A Successful Exploration Through The Interior Of Australia: From Melbourne To The Gulf Of Carpentaria

by William John Wills

A Successful Exploration Through The Interior Of From Melbourne To The Gulf Of Carpentaria by William John Wills documents the Burke and Wills expedition across the Australian interior. Edited by his father from the journals and letters of William John Wills, the work blends memoir, scientific observation, and expedition narrative to recount the planning, the journey from Melbourne toward Cooper’s Creek, the crossing to Eyre’s and Sturt’s country, and the ultimately tragic return. It presents Wills as astronomer, topographer, journalist, and surveyor who contributed precise field measurements, maps, and magnetic observations, while detailing the personalities of Burke, Landells, Becker, Brahe, and others, the logistics of camel transport, and the hardships encountered in the desert. Interwoven are family letters and prefatory material that reveal motivations, religious reflections, and the consequences of the Royal Society’s decisions. Appendices, letters, and biographical sketches illuminate the expedition’s organization, inquiries, memorials, and the enduring legacy of exploration in Australia.

430 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an account of the expedition by Robert Burke and William Wills across the Australian continent, from Melbourne to the north coast, in 1860-61. Although they successfully reached the Gulf of Carpentaria, on their return they ran out of food (their support team having abandoned their post) and despite trying to live off nardoo seeds for several weeks, they finally died of starvation.

The book consists of the journals of William Wills, kept during the expedition, and edited by his father, who adds his own commentary as well as extracts from other journals and letters - all with a restrained anguish as he both celebrates his son's achievement, and tries to pinpoint the reasons for his death.

I was especially struck by two aspects of this account: firstly, the scientific objectivity and cheerful resolution with which Wills (who was only 27) undertook his task, even when death became inevitable. Secondly, there was a surreal effect in the way in which nomadic groups of 'blacks' frequently crossed the explorers' paths, easily traversing the terrain that proved fatal to Burke and Wills. Whenever they met the explorers, the aboriginals were helpful and hospitable, plying them with food (and showing them how to prepare nardoo); but only late in the day did it occur to Burke to seek their help, and by then they had all moved on and could not be found.

This book would benefit from detailed maps (my edition had none); and notes and photos on the environment would also be useful. I don't know if any other editions have these. Even without them, this is a moving account of an ill-planned, yet epic and courageous journey.