'The Finest Goldfields in the World'. The Austin Expedition to the Murchison in 1854
BY Robert Austin EDITORS Peter Bridge, Kim Epton, Dr Marion Hercock and Sheryl Milentis.
With an Introduction by Dr J.M.R. Cameron.
Published 2009.
READ EXCERPTS FROM THIS VOLUME
In 1854 Surveyor Robert Austin led an expedition east and then north to the Murchison River.
Disasters from a gun accident, poison plants, and thirst plagued the party. Many months and tribulations later they reached the Geraldine Mine on the lower Murchison.
Austin’s North East Expedition inspired others to prospect the desert for both grass and gold, culminating in the opening of the area in the 1880s for pastoralism, followed by the discovery of rich goldfields.
Four watercolour paintings and three black and white line drawings made during the expedition, never before seen in print, are a feature of this Volume of Western Australia Exploration. The banner image of this page is from a painting titled ‘N.E. Expedition, Rendezvous at Mombekine Springs’. These outstanding examples of colonial art are the very first paintings of a Western Australian goldfields and their inclusion alone makes the book a coveted and landmark volume. A further eight drawings from Austin’s journal are included.
More than 150 years after his arduous and hazardous journey, Austin is now placed among the premier explorers of the Australian outback. This Volume is a magnificent addition to the exploration literature of Australia.
Austin’s route can be followed by the modern day adventurer. Incorporated in the diary are notes on the flora and fauna of the areas he traversed.
ISBN 978-0-85905-018-0
Released 2009.
Hardcover, Case Bound, Section Sewn, Dust Jacket, Illustrated, Maps, 240 pages, 610 grams.
$80.00 plus postage.
Order this Volume from Hesperian Press.
