(Atlas, Plate VIII.)

We sailed out of Port Jackson on July 8; and next morning came in with a part of the coast, north of Port Stephens, which captain Cook had passed in the night.* Off a projection which I called Sugar-loaf Point, in latitude 32 deg. 29’, lie two rocks to the south-eastward, at the distances of two and four miles.  We passed between these rocks and the point, and kept close in with the shore as far to the north as the hills called Three Brothers by captain Cook, of which the northernmost and highest lies in latitude 31 deg. 43’ south.

[* The journal of this expedition, delivered to governor Hunter on my return, having been published in great part by colonel Collins, the account here given will be brief, and almost wholly confined to nautical subjects.  The reader who desires more information upon the lands visited, and upon their productions and inhabitants, is referred to the Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, Vol II. page 225 to 263.]

(Atlas, Plate IX.)

July 10, the observed latitude of 31 deg. 38’ showed a set of 33’ to the south; whereas it had the day before been 8’ the contrary way.  Our distance from the shore had then become six leagues, owing to a foul wind; but we got in with it again in the evening, and steered northward with a fair breeze.  On the 11th we sailed amongst the Solitary Isles, of which five were added to the number before seen; and the space from thence to twelve leagues northward having been passed by captain Cook in the night, I continued to keep close in with the coast.

In latitude 29 deg. 43’, we discovered a small opening like a river, with an islet lying in the entrance; and at sunset, entered a larger, to which I gave the name of SHOAL BAY, an appellation which it but too well merited.  On the south side of the entrance, which is the deepest, there is ten feet at low water; and within side, the depth is from 2 to 4 fathoms in a channel near the south shore:  the rest of the bay is mostly occupied by shoals, over which boats can scarcely pass when the tide is out.  High water appeared to take place about seven hours after the moon’s passage; at which time, a ship drawing not more than fourteen feet might venture in, if severely pressed.  Shoal Bay is difficult to be found, except by its latitude, which is 29 deg. 261/2’; but there is on the low land about four leagues to the southward, a small hill somewhat peaked, which may serve as a mark to vessels coming from that direction.

July 12.  The morning was employed in examining the bay, and in looking round the country.  The sloop had sprung a bad leak, and I wished to have laid her on shore; but not finding a convenient place, nor any thing of particular interest to detain me longer, we sailed at one o’clock, when the tide began to rise.  Cape Byron, in latitude 28 deg. 38’, and the coast for twelve miles to the north and south, were passed on the 13th:  but no particular