What was the primary goal of Edward John Eyre’s expedition in 1840-1?
- To discover a route for stock transportation across Australia.
- To map the coastline of South Australia.
- To make contact with indigenous tribes.
- To find a source of fresh water in the interior.
Correct Answer: To discover a route for stock transportation across Australia.
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre was commissioned by the South Australian government to find a viable route for stock transportation. He was hoping to find a pathway for sheep and cattle to be transported to new grazing grounds.
What geographical feature did Eyre discover that served as a barrier to travel northward?
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Lake Torrens
- The Flinders Ranges
- The Nullarbor Plain
Correct Answer: Lake Torrens
Correct Answer Explanation: Lake Torrens is a large, salty basin located in South Australia. The lake is a natural barrier for explorers attempting to travel further north because it is a large salt water lake that does not provide water suitable for animals.
What was the name of the companion who was tragically killed during Eyre’s expedition?
- Mr. Scott
- John Baxter
- William Wylie
- Henry Cox
Correct Answer: Mr. Scott
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Scott was Eyre’s companion who tragically died at the hands of Indigenous Australians.
What resource was particularly scarce during Eyre’s journey through the outback?
- Food
- Firewood
- Clothing
- Water
Correct Answer: Water
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journal describes the desperate search for water sources. His expeditions often had to travel great distances without encountering a reliable supply of fresh water.
Which of these challenges did Edward John Eyre NOT face during his expeditions?
- Food shortages
- Native attacks
- Disease outbreaks
- Lack of reliable maps
Correct Answer: Disease outbreaks
Correct Answer Explanation: While Eyre encountered many hardships during his journey, there was no mention of widespread disease outbreaks within his journal.
What was the approximate distance Eyre had to travel without water during one of his forced marches?
- 20 miles
- 65 miles
- 135 miles
- 250 miles
Correct Answer: 135 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expeditions often faced extreme conditions. He and his team sometimes had to travel long distances without water. Eyre’s records reveal that one of these marches covered a distance of 135 miles without water.
What was the name of the Indigenous Australian who accompanied Eyre on his final journey to King George’s Sound?
- John Baxter
- William Wylie
- Henry Cox
- Jacko
Correct Answer: William Wylie
Correct Answer Explanation: William Wylie, an Indigenous Australian man, played a critical role in Eyre’s survival. He guided Eyre and helped him navigate the challenging landscape.
What was the estimated length of Lake Torrens’s outline?
- 100 miles
- 200 miles
- 400 miles
- 600 miles
Correct Answer: 400 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s exploration and documentation of Lake Torrens revealed it to be a vast salt lake. The estimated length of the lake’s outline was approximately 400 miles.
What type of weapon was commonly used by the Indigenous Australians whom Eyre encountered?
- Pistols
- Bwirri
- Swords
- Daggers
Correct Answer: Bwirri
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bwirri is a short, heavy, wooden stick with a knob at one end, and was used as a weapon by the Indigenous Australians whom Eyre encountered.
What significant discovery did Eyre make about the interior of Australia during his expeditions?
- He found a hidden oasis in the desert
- He discovered a new species of animal
- He confirmed the existence of an inland sea
- He found evidence of ancient civilizations
Correct Answer: He confirmed the existence of an inland sea
Correct Answer Explanation: Although later proven to be false, Eyre’s observations led him to believe the existence of an inland sea. His observations suggested the potential for a vast water source.
What role did Indigenous Australians play in Eyre’s journey?
- They were primarily hostile and antagonistic toward Eyre’s expedition.
- They were primarily helpful and cooperative with Eyre’s expedition.
- Their role varied depending on the tribe and their interaction with Europeans.
- They had no significant impact on Eyre’s expedition.
Correct Answer: Their role varied depending on the tribe and their interaction with Europeans.
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journals describe a complex relationship with the Indigenous Australians he encountered. Sometimes, they were helpful, offering guidance or assistance. Other times, they were hostile, leading to tragic loss.
What aspect of Indigenous culture did Eyre observe and document during his journeys?
