Supporters

A brief history of funded desert exploration in Australia

The Burke & Wills Expedition of 1860 (originally named the Victorian Exploring Expedition) was the first major exploration expedition to use camels in Australia. The tragic outcome of that journey not withstanding, the value that camels could offer to the exploration of the the continents dry inland was very quickly recognised. By the 1890s, exploration in Australia was of a completely different nature from to that of the preceding decades. The last unknown areas were now being closed in and the overall approach was changing towards scientific research.

Three of the major expeditions in that decade were:

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition of 1891-2
The 1894 Calvert Scientific Exploring Expedition and
The 1896 Horn Scientific Exploration

Private sources were then playing a considerable role providing funding. All of John McDouall Stuart’s expeditions were backed, in whole or in part, by Chambers and Finke (after whom the central Australian landmark and town are named respectively). John Forrest’s expeditions were supported by a mixture of government funding, private donations and grants from scientific societies. Peter Egerton-Warburton was financed by Sir Thomas Elder, who also provided the camels for both his and Giles’ expeditions. Giles’ five expeditions were funded by himself and his brother-in-law, Ferdinand von Mueller, and the South Australian Government. (McLaren, Beyond Leichhardt)

Decades later, in 1939, Cecil Madigan’s scientific expedition across the northern Simpson Desert was supported by Allen Simpson, the then President of the Royal Geographical Society in Adelaide, and a major financial backer of Madigan’s work. This expedition contributed greatly to the scientific and popular understanding of the Simpson Desert.

In the early 21st century, Australian desert exploration has now turned full circle from that golden era of the 1890s.

The continued and long-term viability of Australian Desert Expeditions will almost certainly depend on the philanthropic goodwill and backing of business, government and individuals. This support may come in the form of contributions from specialised environmental experts, capital acquisition, financial donations, government grants or direct sponsorship with goods and services.

The camel string waiting atop a dune - Eastern Simpson Desert

Supporting the Future of Australian Desert Exploration

Supporters

Jo Bertini - Artist
Keith Brodie - News Corporation
Robyn Davidson - Author, explorer
Les Fallick - Principle Advisory Services
Andrew Harper - Outback Camel Company. explorer and photojournalist
Kieran Kelly - Sirius Fund Management, author and historian
Dick Kimber, AM - Central Australian historian and author
Peter Latz - Central Australian botanist and author
Jane Rutter - Musician
John Wilkinson - Outback Camel Company cameleer, retired grazier
Robyn Williams - Science journalist, broadcaster and author

Archaeological Adviser

Dr Mike Smith FAHA FSA, Senior Research Fellow (Archaeology), National Museum of Australia

Corporate Supporters

If you would like to know more about supporting Australian Desert Expeditions

please contact Andrew Harper, harps@mcmedia.com.au or telephone 03 5881 7314.

Cameleer John Wilkinson, riding Istan, surveys the scene