COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
151 
the time of our return, it was arranged that the 
Mermaid should also convey him back. I 
We left Sydney Cove on the 24th December, 
but did not clear the heads of the port until 
eight o’clock on the following morning, when we 
sailed with a fresh wind from the N.E. 
Red Point was passed soon after noon, at the 
back of which some of the lately settled farms in 
the “ Five Island District” were plainly distin- 
guished. The hills here recede from the coast, 
and form an amphitheatre of rich grazing land, on 
which is the Lake Alowrie and Tom Thumb’s 
Lagoon of Captain Flinders. 
Off Red Point, so named by Captain Cook, (but 
which, by the natives, is called “ Illawarra ,”) 
are five small rocky islands. This group gives a 
name to the district, which has proved a valuable 
acquisition to the colony. 
About ten miles to the southward of Red Point 
the hills again approach the coast ; which then 
becomes steep and thickly wooded, until near to 
Shoal Haven ; when they again fall back, and 
form another large tract of low country, which as 
yet is little known. 
On the 27th, after sunset, we passed Cape 
Howe, and crossed the entrance of Bass’ Strait, 
with a heavy gale from the S.W. 
At day-light, on the 1st of January, Schouten 