- Their complex social hierarchy
- Their detailed knowledge of the land and its resources
- Their advanced agricultural techniques
- Their sophisticated religious beliefs
Correct Answer: Their detailed knowledge of the land and its resources
Correct Answer Explanation: Indigenous Australians have a deep understanding of their environment, and Eyre noted their knowledge of water sources, food, and navigation within the outback.
What was the estimated distance that Eyre traveled from Fowler’s Bay to the fresh-water lake at Thistle Cove?
- 100 miles
- 300 miles
- 600 miles
- 900 miles
Correct Answer: 600 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expedition faced a long journey from Fowler’s Bay to Thistle Cove. The distance covered was approximately 600 miles.
What was the estimated distance Eyre had to travel to retrieve the majority of his abandoned provisions?
- 10 miles
- 20 miles
- 38 miles
- 50 miles
Correct Answer: 38 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: During his journey, Eyre was forced to abandon some of his supplies to lighten the load. He later had to trek back to retrieve these essential provisions, which required him to travel 38 miles.
What was the approximate distance remaining from Lucky Bay to King George’s Sound when Eyre was nearing the end of his journey?
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 300 miles
- 500 miles
Correct Answer: 300 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey was long and arduous. When he reached Lucky Bay, he still had approximately 300 miles remaining before reaching King George’s Sound.
What was the approximate distance Eyre traveled from Rossiter Bay to the campsite where he found a large salt lake?
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 134 miles
- 200 miles
Correct Answer: 134 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey was marked by his search for water sources. He traveled 134 miles from Rossiter Bay to find a salt lake, which while not ideal, provided some respite from the harsh conditions.
What significant aspect of Eyre’s journey contributed to his eventual success?
- The discovery of a hidden water source
- The support of friendly Indigenous tribes
- The guidance of William Wylie
- The arrival of a rescue party
Correct Answer: The guidance of William Wylie
Correct Answer Explanation: William Wylie, an Indigenous Australian man who accompanied Eyre on his final journey, played a vital role in guiding Eyre through the challenging landscape and helped ensure his survival.
What was the estimated distance Eyre and Wylie traveled over 11 days during one part of their journey?
- 25 miles
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 134 miles
Correct Answer: 134 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey was marked by long distances and relentless travel. He and William Wylie traveled an estimated 134 miles over 11 days during one specific leg of their journey.
What was the estimated distance Eyre traveled from the last water source to the sand-drifts where he found more water?
- 25 miles
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 150 miles
Correct Answer: 150 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expeditions were characterized by his relentless search for water. He often had to travel great distances to find sources of water. In one instance, he traveled 150 miles from the last water source to find more in sand-drifts.
What was the name of the whale ship that Eyre encountered during his journey?
- The “Discovery”
- The “Endeavour”
- The “Mississippi”
- The “Beagle”
Correct Answer: The “Mississippi”
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre and Wylie encountered a whaling ship named the “Mississippi” during their journey. This encounter was a significant event as it offered them much-needed relief and supplies.
What was the estimated weight of the horse flesh that Eyre and Wylie carried with them during a critical part of their journey?
- 20 pounds
- 50 pounds
- 100 pounds
- 150 pounds
Correct Answer: 100 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre and Wylie had to resort to eating horse flesh during a desperate time when they were running low on food supplies. The estimated weight of the horse flesh they carried was approximately 100 pounds.
What significant event in Eyre’s journey highlighted the dangers of the outback and the complexities of interactions between Indigenous people and explorers?
- The discovery of a lost tribe
- The murder of the overseer
- The capture of a wild horse
- The destruction of an ancient burial site
Correct Answer: The murder of the overseer
Correct Answer Explanation: The murder of Eyre’s companion, Mr. Scott, by Indigenous Australians underscores the dangers of exploring the outback and the often-tense relationships between Indigenous people and explorers.
What was the estimated number of Indigenous people living in South Australia’s southern districts during Eyre’s time?
- 1000
- 3000
- 5000
- 7000
Correct Answer: 3000
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journals offer insights into the population of Indigenous Australians in the region he explored. He estimated that approximately 3000 Indigenous people were living in South Australia’s southern districts.
