
audiobook
Set against the backdrop of a fledgling colony, this work chronicles the daring 1828‑1829 expedition that pushed deep into the uncharted heart of New South Wales. From the bustling port of Sydney the party follows the winding Macquarie River, confronting endless marshes, relentless mosquitoes and the harsh realities of a landscape scarred by drought. Along the way they encounter Indigenous groups, observe the stark contrast between fertile coastal valleys and the desolate interior, and wrestle with the practical challenges of carrying supplies through unforgiving terrain.
The narrative then turns to a second foray along the Morumbidgee and Murray rivers, detailing the preparations, hardships, and surprising discoveries that followed the first journey. Readers are treated to vivid observations of the region’s geology, flora and fauna, as well as candid reflections on the early settlers’ hopes and the complex interactions with the native peoples. The account offers a window into the early scientific and exploratory spirit that shaped Australia’s expansion.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (827K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Col Choat and Colin Beck
Release date
2004-08-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1795–1869
Best known for leading tough expeditions into inland Australia, this British army officer turned explorer helped reveal the courses of the Murray and Darling river systems. His journeys combined endurance, curiosity, and careful observation, and they became some of the classic exploration narratives of nineteenth-century Australia.
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