The 30-ton sloop[1] Rebecca was launched in 1834,[2] built by Captain George Plummer at his boatyard on the banks of the Tamar River at Rosevears, Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania).
In 1835, it was owned by Robert Scott[1] and chartered by John Batman on behalf of the Port Phillip Association for his first voyage to Port Phillip.
B. Harwood, he landed in Port Phillip Bay on 29 May 1835, where, later on 6 June 1835, he entered into a treaty with the aboriginal people for use of their land and chose the site of the future city of Melbourne, known as the Batman Treaty After leaving a small party at Indented Head, Batman returned to Launceston, Tasmania on Rebecca and announced his treaty to the colony at large.
John Helder Wedge, who was also a member of the Port Phillip Association, then sailed to Port Phillip on Rebecca to explore the country, landing at Indented Head and then sailing up the Yarra River, which he named.
A memorial to Rebecca was unveiled in 1954[6] still existing today, near the site of George Plummer's boatyard at Rosevears, on the Tamar River, Tasmania, recording its role in the founding of Melbourne.