Western Port Settlement
Victoria, 1826

Extract from Captain Wright's Report, 
dated Western Port, 26th December 1826

"On arrival at this port, I immediately proceeded to visit its 
extensive shores, and, after a careful examination,selected, in 
conjunction with Captain Wetherall, what appeared to us the most 
eligible site for a Settlement, and, indeed, the only one possessing 
the requisite advantage -good anchorage, fresh water - and rich open 
forest and meadow land, in it;s immediate neighborhood.
All the ground from the west of a line passing from Bass's River, 
due north, to the eastern arm of this port, including about five 
miles square,is of excellent quality, well watered by lagoons and 
small streams. On the north shore of this square, two miles east of 
Kangaroo Point (on which  a battery of two guns has been constructed) 
the settlement is now established.
By the Master of the Dragon, I have forwarded a speciman of 
coal,procured by Mr Hovell, from Cape Paterson. I have been informed 
that various strata of coal exists near Wollomai Head, on Phillip 
Island, blocks of which, it is stated to me, have been frequently 
burnt,and found to be of excellent quality."

Extract from Captain Wetherall's Report,
dated: His Majesty's Ship Fly,
       Western Port, Bass Straits, Dec 27th 1826

"I have the satisfaction of stating, that the harbour (Western Port) 
is easy of access, and has no hidden danger, and no less than 7 
fathoms of water in mid-channel to the anchorage, which is safe and 
commodious,with holding-ground, well sheltered from every wind, and 
capable of containing any number of ships in the most perfect security.
The tides are rapid, and rise from 8 and 11 feet, being influenced 
by the prevailing winds in the Straits. It is my intention to erect 
a flag stall on the flat top't rock, off Point Grant (the western 
extremity of Phillip Island) to mark the entrance  to the harbour.
Deeming it of great importance to shew the situation of the anchorage 
off Phillip Island, I have cleared about four acres of the most 
commanding spot of land in it's neighbourhood, and erected a flag 
staff thereon.

Wood is in abundance, and water can be obtained from a tide-well 
in its  vicinity, but not in sufficient quantities for the supply 
of shipping. The soil is of the best description.

The eastern passage (to the anchorage) is narrow and intricate; 
a reef of rocks ,extending nearly half-way across from Phillip 
Island, and the opposite shore, lined with heavy breakers. It is 
well adapted for a fishing station; and, with the prevailing winds, 
could afford egress to  small vessels bound to the eastward, but ,
under any other circumstances would not be safe to attempt. There 
is abundance of fresh water on this part of the island.

The main land, from the point opposite the easternmost extremity 
of Phillip Island to Bass's River, is hilly of moderate elevation, 
thinly timbered, the soil rich, and well cloathed with luxuriant 
grass, but from the broken nature of the ground, fit only for 
grazing.

Bass' River cannot be approached even by boats at low water, owing 
to the extensive mud banks wich surround its entrance. It is 
extremely winding in its course, and salt for five or six miles up, 
where it is met by a fresh water rivulet, taking its rise from an 
adjoining swamp.

The land, on the right hand as you enter Bass' River, appears to 
be a salt-water swamp,interspersed with a few elevated patches of 
rich meadow, and occasional rows of tea-tree.  Salt water ponds are 
also numerous, and appear to extend to the foot of the range of 
hills running from the point of the main land,forming the eastern 
passage of the Straits. About three miles from the entrance of the 
river on the left hand, the land rises gradually ,and assumes the 
most beautiful appearance.  The trees are dispersed in clumps over 
an extended plain of rich meadows, and I have  every reason to think,
from the report of some of my Officers, who have made excursions in 
the direction of the settlement, that this fine tract of country 
extends to that point ,occupying a space of at least 10,000
acres.

Nothing can exceed the beauty of the situation, or fertility of 
the soil, on which the settlement is formed. Water is plentiful; 
an excellent garden is made, and the seeds sown are already above 
ground, and looking well.
The timber consists of the gum tree, apple, mimosa, tea-tree, and 
honey- suckle,and ,excepting the latter, is generally of an 
inferiour quality.

Of the climate I have every reason to speak in terms of praise, 
not having had a man on the sick-list since my arrival.. The range 
of the thermometer on board the ship, has been 64-83, attaining the 
latter height only  during the hot northerly winds which we have 
twice experienced, and which have in both cases been succeeded by 
strong southerly squalls, accompanied by severe thunder, lightning 
and rain. When the thermometer has fallen to 67, the average height 
at noon has been 75, and the barometer 30.22.

The natives appear numerous, but we have not been able to obtain 
an interview as they desert their camp, and run into the woods on 
our approach, watching our movements until we depart.  As I am aware 
it is your Excellency's wish to conciliate them as much as possible, 
I have not allowed them to be pursued, or molested in any way.

Kangaroos are in great abundance, herding together like deer. Black 
swans, ducks and teal,are also numerous. Fish are not abundant, owing 
to the number of sharks, dogfish and stingrays. The sorts generally 
caught are mullett whiting,swordfish and in one instance, a large 
snapper.
Gulls, pelicans, cranes and other varieties of sea fowl ,frequent 
the shore and lagoons."

(src: CT Feb 9 1827)