Episode Eight: The Burke and Wills Expedition (now a bit sad), Part II
Crossing the Terrick-Terrick Plains, Aug 29 1860, Ludwig Becker, artist., Aug. 29. 1860. Watercolour, ink
On 16th December, 1860, explorer Robert O’hara Burke decided to begin his overland trek to the Gulf of Carpentaria, right as Australia was entering the summer months. What followed was a disastrous tale of irony and tragic coincidence, and so, the most expensive expedition of its kind comes to an end.
Hosts Luca and Ana explore a tale quite a bit closer to home, and learn about all the reasons Burke should never have been selected as leader of one of the most famous expeditions in Australian history.
Enjoy the holiday break! We’ll be taking the next off and coming back after the new year.
Check out our website and find us @themaydaypod on Twitter and Instagram to say hello.
Many thanks to our composer and producer Marlon Grunden, who you can find at his website here.
Sources and Further Reading
The Dig Tree by Sarah Murgatroyd
Guide to the Papers of Burke and Wills by the National Library of Australia
Burke and Wills Commission Report from the Parliament of Victoria