Jan-Mar 1805: Small dirt tracks are established between the settlements of Victoria, York and Peyton, as travel between the towns becomes more frequent. A dirt track is also constructed from Windsor to Hudson, roughly following the river, and from Windsor towards the Western coastal settlement of Gardener's Bay.

 

Apr 1805: Two small inns are built along the Windsor-Hudson route, Ye Olde Yankee Doodle just South of Hudson, and The Horse and Carriage, approximately mid-way along the road. Settlers from Hudson, looking for larger plots of land, move South along the new road and establish Bailey, a small farming community. Similarly, settlers from Windsor establish a small town around The Horse and Carriage named Elizabeth.

 

Jul 1805: A group of 10 explorers, led by the great civil engineer Rowan Oakwood, are tasked with mapping the Victoria River, as earlier attempts by boat had proven impossible due to the shallow waters at low tide. They travel West on foot from Victoria along the banks of the Victoria River, however the dense forest and undergrowth proves difficult and the expedition is slow to progress.

 

Sep 1805: After 6 long weeks, the explorers arrive at a large lake, which they believe is the source of the Victoria River. Unable (and unwilling) to travel any further, a small outpost named Oakwood is established on the shore of the lake, and the lake is named Lake George, after Rowan's father.

 

The exploring party splits and Rowan Oakwood returns to Victoria with two others, whilst the remaining explorers choose to settle permanently at Oakwood.

 

Nov 1805: The Westward family set up the first mechanic in Windsor, and another in Hudson to repair broken farm machinery. With no competition, the Westwards are able to monopolise the market and charge handsomely for their services.

 

Jul 1806: The Westward family, having seen huge success in their venture, seek to mark their name into the new Colony's history. They set up the first private port at the mouth of the Windsor River. Henry Westward names the area Portsmouth, after his home town in Wellington. A small dirt track is constructed between the new port to link into the Windsor-Gardener's Bay route.

 

Sep 1806: Farmers in the original settlement of Windsor seek larger lots of land to farm, as their original allotments provided were now far too small. New larger farms are established on the outskirts of Windsor, and some of the older farms are sold off to developers to be subdivided for new housing. The domestic market for real-estate is born.