Bass and the Blow Hole

George Bass was a British naval surgeon who arrived in Sydney with Matthew Flinders on the Reliance in 1795. Their names became synonymous with the coastal exploration of Australia.

After exploring Botany Bay, Georges River and Port Hacking with Flinders, Bass captained a crew of 6 men and set out in an open whaleboat to explore the southeast coast of Australia. The main Kiama Blowhole was noticed by George Bass on December 6, 1797 after anchoring his whaleboat in the sheltered bay which later became Robertson Basin.

In 1798 Bass and Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania in the sloop Norfolk. In 1803 Bass disappeared on a voyage to Tahiti and Chile.

This plaque is 1 of many found around the district. The plaques describe the history of their locations. They were commissioned by Kiama Council in 2009.

If you had seen them around, you are welcome to have a look at the collection of plaques in the district.