Why was Burke and Wills expedition important?

They were on the return journey of their great expedition to be the first European settlers to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria (South to North), a distance of 3,250 km. Burke, Wills, King and Gray completed their journey South, becoming the first European settlers to explore the region.

How was the Burke and Wills expedition financed?

Although the expedition had been financed by the colony of Victoria, several other states mounted their own rescue missions for Burke and Wills, who were long overdue to return. John McKinlay, born at Sandbank on the Clyde in 1819, first came to New South Wales in 1836.

What happened to Burke and Wills and King?

Burke, Wills and King attempted to reach Mount Hopeless, the furthest extent of settlement in South Australia, which was closer than Menindee, but failed and returned to Cooper Creek. While waiting for rescue Burke and Wills died of exhaustion and starvation.

Why are Burke and Wills famous?

Forever strung together as one, bonded in death, Robert O’Hara Burke and William Wills are two of Australia’s most famous, and tragic, explorers. The first to successfully cross the continent from south to north, they died beside Cooper Creek in south-west Queensland on the return journey.

Who found Burke and Wills?

For more than two decades, Mr Andrews has dedicated his life to rediscovering the lost instruments of Australian explorers Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills — the main people in one of Australia’s most renowned colonial tragedies.

Where are Burke and Wills buried?

On 15 September 1861 a Victorian relief party led by Alfred Howitt and Edwin Welch found King living with the Yandruwandha. The bodies of Wills and Burke were also found and buried. Their remains were later recovered and re-buried in Melbourne.

Who was Wills wife?

Sarah
Wills bought a share in the Melbourne Gold Mining Company in 1852 and planned to migrate to Australia with his wife Sarah and sons William and Thomas.

Where is Burke and Wills buried?

Where did the Burke and Wills expedition go?

In August 1860, thousands of people turned up to farewell the Victorian Exploring Expedition with great pomp and ceremony. Over the next nine months, the expedition travelled north in stages from Melbourne to Menindie, Menindie to Cooper’s Creek, Cooper’s Creek to the Gulf of Carpentaria, and back to Cooper’s Creek.

When did Burke and Wills arrive at Cooper Creek?

Burke left Menindee local William Wright in charge of supplies with instructions to bring these to Cooper Creek ‘soon’. However, three months passed before Wright left Menindee. Burke’s party arrived at Cooper Creek on 11 November 1860.

What did Robert O’Hara Burke take on his expedition?

Policeman, Robert O’Hara Burke led an expedition which left from Royal Park, Melbourne on 20 August 1860. Burke travelled with 18 people, 25 camels, 22 horses and some wagons. This was the first expedition to use camels as a means of transport. Burke took a two year supply of food, as well as 80 pairs of shoes, beds,…

How did Charles Gray die on the Burke and Wills expedition?

Burke began the return to journey to Cooper Creek immediately. On this journey supplies were short so the men killed and ate one of the camels and later Burke’s horse. Charles Gray got sick and died.