Bungaree, from the Darug people of New South Wales, was a key figure in early Australian history.

Born around 1775, was the first Australian-born person to circumnavigate the Australian continent, joining Matthew Flinders on his expedition aboard the HMS Investigator from 1801 to 1803.

Beyond exploration, Bungaree was a respected leader and cultural figure, navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world as European settlement expanded. His story highlights a unique intersection of Aboriginal culture and early colonial history.

1. Bungaree was the first to be termed “Australian”

Bungaree holds a unique distinction in history as the first person to be officially recorded as “Australian.” While Aboriginal Australians had of course lived on the continent for tens of thousands of years, the term “Australian” only emerged in its modern sense during the colonial period.

Bungaree was the first Australian-born individual to carry the national identity of “Australian” in official records. His role in guiding and assisting Matthew Flinders’ expedition around Australia not only marked him as an important figure in exploration but also as an early symbol of what it meant to be “Australian” in a rapidly changing world.

2. Bungaree was the first Australian to circumnavigate Australia

Bungaree was the first Australian-born person to circumnavigate the Australian continent, which was achieved aboard the HMS Investigator from 1801 to 1803. Serving as an interpreter and guide, Bungaree utilised his knowledge of the coastline and Indigenous communities to assist the crew in navigating unfamiliar territories.

While his contributions were essential for mapping the coastline and establishing peaceful communication with local groups, they also illustrate the broader context of European expansion that often marginalised Aboriginal communities. The expedition represented a colonial agenda that disregarded Indigenous knowledge systems and furthered the appropriation of land.

3. He charmed colonisers with his sense of humour

Bungaree was well known for his charisma, sense of humour, and ability to engage with both European settlers and Aboriginal communities. His role as an entertainer and cultural ambassador in early colonial Sydney was marked by his willingness to participate in public performances, often donning European-style military uniforms that had been gifted to him by colonial governors like Lachlan Macquarie.

Bungaree would walk through the streets of Sydney in these uniforms, humorously mimicking the manners of European officials, and he was often seen in ceremonial roles during public events.

His ability to engage in cross-cultural diplomacy, while maintaining respect from both Aboriginal Australians and European authorities, highlighted his role in navigating the complexities of early colonial interactions. These contributions helped ease the sometimes fraught relationships between the settlers and the Indigenous populations.

4. He was a respected leader to Aboriginal Australians

Bungaree became a spokesperson for Aboriginal concerns in Sydney, helping his people navigate the pressures of European expansion and cultural change.

For example, he and his group of followers often settled near the Sydney colony, with Bungaree advocating for resources such as food and shelter from the colonial government. He was involved in discussions with settlers over land use, particularly in areas where Aboriginal people were displaced.

His position made him a crucial figure in mediating the increasingly complex relationships between the Indigenous population and the growing European presence, while he worked to protect the interests of his people in this new reality.

Bungaree’s leadership, though unconventional by European standards, was pivotal in the early years of colonisation, as he balanced the needs of his community with the demands of a colonising force.

5. He even charmed the ship’s cat, Trim

Bungaree apparently also got on well with Matthew Flinders’ cat, Trim. Trim was born aboard the HMS Reliance on the journey from the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) to Botany Bay (Sydney, Australia). He reportedly fell overboard but managed to survive and climb back aboard the boat.

His perseverance earned him great favour among the crew, and Flinders named him as his favourite, even writing a biography of the cat in later years. Flinders noted that Bungaree was particularly kind to Trim.

Summary

While Matthew Flinders has long been celebrated as the first to circumnavigate Australia during the age of exploration, Bungaree’s significant contributions often go unrecognised. Both Flinders and his cat, Trim, have sculptural dedications, yet no statue honours Bungaree.

This absence underscores the importance of acknowledging the stories of Indigenous peoples, whose experiences have frequently been overshadowed as a result of the Anglo-centric lens of colonisation. Celebrating figures like Bungaree helps to illuminate the rich history and resilience of Aboriginal communities that have long been marginalised.

Start your membership today for full access to our entire library of video lessons and teaching materials, including our series on the British Empire.