Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia, Volume 1 Informative Summary

Overview:

This text details two expeditions undertaken by Major T.L. Mitchell, Surveyor-General of New South Wales, in 1831 and 1835. The first expedition, prompted by a bushranger’s tales of a large river called the Kindur, aimed to prove or disprove the existence of this river. Mitchell’s systematic approach involved tracing the courses of known rivers and studying the surrounding landscape, including the Liverpool Plains and the Nundewar Range. Although he discovered new rivers like the Namoi and the Gwydir, he ultimately debunked the myth of the Kindur river.

The second expedition, commissioned by the British government, focused on definitively tracing the course of the Darling River. Mitchell, alongside botanist Richard Cunningham, travelled westward, encountering treacherous terrain, scorching heat, and frequent encounters with Aboriginal tribes. Tragically, Cunningham was lost during this expedition, adding a somber tone to the otherwise exhilarating exploration. Mitchell and his crew ultimately confirmed the Darling’s course and established a depot, Fort Bourke, to serve as a future base for further exploration. He also documented the various Aboriginal tribes encountered, their customs, and the impact of European colonization on their traditional way of life.

Key Findings:

• The “Kindur” river, as described by the bushranger George Clarke, was a myth.
• The Namoi, Gwydir, and Peel rivers all flow into the Darling River.
• The Nundewar Range poses a significant obstacle to westward travel.
• The Darling River is a substantial waterway, extending far into the interior.
• The interior of eastern Australia is characterized by vast, dry plains and hills.
• European colonization had a significant impact on the Aboriginal population, affecting their access to food sources and traditional land.
• Aboriginal tribes varied in their interaction with Europeans, ranging from friendly to hostile.
• The Darling River is not a single channel, but is comprised of multiple branches and lagoons, especially during floods.

Learning:

• The Importance of Systematic Exploration: Mitchell’s expeditions highlight the value of a methodical approach, involving careful observation, surveying, and mapping, in uncovering the secrets of unknown regions.
• The Complexity of the Australian Landscape: The text reveals the diversity of Australian landscapes, from mountainous ranges and deep ravines to vast plains and dry watercourses. This complexity underscores the challenges of exploration and the importance of adapting to changing environments.
• The Resilience of the Aboriginal Population: Despite the hardships imposed by European colonization, Aboriginal tribes demonstrate incredible resilience, adapting to the changing landscape and maintaining their unique customs and traditions.
• The Dangers of Uncontrolled Exploration: The loss of Richard Cunningham underscores the inherent dangers of exploring unknown territories, highlighting the importance of preparation, caution, and communication within the exploring party.
• The Importance of Aboriginal Knowledge: Mitchell’s reliance on Aboriginal guides reveals the wealth of knowledge they possessed about the land, its resources, and its inhabitants.
• The Role of Convict Labor: The text provides insights into the use of convict labor in building roads and infrastructure in Australia, illustrating the significant contributions made by convicts to the development of the colony.

Historical Context:

The text was written in the 1830s, during a period of rapid European settlement in Australia. The colony of New South Wales was still expanding westward, seeking new lands for farming and grazing. The exploration of the interior was seen as essential to understanding the resources of the continent and facilitating further settlement. At the same time, the text reveals the growing tensions between European settlers and the Aboriginal population, as the former encroached upon the latter’s traditional territories and disrupted their way of life.

Facts:

1. The bushranger, George Clarke, alias The Barber, was captured for cattle stealing.
2. The Barber claimed the Kindur was a large river that flowed to the north-west and had twice reached the sea.
3. Mitchell believed the sources of a large north-west flowing river must be in the Coast Range.
4. The explorer Mr. Oxley had previously crossed Peel’s River in a more northerly direction.
5. The Acacia pendula is a valuable resource for Aboriginals, used to make boomerangs and spearheads.
6. The burning hill of Wingen is a natural phenomenon caused by the combustion of bituminous shale.
7. The valley of the river Hunter is an extensive tract of low undulating land, thinly wooded and bearing good grass.
8. Fossil shells and silicified wood are abundant in the valley of the river Hunter.
9. The Liverpool Plains are vast expanses of open level country, contrasting sharply with the settled districts of the colony.
10. The native name for the Peel River was Callala.
11. The native name for the Namoi River was Conadilly.
12. The Barber’s stockyard on the Namoi was a testament to his alliance with the Aboriginal tribes.
13. The range of Nundewar is a significant obstacle to westward travel.
14. The explorer Mr. Cunningham had previously seen the Gwydir River at a higher point in its course.
15. The native term for a plain was Goonigal.
16. The Canobolas Mountains are higher than the Blue Mountains.
17. Springs on the surface of the plains under Croker’s range are unusual in the Australian landscape.
18. The natives relied heavily on wild honey, extracted from hollow branches.
19. The native term for the Lachlan River was Calare.
20. Oxley’s Tableland is not actually a tableland.

