on board the Friendship".

Ralph Clark, journal, 1787-1792

John Easty - Journal, 1786-1793. Journal entry.

John Easty, journal, 1786-1793

John Hunter - journal kept on board the Sirius during a voyage to New South Wales, May 1787 - March 1791. Journal entry.

John Hunter, journal, 1787-1791

Philip Gidley King - Private journal, in two volumes, 1786-1792. Volume 1, title page.

Philip Gidley King, journal (vol. 1), 1786-1792

rivate journal, in two volumes, 1786-1792. Volume 2, title page.

Philip Gidley King, journal (vol. 2), 1786-1792

Philip Gidley King, journal (fair copy), 1786-1792

memoir. Titled `Jacob Nagle his Book A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Nine May 19th. Canton. Stark County Ohio', 1775-1802, compiled 1829. Title page.

Jacob Nagle, journal, 1775-1802

James Scott, journal, 1787-1792

George Bouchier Worgan, letter and journal, 1788

Discover

Exhibitions, stories and more
Blocks of coloured black and white histrorical photograph
  • Free
  • Exhibition

UNESCO SIX

Exhibition Galleries

First Fleet Collection

The First Fleet Collection includes journals, letters, drawings, maps and charts created by those who travelled with the First Fleet of British ships to Australia. It is one of the Library’s most significant and valuable collections.

Map of the world
  • Discovery
  • History
  • Partnerships

Voyages of discovery
Europeans had been searching for rich new lands in the Southern Hemisphere long before Captain James Cook arrived on the east coast of Australia in 1770. Explore the State Library's incredible maps, journals, drawings and books.