The Portuguese Caravel 'Notorious' at Batemans Bay

People queuing to inspect the replica 15th century Portuguese caravel 'Notorious' at Batemans Bay, NSW Australia. Though not totally proven, it is very probable that several ships of this type, led by the Portuguese explorer Cristóvão de Mendonça were the first to sail down Australia's east coast in the early 1500s - about 250 years prior to Captain Cook's trip in the 'Endeavour'!

I now have written and illustrated an article about the 'Notorious' and the early European exploration of Australia: Were the Portuguese first to explore the Australian coast? You can follow the doings of the 'Notorious' on Facebook - look for notorioustheship .