Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the approximate elevation of the Darling Downs region, a key area explored by the expedition?

100-200 feet
500-600 feet
1000-1200 feet
1800-2000 feet

Correct Answer: 1800-2000 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Darling Downs region, known for its rich pastures, was a significant stop for Leichhardt’s expedition. Its elevation, around 1800-2000 feet, contributed to its unique climate and suitability for grazing.

Which tree species, with a distinctive enlargement of its stem, was encountered by the expedition in the Australian scrubs?

Myal Acacia
Bricklow Acacia
Cypress pine
Bottle tree (Sterculia)

Correct Answer: Bottle tree (Sterculia)

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bottle tree, with its unique, swollen stem, was a notable feature of the Australian scrubs, providing a striking visual contrast against the surrounding vegetation.

What did Leichhardt’s expedition use to dry meat, a valuable resource for sustenance?

Sunlight
Fire
Salt
Smoke

Correct Answer: Sunlight

Correct Answer Explanation: During their journey, the expedition often relied on drying meat in the sun to preserve it. This method, while requiring time, was essential for maintaining a food source during their travels.

Which bird, known for its distinctive call resembling “gluck gluck,” was potentially found in cypress-pine thickets?

Laughing Jackass
Black cockatoo
Gluck bird
Wallaby

Correct Answer: Gluck bird

Correct Answer Explanation: Leichhardt noted a bird, described as the “glucking bird,” whose call sounded like “gluck gluck.” This intriguing species was possibly found in cypress-pine thickets, adding to the diversity of the Australian wilderness.

Which of these was NOT a starting point or destination for Leichhardt’s 1844-1845 expedition?

Port Essington
Moreton Bay
Sydney
Darling Downs

Correct Answer: Sydney

Correct Answer Explanation: Leichhardt’s expedition started at Moreton Bay and concluded at Port Essington, a journey through the vast Australian interior. While Sydney was a significant settlement in colonial Australia, it wasn’t a part of Leichhardt’s expedition route.

What was the main type of vegetation encountered by the expedition, often described as dense and tangled?

Grassland
Forest
Scrub
Desert

Correct Answer: Scrub

Correct Answer Explanation: Leichhardt’s expedition faced a significant challenge in navigating through the dense and tangled vegetation of the Australian scrubs. This type of vegetation was prevalent in the interior, posing obstacles for both travel and exploration.

What was the primary reason for Leichhardt’s expedition across the Australian continent?

To search for gold
To establish a new colony
To map and understand the interior
To make contact with Indigenous Australians

Correct Answer: To map and understand the interior

Correct Answer Explanation: Leichhardt’s expedition was driven by a desire to explore and map the vast interior of Australia, a region largely unknown to Europeans at that time. His journey was a significant step in unraveling the secrets of this expansive landscape.

What was the primary source of food for the expedition during their journey?

Flour
Sugar
Tea
Animal meat

Correct Answer: Animal meat

Correct Answer Explanation: While the expedition carried supplies like flour and sugar, they increasingly relied on hunting animals like wallabies and kangaroos for sustenance. These meat sources were essential for their survival during the long journey.

What was the approximate distance traveled by the expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington?

1000 miles
2000 miles
3000 miles
4000 miles

Correct Answer: 3000 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: Leichhardt’s expedition undertook a remarkable journey, covering an estimated 3000 miles from Moreton Bay to Port Essington. The vast distance reflects the scale of their exploration and the challenges they faced in traversing the Australian interior.

What significant river was encountered by the expedition and named in honor of Sir Evan Mackenzie?

Isaacs River
Boyd River
Dawson River
Mackenzie River

Correct Answer: Mackenzie River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mackenzie River, a major waterway encountered by Leichhardt’s expedition, was named in honor of Sir Evan Mackenzie, reflecting the importance of this geographical discovery during their journey.

What did the expedition use as a primary means of communication, often employed for calling out to each other during their travels?

Wommera
Cooee
Gunya
Dilli

Correct Answer: Cooee

Correct Answer Explanation: The cooee, a traditional Australian Aboriginal call, was adopted by the expedition as a means of communication, echoing across the landscape to signal their presence and convey messages.

What was the primary tool used by Indigenous Australians for hunting, described as a wooden throwing stick?

Gunya
Wommera
Dilli
Kuliman

Correct Answer: Wommera

Correct Answer Explanation: The wommera, a distinctive hunting tool used by Indigenous Australians, was a wooden throwing stick that facilitated the launch of spears with greater force and accuracy.

Which term refers to a traditional Aboriginal shelter, typically made from bark or leaves?

Cooee
Gunya
Dilli
Kuliman

Correct Answer: Gunya

Correct Answer Explanation: The gunya, a traditional Aboriginal shelter, offered protection from the elements and provided a place for resting during journeys. These structures were constructed from materials readily available in the surrounding environment.

Which traditional Aboriginal container was often used for storing water, typically made from stringy-bark?

