Between 1791 and 1814, Matthew Flinders circumnavigated and named Australia. He also transported breadfruit with William Bligh, explored coastal New South Wales, charted Bass Strait and Tasmania, and wrote a legendary book on Australian exploration. And all before his early death at age 40!

The State Library of New South Wales has created this exhibition to commemorate the bicentenary of his voyage (1801–03). It presents more than 50 stunning 18th and 19th century treasures – many from Britain and never seen before in Australia.

Visitors to the exhibition will experience the remarkable life of Matthew Flinders ‘the man’ and the explorer through the many items on show including:

• Flinders' handwritten log books and journal from the HMS Investigator
• charts of the continent, including his great map of Australia
• private letters, including love letters to Ann Flinders
• personal items including his sword, chess set and shaving kit