[9] On 23 November 1802,[10] Charles Robbins, first mate of Buffalo was sent in Cumberland, by Governor King to dissuade the French commodore Nicholas Baudin, with his two ships Géographe and Naturaliste from colonising Van Diemen's Land.

Baudin had revealed French plans to colonise Van Diemen's Land when drunk in a farewell party organised by the Governor, after sailing into Port Jackson where his crew were treated back to health from scurvy.

[16] A series of disputes during the period of 1820 to 1840, between European settlers and the North West tribe, in which Van Diemen's Land Company chief agent Edward Curr authorised the use of force if 'required', escalated into battles which became violent and bloody, notably including the infamous Cape Grim massacre.

[27] William B. Reid leased the island for 43 years commencing in 1873,[28][29] where native animals on the land were used as wild game,[30] while farming was carried out[31] and dairy products were made.

[6][38][39] Commercial aquaculture industry from Circular Head presently harvest rock lobster and abalone in waters around the island.