Burke & Wills
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ROBERT O'HARA BURKE
BRIEF FACTS
WILLIAM JOHN WILLS
BRIEF FACTS
This expedition had its beginnings in 1858 when Ambrose Kyte offered 1,000 pounds towards the expenses of equipping a party to find a practical path from south to north (Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria). The Victorian Government completed the outstanding requirements for the expedition. In total they had 9,000 pounds for the expedition. This was the first Victorian Expedition and the first to make use of camels. The expedition left at 4pm on the 20th of August 1860 from Royal Park, Melbourne. They set off with 18 men, 23 horses, 27 camels, wagons and 21 tonnes of provisions and equipment. This was the most expensive and well equipped expedition to date, however, the leaders were the least experienced to undertake such journey. The route chosen was Melbourne, Swan Hill, Menindie, Copper's Creek and then North to the Gulf. They reached Swan Hill on the 6th of September, 1860. They spent several days getting the animals and equipment by punt over the Murray River. Whilst in Swan Hill they were hosted and entertained by Dr. Ben Gummow. They camped at the site that is today Riverside Park. It's popularly believed that whilst they stayed at Dr. Gummow's residence, they planted a Moreton Bay Fig in the front yard. Today this Giant Moreton Bay Fig is the largest in Australia. (Below)
08.08.2003
Height:90 feet-27.43 metres. Branch Spread 146 feet-44.53 metres. Butt measurement 30 feet-9.144 metres. Root Spread about 6 round-45 feet-13.725 metres. Diameter of trunk: -12 feet- 3.658 metres. Whilst in Swan Hill, Burke recruited Charlie Gray. He was a former sailor and ostler at the local pub. He was chosen because of his knowledge of horses. The expedition departed Swan Hill on Wednesday 12th September 1860. On arrival at Menindee, it was decided that eight of the Expedition party would go ahead to Cooper's Creek. This they could do a lot faster. The rest would catch up later with the supplies. After five weeks of waiting at Cooper's Creek, the supply party had still not arrived. Burke then made the decision to press on to the Gulf leaving four members behind to wait for the supply party. He gave instructions for them to wait three months for his return. On December 16th, 1860 Burke, Wills, King and Gray left for the Gulf. By the 8th of February 1861 the four explorers reached the banks of a river now known as the Flinders River. They followed this to the Gulf of Carpentaria, however, they didn't actually see the Gulf due to the river ending in tidal flats covered in mangrove swamps. They had achieved the first crossing from South to North. The return journey ended in tragedy. Charlie Gray was beaten by Burke who had accused him of stealing rations. Gray became sick and could travel no further. He was accused of pretending to be ill. He died soon after on 17th April, 1861. After burying him, the remaining party of three continued back to Cooper's Creek to meet up with the rest of the Expedition party. The main party however, had left Cooper's Creek seven hours earlier to return home. They had stayed a month longer than agreed, but due to low supplies were forced to leave camp. They left some supplies hidden at the base of the "Dig" tree. Burke, Wills and Gray died in the area near what is now the famous "Dig" Tree and Cooper's Creek. They didn't understand the 'Dig' message carved into the tree. Other decisions contributed to the tragedy. Only King survived after being found by a relief expedition on September 15th 1861.
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