Dilli
Kuliman
Wommera
Gunya

Correct Answer: Kuliman

Correct Answer Explanation: The kuliman, a traditional Aboriginal container for water, was often made from stringy-bark, a durable and water-resistant material. This practical tool was essential for transporting water during journeys across the arid landscapes.

What type of Acacia, characterized by its silvery green foliage, was commonly encountered by the expedition?

Bricklow Acacia
Myal Acacia
Cypress pine
Bauhinia

Correct Answer: Bricklow Acacia

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bricklow Acacia, with its distinctive silvery green leaves, was frequently seen by the expedition. This type of Acacia was common in the scrubs and served as a visual marker of the landscape.

What was the name of the expedition member who tragically died in a surprise attack by natives?

Mr. Gilbert
Charley
John Murphy
Caleb

Correct Answer: Mr. Gilbert

Correct Answer Explanation: The death of Mr. Gilbert in a surprise attack by natives was a tragic event that highlighted the inherent dangers of the expedition and the unpredictable nature of interactions with Indigenous Australians.

What was the name of the river encountered by the expedition and later named after R. Dawson, Esq.?

Mackenzie River
Boyd River
Dawson River
Isaacs River

Correct Answer: Dawson River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Dawson River, a significant watercourse encountered by the expedition, was named after R. Dawson, Esq., recognizing his contribution to exploration and his association with the journey.

Which of these was a significant challenge faced by the expedition during their journey?

Lack of food
Lack of water
Hostile encounters with natives
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition faced a multitude of challenges, including limited food supplies, periods of water scarcity, and potentially hostile encounters with Indigenous Australians. These difficulties tested their resilience and resourcefulness throughout their journey.

What was the name given by Leichhardt to a river that flowed in a south-westerly direction, originating in several gullies?

Mackenzie River
Boyd River
Dawson River
Isaacs River

Correct Answer: Boyd River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Boyd River, named by Leichhardt, was a significant watercourse that played a role in the expedition’s journey. Its south-westerly flow contributed to the overall geographical context of the region they explored.

What was the approximate daily ration of flour per person by the end of the expedition?

2.5 pounds
2 pounds
1.5 pounds
1 pound

Correct Answer: 1.5 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: Due to the limited supplies and the challenges of their journey, the expedition’s daily ration of flour per person was reduced to 1.5 pounds. This decrease in rations highlights the difficulties they faced in maintaining sustenance.

What type of animal, comparable to the Pachydermal order, were fossil remains of found on the Darling Downs?

Birds
Reptiles
Fish
Marsupials

Correct Answer: Marsupials

Correct Answer Explanation: The discovery of fossil remains of extinct marsupial animals on the Darling Downs, comparable to the Pachydermal order found on other continents, provided evidence of the region’s ancient biodiversity and its connection to the larger geological history of the planet.

What was the main type of tree found in thickets in scrubby country, known for its light amber-coloured resin?

Cypress pine
Bricklow Acacia
Myal Acacia
Bottle tree (Sterculia)

Correct Answer: Cypress pine

Correct Answer Explanation: The Cypress pine, with its distinctive light amber-coloured resin, was found in thickets throughout the scrubby country, adding to the rich variety of tree species encountered by the expedition.

Which of these was NOT a type of food source discovered by the expedition?

Native lemon tree fruit
Native carrot
Honey
Rice

Correct Answer: Rice

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition encountered a variety of edible plants, including native lemon tree fruit, native carrot, and honey, which provided them with valuable food sources during their journey. Rice, however, wasn’t a native plant to the region and wasn’t discovered by the expedition.

What was the name of the expedition member who was skilled in tracking and helped find other members who had become lost?

Charley
Mr. Gilbert
John Murphy
Caleb

Correct Answer: Charley

Correct Answer Explanation: Charley, an Indigenous Australian member of the expedition, possessed remarkable tracking skills. He played a crucial role in finding John Murphy and Caleb after they became lost, showcasing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and expertise in navigating the challenging landscape.

What was the approximate number of bullocks the expedition started with?

Correct Answer: 16

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition started with 16 bullocks, providing a valuable source of both meat and transportation. These animals were essential for their journey and contributed to their overall logistical capabilities.

What was the approximate number of horses the expedition started with?

Correct Answer: 17

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition started with 17 horses, adding to their overall mobility and enabling them to navigate the diverse terrain they encountered during their journey. These horses were crucial for both transportation and exploration.

Which of these was a characteristic of the Myal Acacia?

Silver-green foliage
Long, falcate leaves
Drooping foliage and rich yellow blossoms
Three-capsular fruit

Correct Answer: Drooping foliage and rich yellow blossoms

Correct Answer Explanation: The Myal Acacia was known for its distinctive drooping foliage and rich yellow blossoms. These characteristics made it a visually striking tree and a prominent feature of the Australian scrubs.

What was the name given to the expedition’s encounter with a group of natives who spoke some English, indicating the growing influence of European contact?

