Title

Cape Pillar, near the entrance of the River Derwent, Van Diemen's Land. [by Joseph Lycett].

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

1825

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

CAPE PILLAR,

Cape Pillar, near the entrance of the River Derwent, Van Diemen's Land.

THIS Promontory is situated about twenty miles to the east of CAPE RAOUL, and forms the extreme point of Land in the Island, turning northward to SYDNEY. There is a small Island close adjoining, called TASMAN'S ISLE.

CAPE PILLAR is considered to be an excellent Sea-mark for Ships sailing to this remote part of the world, as, from its very peculiar shape, it can scarcely be mistaken; there being no object in any respect similar to it, either in shape or size, along the whole coast of New South Wales. The rock itself is basaltic; and it takes the name of Pillar from the exact resemblance it bears to the pillars of the interior of a Gothic Cathedral. It is covered with very low scrubs of Bushes, and a very poor short sort of Grass: it appears barren, but it is so exceedingly steep, that even the black Natives of the Island dare not venture to the summit; nor is there the least probability that, if a Traveller were daring enough to attempt an ascent, he would be recompensed in any manner for so dangerous an experiment, supposing him to succeed.

The Navigation of the Coast in this part is considered very dangerous, on account of the numerous rocks which lie just under the surface of the water. Nor should the Coast, on any account, he too nearly approached at evening, as, if the wind comes on to blow front the east, there is always great danger of Ships being lost on the long reefs of rock which run out to sea for a considerable length, and which are not visible when the sea runs high. Unfortunately, many Vessels have, in consequence, been wrecked on this part of the coast of Van Diemen's Land.

Accompanying text, 1825.