HMS Calcutta isn't stupid and finds the Yarra River

I've often wondered how Australian and most specifically Victorian history might have turned out if David Collins had some common sense and actually settled on a decent sized river as opposed to what now is called home by a bunch of cash upped bogans (Sorrento). IIRC the main reason the Port Phillip settlement was abandoned was a lack of reliable fresh water; a settlement on the Yarra would not have this issue. Unless there's some factor(s) I have missed, such a settlement would likely be successful and would preempt the settlement of Van Diemen's Land.

This has enormous ramifications. OTL Victoria was not settled properly until 1835, whereas here it occurs in 1803. An extra 32 years of Victorian settlement would totally change Australian geopolitics. Firstly and most pertinent it would seem than even a slower growing convict settlement as Victoria would be (an interesting development in itself) would find gold well before 1835. OTL it took less than 20 years for the gold rush to begin. Even if it takes 30 here that is an extra 10-15 year head start. As anyone would know the Victorian Goldrush led to a massive growth in population in Australia, if this occurs at least to some degree 15 years early, or perhaps even earlier, then Australian development as a nation is sped up significantly. Tasmania and perhaps even South Australia might not become states if those areas are brought under the control of whatever the colony in Port Phillip is called. If I had more time on my hands I'd actually be interested in writing something proper about this, but as is I'm keen to hear any ideas anyone has. One day I might write something substantial on this. It appeals to my Victorian nationalism; nothing better than owning SA and Tas and gaining our rightful half of the Murray!
 
Would their even be an Australia?

Probably, though things might get a bit strange. Federation could probably happen much earlier, though this is far from guaranteed.

What if he found the Barwon? The mouth is closer to Sorrento than the Yarra is.

It is, but it's also not on Port Phillip. Unless I'm much mistaken Collins was required to settle in Port Phillip for strategic reasons. While today it's become clear that it's kind of a crappy bay for shipping in 1803 it wasn't so bad. Nice and big and protected from Bass Straight. But also I don't really think that finding the Yarra or any river in or around Port Phillip is actually hard, I'm still confused how someone could be so daft as to not explore the bay properly. I mean, we sent people off searching for phantom inland seas; Port Phillip is as close as anything in Australia to that, why not just have a look?
 
Top