Discover the First Fleet: 5. Charting the Land

William Bradley was First Lieutenant on the ship, Sirius, captained by John Hunter. In his twenties, Bradley was great-nephew of the Astronomer Royal and the son of a mathematics master and he excelled in navigation.

Contained in his journal are 22 meticulously drawn charts which record a series of early survey expeditions in the colony and voyages on the Sirius.

Two days after reaching Port Jackson, Bradley accompanied John Hunter to survey and chart Sydney Harbour and commenced the naming of various Harbour landmarks, including Bradley’s Point (now Bradley’s Head). 

Over the next three months he accompanied Arthur Phillip on exploratory trips to Broken Bay, Manly Cove and the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. 

Sirius track from England to the Equator, Waakzammheydt  from the Equator to England

His sketch of the encampment in March 1788 (shown at left) is the earliest known map of Sydney. Written on the map are Bradley’s notes; "the position of the encampment & buildings are as they stood 1 March, 1788. 

Bradley has marked the location of the Governor’s house and gardens, tents of the male and female convicts, the parade ground and marine encampment, along with other staples such as the stores and blacksmith locations.

Bradley also charted the 1788-1789 passage of the Sirius to the Cape of Good Hope to obtain stores for the colony and also surveyed Norfolk Island during the 11 months following the wreck of the Sirius there in March 1790.

Bradley returned to England on board the Dutch ship, Waaksaamheyd, arriving in Portsmouth in April 1792.

Considered a brilliant cartographer, his charts proved to be not only accurate and detailed, but also delicate works of art.