The First Fleet was a collection of ships that set sail from Great Britain in May 1787, tasked with transporting convicts to establish a new penal colony in Australia. This fleet consisted of eleven ships, including the flagship HMS Sirius, with a total of 736 convicts aboard, along with military personnel, officers, and supplies essential for founding the settlement. Captain Arthur Phillip, appointed as the first Governor of New South Wales, commanded the expedition. The voyage was fraught with difficulties, such as adverse weather conditions and shortages of fresh produce, which made maintaining the health of those on board challenging. Upon arriving at Botany Bay, Phillip recognized the location's potential for settlement, despite its shortcomings in fresh water and agricultural capability. The arrival on January 18, 1788, marked the formal commencement of British colonization in Australia. Soon after, Phillip explored the area and decided to move the settlement to Sydney Cove, which was more suitable for the colony’s needs. The transfer to Sydney Cove culminated in the establishment of the first European settlement in Australia, which would have profound implications for the Indigenous peoples and the future development of the continent. This significant undertaking not only facilitated the transportation of convicts but also initiated the beginnings of a new society on the Australian continent. The First Fleet's arrival is often regarded as a key moment in Australia's colonial history, setting the stage for future waves of migration, settlement, and cultural exchanges that would shape the nation.