The “Laughing Jackass” encounter
The “Severn Tree” discovery
The “Emu” interaction
The “English-speaking natives” meeting

Correct Answer: The “English-speaking natives” meeting

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition’s encounter with a group of natives who spoke some English illustrated the expanding reach of European influence and the evolving relationship between Europeans and Indigenous Australians. It highlighted the potential for communication and understanding, even amidst cultural differences.

Which of these was NOT a type of plant or tree encountered by the expedition?

Corypha palm
Bauhinia
Dodonaea
Eucalyptus

Correct Answer: Eucalyptus

Correct Answer Explanation: While the expedition encountered a variety of plants and trees, including the Corypha palm, Bauhinia, and Dodonaea, the Eucalyptus, a common tree in Australia, wasn’t specifically mentioned in Leichhardt’s journal as part of their discoveries.

What was the approximate number of bags of shot the expedition carried?

Correct Answer: 8

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition carried 8 bags of shot, essential for hunting and providing a source of sustenance. These bags of shot were crucial for their survival and ensured their ability to procure animal meat for food.

What was the name of the river encountered by the expedition that flowed to the north-east and was named after F. Isaacs, Esq.?

Isaacs River
Mackenzie River
Boyd River
Dawson River

Correct Answer: Isaacs River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Isaacs River, a significant watercourse encountered by the expedition, was named after F. Isaacs, Esq., reflecting the expedition’s approach to naming geographical features and acknowledging individuals who contributed to their exploration.

Which of these was a characteristic of the Bricklow Acacia?

Drooping foliage and rich yellow blossoms
Three-capsular fruit
Long, slightly falcate leaves of a silvery green color
Edible tops

Correct Answer: Long, slightly falcate leaves of a silvery green color

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bricklow Acacia was characterized by its long, slightly falcate leaves of a silvery green color. This distinctive feature made it easily identifiable and a prominent part of the Australian scrubs.

Which type of ant was observed by the expedition, constructing perpendicular holes in the ground with a sloping wall, indicating rotten soil?

Funnel ant
Bullet ant
Jack jumper ant
Green ant

Correct Answer: Funnel ant

Correct Answer Explanation: The funnel ant, with its distinctive habit of constructing perpendicular holes in the ground with a sloping wall, was observed by the expedition. This ant species, often found in areas with rotten soil, provided a clue about the local environment and its conditions.

What was the name of the plant that grew in rocky gullies, characterized by pinnate pubescent leaves?

Dodonaea
Zamia
Euphorbiaceae
Bauhinia

Correct Answer: Dodonaea

Correct Answer Explanation: A new species of Dodonaea, with its pinnate pubescent leaves, was discovered by the expedition growing in rocky gullies. This discovery added to the diversity of plant life encountered during their journey.

What was the name of the expedition member who was responsible for keeping the journal and documenting their experiences?

Ludwig Leichhardt
Charley
John Murphy
Caleb

Correct Answer: Ludwig Leichhardt

Correct Answer Explanation: Ludwig Leichhardt, the leader of the expedition, also served as the journal keeper. He meticulously recorded their observations, experiences, and discoveries, providing a valuable historical account of their journey through the Australian wilderness.

What was the approximate amount of flour the expedition started with?

500 lbs
1000 lbs
1200 lbs
1500 lbs

Correct Answer: 1200 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition started with a considerable amount of flour, approximately 1200 lbs, serving as a vital food source during their journey. This supply was essential for maintaining their sustenance and fueling their efforts.

Which of these was NOT a characteristic of the “Severn Tree” (Euphorbiaceae)?

Yellow or red three-capsular fruit
Grows on sandstone ridges
Long, slightly falcate leaves of a silvery green color
Arborescent Zamia

Correct Answer: Arborescent Zamia

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Severn Tree” (Euphorbiaceae), with its distinctive yellow or red three-capsular fruit, was found growing on sandstone ridges. It was a notable feature of the landscape and provided a visual marker for the expedition. However, the arborescent Zamia, a different plant species, wasn’t a characteristic of the “Severn Tree.”

What was the primary tool used by the expedition for navigation and exploration?

Compass
Map
Telescope
Sextant

Correct Answer: Compass

Correct Answer Explanation: The compass, a crucial navigational instrument, was a primary tool for the expedition. It guided their direction, helped them maintain their course, and enabled them to explore the unknown landscape effectively.

What was the name given to the traditional Aboriginal ceremony involving dance, song, and storytelling?

Corroborree
Cooee
Gunya
Wommera

Correct Answer: Corroborree

Correct Answer Explanation: The corroborree, a traditional Aboriginal ceremony involving dance, song, and storytelling, was a significant aspect of Indigenous culture. It served as a means of conveying history, knowledge, and traditions through shared experiences and expressions.

What was the name given to the traditional Aboriginal basket or container made from bark or grass?

Kuliman
Dilli
Wommera
Gunya

Correct Answer: Dilli

Correct Answer Explanation: The dilli, a traditional Aboriginal basket or container, was often made from bark or grass, showcasing the resourcefulness of Indigenous people in utilizing readily available materials for practical purposes.