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Matthew Flinders Monument

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Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)

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The Matthew Flinders Monument stands on the scenic southern coast of Mauritius near Macondé, marking a poignant chapter in the history of maritime exploration. It honors the English navigator and cartographer Matthew Flinders, who arrived in Mauritius in 1803 seeking repairs for his ship, the Cumberland. Despite holding a scientific passport, he was detained by the French Governor Decaen due to the ongoing Napoleonic Wars and remained a prisoner on the island for over six years. During his confinement, Flinders showed remarkable resilience, working extensively on his journals and charts that would eventually define the continent of Australia. In fact, he is widely credited with being the first to circumnavigate Australia and a key advocate for its modern name. The monument, inaugurated in 2003 to mark the 200th anniversary of his arrival, overlooks the vast Indian Ocean he once navigated. Visiting the site provides not only a historical lesson in 19th-century geopolitics but also access to the panoramic vistas of the Macondé region, where the rugged southern cliffs meet the crashing waves in a display of natural power that echoes Flinders' own adventurous spirit.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Matthew Flinders Monument near Macondé commemorates the British explorer who was imprisoned here. The monument is freely accessible and stands at a viewpoint overlooking the sea.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, it has no fixed visiting hours and is accessible at any time. A daytime visit is recommended to safely enjoy the view and the surroundings.
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Photography
Photography of the monument and the coastal landscape is expressly allowed. Its location on a cliff provides dramatic shots of the monument and the crashing waves.
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Time needed
A visit to the monument takes about 10 to 15 minutes to read the inscription and enjoy the view. Combined with the nearby Macondé Viewpoint, you can allow 30 minutes.
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Combine with
The monument is within close proximity to the Macondé Viewpoint, which you can combine on a short walk. Additionally, the Rochester Falls are not far away.
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Getting there
The monument is located on the B9 coastal road, shortly after the Macondé Viewpoint. You can park on the roadside and reach the monument in a few minutes on foot.
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Insider tip
Learn about the fascinating story of Matthew Flinders, who was imprisoned here for six years. A short detour to the Macondé Viewpoint is worth it for the spectacular view.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.48550, 57.36250

Facts

  • Inaugurated: November 2003
  • Location: Baie du Cap coastal road
  • Commemorates Flinders' arrival in 1803
  • He was imprisoned on the island for 6.5 years
  • Flinders popularized the name 'Australia'
  • Collaboration between Mauritius and Australia

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Macondé RockMacondé Rock<1 km · NExplore →
Seven Coloured Earths of ChamarelSeven Coloured Earths of Chamarel3 km · NEExplore →
Le Morne VillageLe Morne Village4 km · SEExplore →
Ile aux BénitiersIle aux Bénitiers4 km · EExplore →
La GauletteLa Gaulette4 km · EExplore →
International Slave Route MonumentInternational Slave Route Monument6 km · SExplore →
Heritage Nature ReserveHeritage Nature Reserve6 km · NExplore →
Piton de la Petite Rivière NoirePiton de la Petite Rivière Noire7 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Matthew Flinders Monument (3)

Captain Matthew Flinders Monument

La Prairie Beach

Maconde

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Matthew Flinders?
He was a famous navigator and explorer.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 15-20 minutes.
Is the monument freely accessible?
Yes, it is freely accessible anytime.
Is it family-friendly?
It is a good opportunity for a short educational break.
Is the monument well signposted?
Yes, it is marked on most maps.
Matthew Flinders Monument: where is it located?
Matthew Flinders Monument is located in Mauritius.
Matthew Flinders Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Captain Matthew Flinders Monument, La Prairie Beach, Maconde.
Matthew Flinders Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Matthew Flinders Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Matthew Flinders Monument stands on the scenic southern coast of Mauritius near Macondé, marking a poignant chapter in the history of maritime exploration.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Bassin — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Vacoas — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Vacoas-Phoenix — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
Beau Bassin — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
Bambous — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
Mahébourg — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Olivier — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Saint Pierre — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Baie du Tombeau — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Baie du Tombeau
Baie du Tombeau is located on the northwest coast and is a mix of residential and industrial zones.
Riche Terre — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Trou aux Biches — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches is an upscale coastal village in the northwest.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Matthew Flinders Monument (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.