ARNHEM LAND PART 6B -HISTORY OF OBSERVATION AND 3 ATTEMPTS AT BRITISH SETTLEMENTS

This unit provides an outline of early observations of Arnhem Land from the sea. The reports were largely unfavourable for the prospects of establishing British colonial settlements. They also reported sighting of Aboriginal people. The indications were that Aboriginal people would not welcome the arrival of Europeans. However there was interest in establishing British settlements in the far north for trade and security reasons. The first 3 settlements faced great hardship. None lasted longer than 11 years. The following unit (Part 6C) has a focus on Victoria - the longest surviving British outpost. In contrast to the Makassan contacts (Part 6A) the British settlements were carried out without discussion with local Aboriginal groups. This caused resentment and reaction by Aboriginal people and added to the problems for British settlers.