Australian History: Journals of the early explorers

Author: Natalia Bye

There is much to learn from the journal keeping or Australia's early explorers and settlers. Fascinating first hand accounts of lands and people, virtually untouched by the outside world for over 60,000 years. Content warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that these podcasts contain the names of deceased people. Please also generally be advised that these journals contain language in the vernacular of the day which listeners may find offensive; such language is not endorsed by the narrator. Note from the narrator: I have just finished reading Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe and was moved to investigate the early settler and explorer journals as a result. I hope that by releasing them in podcast form this may help others to access this information. I am an Aboriginal woman, mother of two, lover of art, music and history. Please enjoy.
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Language: en

Genres: History

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Sir Thomas Mitchell: Journal of an expedition sent to explore the course of the River Darling
Monday, 18 November, 2019

Chapter 2: Ascend the Canobolas. Choose the direction of my route. Ascend the hill north of Buree. Encamp on the Mundadgery. Cross a granitic range. King's Creek. Cross Hervey's range. First view of the interior. Parched state of the interior country. The dogs kill a kangaroo. Steep descent to the westward. Search for water by moonlight. Encamp without any. Follow a valley downwards and find water. Lifeless appearance of the valleys. Luxury of possessing water after long privation. Ascend Mount Juson with Mr. Cunningham. Enter the valley of the Goobang. Meet the natives. Social encampment. Mount Laidley. Springs on the surface of the plains under Croker's range. Cross Goobang Creek. The dogs kill three large kangaroos. Wild honey brought by the natives. Arrive at Tandogo. Allan's water of Oxley. Advantage of aboriginal names on maps. Excursion with Mr. Cunningham. Effects of a hurricane in the forest. Encamp without water. Natives leave the party. Cattle distressed for want of water. Mr. Cunningham missing. Desperate search for water. At length find water on reaching by night the river Bogan. Encamp on this river.