Australia Post were prominent in their commemoration of this bicentenary of the meeting of Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin and of the 17 postmarks used, 16 were designed using the ‘Encounter 2002’ logo as the base. The exception is the Port Lincoln postmark, which was submitted by the Port Lincoln Rotary Club. At first glance, most appear to be similar and it would be tempting to dismiss them as ‘boring’, but closer examination reveals subtle differences which make the series quite interesting. Minor variations in horizon, wind direction, in one case even the Southern Cross in the background, all make for intriguing variations.
Ports of call for ‘Encounter 2002’, in which The One and All, Failie, Enterprize, Young Endeavour and HMAS Leeuwin all played a part were as follows:
16 February Ceduna 5690
23 February Streaky Bay 5680
2 March Port Lincoln 5606
4 March Tumby Bay 5605
7 March Whyalla 5600
9 March Port Augusta 5700
13 March Port Pirie 5540
16 March Wallaroo 5556
17 March Port Victoria 5573
21 March American River KI 5221
23 March Kingscote KI 5223
24 March Edithburgh 5583
27 March Ardrossan 5571
29 March Port Adelaide 5015
3 April Penneshaw KI 5222
6 April Victor Harbor 5211
12 April Robe 5276
The Tall Ships anchored at all ports, with the exception of Whyalla and Victor Harbor where they anchored at sea but within view of the shore. All towns planned a variety of activities to coincide with the ships’ visits.
Although only one cover is depicted, all 17 are in the set which is in excellent condition.