What was the approximate distance Eyre had to travel to reach King George’s Sound after being left alone?
- 250 miles
- 500 miles
- 650 miles
- 800 miles
Correct Answer: 650 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre found himself alone after a difficult part of his journey. He was left with a small amount of food supplies and a long journey ahead. He had an estimated 650 miles to travel to reach King George’s Sound.
What was the primary reason behind Captain Frome’s estimate that the land east of Mount Bryan was barren?
- He observed that the land was covered in dense scrub
- He saw that the land was devoid of any water sources
- He noted the presence of salt lakes
- He encountered a hostile Indigenous tribe
Correct Answer: He noted the presence of salt lakes
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expedition faced many challenges, including the scarcity of fresh water. Captain Frome, another explorer, observed the presence of salt lakes in the area east of Mount Bryan, leading him to believe that the land was barren and unsuitable for settlement.
What was the estimated distance Eyre and Wylie walked over three days while recovering their supplies?
- 25 miles
- 50 miles
- 76 miles
- 100 miles
Correct Answer: 76 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey involved navigating difficult terrain and recovering lost supplies. He and William Wylie traveled an estimated 76 miles over three days to retrieve their provisions.
What was the estimated distance between Eyre’s camp and the cliffs to the west during one stage of his journey?
- 5 miles
- 10 miles
- 16 miles
- 25 miles
Correct Answer: 16 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expedition involved exploring vast and diverse landscapes. He documented a specific point where his camp was 16 miles from the cliffs to the west.
What was the primary reason why Eyre had to reduce his party and travel with fewer horses?
- To save on food supplies
- To avoid attracting the attention of Indigenous tribes
- To increase the speed of their travel
- To lighten the load and conserve water
Correct Answer: To lighten the load and conserve water
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s expedition faced a constant struggle to conserve resources, especially water. He made the difficult decision to reduce his party and travel with fewer horses to lighten the load and conserve precious water supplies.
What was the approximate distance Eyre traveled without water during his final attempt to reach the head of the Great Bight?
- 50 miles
- 100 miles
- 150 miles
- 200 miles
Correct Answer: 150 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s exploration of the outback involved long and arduous stretches without access to water. He traveled an estimated 150 miles without water during one of his attempts to reach the head of the Great Bight.
What was the estimated amount of flour that remained for Eyre’s small party at the end of one difficult stage of their journey?
- 50 pounds
- 100 pounds
- 142 pounds
- 200 pounds
Correct Answer: 142 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey involved careful management of food supplies. At one point, his party had only 142 pounds of flour remaining, a testament to the challenges they faced.
What was the primary goal driving Eyre’s determination to reach the head of the Great Bight?
- To discover a new trade route
- To find a hidden source of gold
- To establish a new settlement
- To explore new territory and understand the Australian coastline
Correct Answer: To explore new territory and understand the Australian coastline
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre was a driven explorer with a strong desire to uncover new territory. He was particularly interested in understanding the extent of the Australian coastline.
What was the estimated amount of weight Eyre carried in his pack while retrieving his stores?
- 10 pounds
- 20 pounds
- 32 pounds
- 50 pounds
Correct Answer: 32 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey involved enduring physical challenges. During one specific instance, he carried a pack weighing 32 pounds while retrieving supplies that had been abandoned.
What was the estimated weight of the provisions Eyre carried on his back when he decided to continue alone?
- 10 pounds
- 25 pounds
- 40 pounds
- 60 pounds
Correct Answer: 25 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey included a time when he was forced to travel alone after his companions were unable to continue. He carried a small amount of supplies on his back, estimated to be about 25 pounds.
What was the estimated duration Eyre’s remaining food supply would last?
- One week
- Two weeks
- Three weeks and a half
- Four weeks
Correct Answer: Three weeks and a half
Correct Answer Explanation: Eyre’s journey involved careful rationing of his supplies. He estimated that the remaining food he had would last approximately three and a half weeks.