George Bass was an English explorer and navigator who made significant contributions to the exploration of Australia. He was born in 1771 in Aswarby, Lincolnshire, England, and was the son of a wealthy landowner. He was educated at the local grammar school and then went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Bass was an avid sailor and was inspired by the stories of Captain James Cook’s voyages. He joined the Royal Navy in 1794 and served in the West Indies and the Mediterranean. In 1795, he was appointed as a surgeon on the Reliance, a ship commanded by Matthew Flinders. The two men became close friends and would later collaborate on many of their explorations.
In 1796, Bass and Flinders set sail on the Reliance to explore the coast of New South Wales. They made several important discoveries, including the Bass Strait, which separates mainland Australia from Tasmania. They also discovered the Hawkesbury River and the Hunter River.
In 1798, Bass and Flinders set sail on the Norfolk, a small sloop, to explore the southern coast of Australia. They made several important discoveries, including the Great Australian Bight, Kangaroo Island, and the Murray River. They also circumnavigated Tasmania, proving that it was an island.
In 1802, Bass and Flinders set sail on the Investigator to explore the northern coast of Australia. They made several important discoveries, including the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Fitzroy River, and the Endeavour River. They also circumnavigated the continent, proving that Australia was a single landmass.
Bass and Flinders returned to England in 1803, where they were both awarded the gold medal of the Royal Society for their achievements. Bass was also made a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Bass returned to Australia in 1805, where he established a trading post at Port Dalrymple in Tasmania. He also explored the coast of New South Wales and discovered the Shoalhaven River.
Bass died in 1812, at the age of 41. He was buried in Sydney, Australia.
Bass’s legacy lives on in Australia today. He is remembered as one of the most important explorers of the continent and his discoveries are still used in navigation today. He is also remembered for his friendship with Matthew Flinders, which helped to shape the exploration of Australia.
Bass’s legacy is also remembered in the naming of many places in Australia, including the Bass Strait, the Bass River, and the Bass Highway. He is also remembered in the naming of the George Bass Memorial Marine Park in New South Wales.
George Bass was an important explorer and navigator who made significant contributions to the exploration of Australia. His discoveries are still used in navigation today and his legacy lives on in the naming of many places in Australia. He was a true pioneer and his legacy will continue to be remembered for many years to come.