The year 1860 was a remarkable one in the history of Australian exploration. For European settlers, the centre of the continent was still a mystery – uncharted, unvisited, unseen. Was there a vast inland sea beyond the horizon, a region of forests and verdant fields, a terrain rich in gold? No one had crossed Australia from south to north, though in March that year J.M. Stuart and two companions had set out from Chambers Creek in South Australia and travelled as far as Tennant Creek after naming the MacDonnell Ranges. In August, gold was discovered at Lambing Flat in New South Wales, and a rush for gold began. Weeks later, when Burke and Wills set out from Melbourne, they were embarking on one of the iconic journeys in Australia’s story – an expedition that would capture the imaginations of generations and inspire artists, writers and filmmakers. Like other glorious failures – among them the Gallipoli landings – the expedition would end in tragedy, but would help define the character of a nation like few events in our history.

It is good to know that Burke and Wills’ expedition will be suitably commemorated with special events planned in the States they visited – Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. I commend the initiative of the Royal Society of Victoria in planning the commemoration, beginning with a re-enactment of the departure of the explorers from Melbourne. I hope all Australians will rediscover something of the romance and excitement of that legendary journey, as we honour the courage of the men who took part in it.

Nathan Rees,
Premier New South Wales