It is 185 years since Charles Darwin left Australia. What he saw reshaped the world's view of history MonMonday 15 updated MonMonday 15 HMS Beagle in the Galapagos painted by John Chancellor. ( Print text only Cancel "Farewell Australia, I leave … without sorrow or regret," Charles Darwin wrote in his diary as he sailed away from the continent nearly two centuries years ago. Key points: This year marks 185 years since his visit to Australia His discoveries during this voyage would contribute to his ground-breaking later works Sunday marked 185 years since the legendary scientist and the HMS Beagle left our shores to head back to England.