10 Facts about Burke and Wills

Friday, September 18th 2015. | Figures

Facts about Burke and Wills talk about the expedition lead by Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills in 1860 until 1861. The main purpose of the expedition was to cross Australia to reach Gurf of Carpentaria in the north from Melbourne in the south. The distance of Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria was around 2,000 miles or 3,250 km. Find more interesting facts about Burke and Wills below.

Facts about Burke and Wills 1: the exploration

The exploration of Australia by Burke and Wills was conducted because the land of Australia had not been explored by the European settlers.

Facts about Burke and Wills 2: the completion of the expedition

It was successful for the team to complete the south-north leg. However, they have to stop 3.1 miles or 5 km from northern coastline. During the return of the expedition, the leaders of the expedition died.

Burke and Wills Expedition

Facts about Burke and Wills 3: the dead people

Besides the leaders, there were seven men died during the expedition. The only person who was able to return alive to Melbourne was John King, he was an Irish soldier.

Facts about Burke and Wills 4: selecting the leaders of the expedition

The Royal Society considered several people to fill the post as the leader in the expedition. Finally Robert O’Hara Burke was appointed as the leader based on the committee ballot. The surveyor, third in command and navigator was William John Wills.

Burke and Wills

Facts about Burke and Wills 5: Who was Burke?

Burke was an ex officer in Austrian army, but he was born in Ireland. Even though he had no skill in bushcraft, he was able to become a police superintendent. Many people felt strange when Burke who had no experience and skill for exploration was selected as the leader.

Facts about Burke and Wills 6: living in the wilderness

Living in the wilderness of Australia is not easy to do. Burke and Wills had to adapt with the condition. However, Wills was more adept.

Burke and Wills Image

Facts about Burke and Wills 7: the leadership of Burke

The leadership of Burke damaged the expedition and made it failed. Find out facts about Burke and Hare here.

Facts about Burke and Wills 8: the unique ways of living

During the expedition, the unique ways of living were applied in the mission. The committee did not take the cattle during the expedition. They decided to take the dried meat and placed it inside three extra wagons. Therefore, the expedition was slow.

Burke and Wills Facts

Facts about Burke and Wills 9: the members of exploration committee

Let me tell you some members of the exploration committee. Those include Sir William Foster Stawell, Dr Ferdinand von Mueller, The Hon Sir Francis Murphy, and many more. Get facts about Brigham Young here.

Facts about Burke and Wills 10: the beginning of the expedition

On 20 August 1860 at 4 pm, the members of the expedition started the mission from Royal Park, Melbourne. There were 15,000 audiences who watched the team.