Statistics:

1. The Hawkesbury River is 280 yards wide at Wiseman’s Ferry.
2. The width of the Hawkesbury River at Emu Ferry is 130 yards.
3. The highest point of the Blue Mountains near King’s Tableland is 3,400 feet above sea level.
4. The Weatherboard Inn, halfway across the Blue Mountains, is 2,800 feet above sea level.
5. The Canobolas Mountain is 4,461.6 feet above sea level.
6. The river Cox is 2,172 feet above sea level.
7. Mount Walker, overlooking Cox’s River, is 2,172 feet above sea level.
8. The average width of the Namoi River at one point is 100 feet.
9. The average depth of the Namoi River at one point is 11 3/4 feet.
10. The average breadth of the Gwydir River at one point is 45 yards.
11. The average breadth of the Gwydir River from bank to bank is 72 yards.
12. The average height of the Gwydir River banks is 27 feet.
13. The estimated height of the Nundewar Range is 200 feet.
14. The height of the isolated hill on the plain near Lobster Pond is 50 feet above the plain.
15. The height of the isolated hill on the plain near Lobster Pond is 50 feet above the plain.
16. The depth of the rich earth in the valley under Mount Frazer is 30 to 40 feet.
17. The estimated distance of the plundered camp from the last camp on the plains is 17 miles.
18. The estimated height of Mount Riddell is 42 miles.
19. The estimated distance of Mount Riddell from the camp on the plains is 42 miles.
20. The estimated height of the hill overlooking the Darling is 528 feet above the plains.

Terms:

1. Myalls: Aboriginal natives who remain in a savage state, distinct from the half-civilised natives.
2. Gunyas: Aboriginal huts, often temporary shelters made from bark or other materials.
3. Mogo: Aboriginal stone hatchet.
4. Uluguer: Native headband.
5. Waddy: Aboriginal club.
6. Woomera: Aboriginal spear-thrower.
7. Cooey: Native call, used for communication.
8. Witefellow: Native term for the white man.
9. Corrobory: Aboriginal dance, often with a warlike or ceremonial purpose.
10. Coradje: Aboriginal priest or medicine man.

Examples:

1. The Barber’s Story: The bushranger George Clarke, alias The Barber, recounts a detailed story of his travels to the north-west, including the existence of a large river called the Kindur.
2. The Burning Hill of Wingen: This natural phenomenon, similar to Holworth in England, demonstrates the combustion of bituminous shale.
3. Cambo, the Wild Native: The story of Cambo, a native newly arrived from the wilds, illustrates the fear and suspicion Aboriginal people often had towards Europeans.
4. The Scottish Farmer: The story of the old man from Scotland illustrates the dedication and perseverance of settlers seeking new lives in Australia.
5. The Grilled Snake: The native guide finds a snake being roasted over a fire, underscoring the Aboriginal diet and their skill in utilizing available resources.
6. The Native Village of Bowers: The description of a native village built like bowers under acacia and casuarina trees highlights the Aboriginal people’s aesthetic sense and ability to adapt to the landscape.
7. The Encounter with the Pipe-Clayed Native: Mitchell encounters a hostile native who stands ready to throw a spear at him, illustrating the potential for conflict between Aboriginal people and European explorers.
8. The Loss of Mr. Cunningham: The tragic story of Cunningham’s disappearance and presumed death underscores the dangers of exploration and the potential for conflict with Aboriginal tribes.
9. The Rescue of the Doctor: Souter’s capture by natives and subsequent escape demonstrates the precarious nature of travel in the Australian interior.
10. The Murder of Mr. Finch’s Men: This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by Europeans in the interior and the potential for hostility from Aboriginal tribes.

Conclusion:

Major T.L. Mitchell’s expeditions through the Australian interior in 1831 and 1835 provide invaluable insights into the geography, geology, flora, fauna, and the Aboriginal tribes of this vast and challenging landscape. His systematic approach, detailed observations, and meticulous mapping contribute significantly to our understanding of eastern Australia. While he successfully debunked the myth of the “Kindur” river and confirmed the course of the Darling, the expedition also revealed the immense dangers faced by explorers in the interior, underscoring the importance of careful planning, communication, and respect for the Aboriginal inhabitants. Mitchell’s accounts remind us of the importance of recognizing the richness of the Australian landscape and acknowledging the role of Aboriginal knowledge in understanding it.

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