Bungaree (d. 24 November1830) was an Aboriginal Australian from the Broken Bay area, who was known as an explorer, entertainer, and diplomat.[1] He became a familiar sight in colonial Sydney, dressed in a succession of military and naval uniforms that had been given to him.[2][3] His distinctive outfits and notoriety within colonial society, as well as his gift for humour and mimicry, especially his impressions of past and present governors,[3] made him a popular subject for portrait painters.[1]
Bungaree first came to prominence in 1798, when he accompanied Matthew Flinders on a coastal survey as an interpreter, guide and negotiator with local indigenous groups.[2]
He later accompanied Flinders on his circumnavigation of Australia between 1801 and 1803.[3] Flinders was the cartographer of the first complete map of Australia, filling in the gaps from previous cartographic expeditions,and was the most prominent advocate for naming the continent "Australia". Flinders noted that Bungaree was "a worthy and brave fellow" who, on more than one occasion, saved the expedition.citation needed
Bungaree continued his association with exploratory voyages when he accompanied Phillip Parker King to north-western Australia in 1817.[2]
In 1815, Governor Lachlan Macquarie ‘crowned’ Bungaree "Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe" and presented him with 15 acres of land on George’s Head.[2] He was also known by the titles "King of Port Jackson" and "King of the Blacks".[1][3] Bungaree spent the rest of his life greeting newcomers to the colony, teaching boomerang throwing, and begging. He died at Garden Island on 24 November1830 and was buried in Rose Bay.[2][3]
