In the Wake of the Investigator

In 1801, the exceptionally talented young navigator Matthew Flinders put to sea in the Investigator, his sailing orders to travel via the Cape of Good Hope to New Holland where he was to chart and produce an accurate survey of the entire coast. With little but a sextant, quadrant, compass and chronometer, a lead line for measuring depth and a log for speed, Flinders, like the great navigator Cook before him, chartered the wild and unknown coast with such astonishing accuracy, that his surveys still appears on modern nautical charts.

The oceans define Australia culturally as well as geographically, having a profound influence on our national psyche. Most Australians live by the sea, clinging to a narrow band of coast, preferring to gaze outward to the blue ocean horizon than inland to the vast arid rangeland. The first immigrants gazed longingly eastward to the horizon of the Pacific, from whence came ships bringing supplies, news from home, or even the chance to leave. However, since the early days of settlement, Australians have gone to the sea for recreation, learning to embrace the beach, to fish, boat, swim and surf. Our beaches today remain a place to forget the confines of the suburbs, to realise a sense of space and location, and to cleanse our bodies and souls. They are a place to get sand between our toes, salt water on our skins, and against better judgement, a bronze tan.

In this 10 part series Andrew follows in the wake of the Investigator, hitching a ride using any means possible, from sea kayaks to fishing trawlers, racing yachts to square riggers, naval patrol vessels, barges, coastal traders and pilot boats. Along the way he explores the coastline, its natural history and spectacular beauty, and also uncovers why Australians have such a strong bond with the sea. From jetty fishermen to the shack dwellers of Tasmania, caravan parks in the Gulf of Carpentaria to the skyscrapers of the Gold Coast, the cray fishing shacks on the Houtman Abrohlos to the luxury cruise vessels plying the Kimberly Coast. And all the while he will be cooking up a feast with the local catch in his own inimitable style. Shot in stunning high definition – In the Wake of the Investigator is a celebration of the Australian coast and a feast for the senses.