Swan River Settlement
James Stirling - Exploration
The Success reached Rottnest Island on 4 March 1827. The next day it went closer to land. At first Stirling was puzzled by the calmness of the water. He soon realized the coast was protected by many off-shore reefs, and this was the cause.
During the next few days, Stirling and his men made a start to exploring. They crossed a sandbar at the mouth of the river, and sailed a small boat for a few kilometres. Like de Vlamingh before them, they were astounded at the black swans that seemed to be everywhere.
The next day or two was spent examining Cockburn Sound and Garden Island. Stirling was keen to know if he could use the Sound as a safe harbour for ships.