The famed British navigator and explorer circumnavigated and chartered the Australian coastline around the beginning of the 19th century.

His connection with the Geelong region dates back to 1802 when he anchored his vessel, Investigator, in the bay and climbed to the top of the rocky outcrop known as the You Yangs. He reported to colonial authorities in New South Wales on the region's suitability for settlement.

Many places around Geelong (and Australia) carry the name 'Flinders', including a school, street and a You Yangs peak.