This view reveals a busy Hobson’s Bay harbour, between St Kilda and Port Melbourne. Three of the most substantial and fastest clippers have arrived, all rivals for the emigrant trade after the discovery of gold. The new route via the Southern Ocean halved the travelling time due to stronger prevailing winds. On board the rowboat, owned by the Argus is an eager newspaper reporter, anxious to be the first to get the news from England for publication the next day.
Optional Download: Map of shipping routes (PDF)
Thomas Robertson
born Scotland 1819, lived in Australia 1853–62
died Japan 1873
Red Jacket, Lightning and James Baines in Hobson’s Bay c.1856
oil on canvas
91.9 x 152.3 cm
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney