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Welcome to Burke & Wills Web
an historical research resource
The Burke & Wills Expedition was originally called the Victorian Exploring Expedition.
It was formed in 1860 in Melbourne, the capital city of the colony of Victoria. The aim was to explore the interior of the country and cross the continent of Australia from Melbourne on the south coast to the north coast, which at the time was uninhabited by the migaloo (white fella). No one had done this before, and to the Victorians the centre of the continent was unknown, unmapped and unexplored. Although immensely wealthy from the recent discovery of gold, Victoria was still a fledgling colony of the British empire and the expedition was an immense undertaking.
The expedition became the first to cross the continent, three men traveled overland the entire way from Melbourne to the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria and then back to the Depôt Camp at Coopers Creek. Seven men died in the attempt, including the leader, Robert O'Hara Burke and the third in command William John Wills.
The Exploration Committee compiled the records of the Expedition and wrote to the Premier of Victoria:
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To: The Hon. James McCulloch, Chief Secretary of Victoria. |
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...I may add that all papers, note books, sketches, maps and records [of the Expedition] are carefully preserved and it is earnestly hoped that the Government will liberally support the [Exploration] Committee in giving to the world this accumulated mass of valuable geographical and other information in a suitable and permanent form. John Macadam, MD. |
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Macadam's wishes were not complied with and the records of the Expedition have become overshadowed by the huge amount of popular literature that has been published. Burke & Wills Web aims to fulfil Macadam's wishes and provide access to that "accumulated mass of valuable geographical...information". This web-space is an historical research resource for those interested in the expedition and the exploration of Australia.
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If you are having difficulties finding the information you require, there is a 'Help File' with an overview and links which might assist you. |
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Please read the "Disclaimer" and "Privacy Statement" before proceeding. Burke & Wills Web is an independently operated historical research resource, designed, maintained and funded by Dave Phoenix; an historian and PhD research student at James Cook University. The webmaster is also President of 'The Burke & Wills Historical Society', however all views and opinions expressed here at Burke & Wills Web are those of the webmaster. |
Indigenous Culture |
Burke & Wills Web acknowledges that a rich indigenous culture existed across many different Aboriginal nations before the European settlement of this great southern land. References to 'discovery' and 'new territory' etc. are from the nineteenth century Eurocentric perspective. Burke & Wills Web apologises for the use of any terminology considered derogatory to indigenous people which has been reproduced from historical documents. Please read the 'Reconciliation Statement' regarding the impacts of European exploration on indigenous culture. |
Thank you for visiting Burke & Wills Web Suggestions, corrections, queries or questions are welcome. Please feel free to contact me. |
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