HMS Reliance was a discovery vessel of the Royal Navy. She became famous as one of the ships commanded by Matthew Flinders during his explorations around the Australian coast, and went on to take an active part in the early exploration of the southern Pacific islands.

She sailed to New South Wales, arriving in Sydney on September 7, 1795. Among her crew and passengers were George Bass, the ship's doctor, the new Governor John Hunter, and the Aboriginal Bennelong. She later returned to Sydney, arriving on June 26, 1797 from the Cape of Good Hope, carrying stores ordered by Governor Hunter and merino sheep imported by John Macarthur.

HMS Reliance was the first ship to chart the Antipodes Islands, in March 1800 by Captain Henry Waterhouse. Reliance was relegated to harbour service that year, surviving for another 15 years before being sold on 12 October 1815.

See also

• Trim (cat)

References

External links

• Explorers of Australia: George Bass and Matthew Flinders