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Edward Eyre, born in 1815, was the son of a Yorkshire parson. He came to Australia where he began overlanding sheep and cattle. He aimed to be the first to overland stock from Sydney to the new colony established in South Australia, but lack of water forced him to return to Sydney.
Eyre gained important bush skills after he arrived in Australia. He wanted to be the first to cross the continent from south to north, but his discovery of salt lakes prevented him from getting through, as he was unable to find any of the breaks between the lakes. In fact, his maps of the region were drawn to show a huge, horseshoe-shaped salt lake which many regarded as an inland sea. These maps were enough to stop anyone else from trying to cross the continent for a couple of decades.
After his attempt to cross from south to north was thwarted, Eyre then turned his attention westwards. Eyre became the first European explorer to travel overland from east to west. Departing from Streaky Bay on the west coast of what is now the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, he made a long and arduous journey over the Nullarbor Plain to Albany, Western Australia.
Accompanying him was his overseer John Baxter, two NSW aboriginal men, Joey and Yarrie, and a Western Australian Aborigine, Wylie. While on the Nullarbor, Joey and Yarrie shot and killed Baxter and ran away with guns and food, leaving Eyre and Wylie to carry on alone.
Edward's Eyre's journey across the Nullarbor Plain was particularly dangerous for several reasons:
- The territory, vegetation and terrain was completely unknown.
- There was no certainty of food or water beyond what the exploration party could carry.
- It was unknown what aboriginal tribes lived along the route.
As it was, prior to heading west, Eyre was assisted by members of the Anangu tribe who occupied the central South Australian outback. They were invaluable in helping Eyre's party find water in the desert.
More information about Edward Eyre can be found at the related website below.
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What happened to john Eyre?
Who married Edward john eyre
What happened to edward John Eyre?
Who married Edward john eyre
What where the childrens names of Adelaide ormond and edward john Eyre called?
Adelaide Ormond and Edward John Eyre did not have children together. Edward John Eyre had a son from a previous marriage named Edward John Eyre Jr.
What was Edward John Eyre's occupation?
Edward Eyre was a farmer and a drover.
Was Edward John Eyre asked to explore by the government?
was edward john eyre asked by the government
What is Edward John Eyre's birthday?
Edward John Eyre was born on August 5, 1815.
Who were edward john eyre's siblings?
Edward Eyre was the 3rd son in his family.
How did Edward John Eyre the Australian Explorer die?
Edward John Eyre died of old age in 1901.
When was Edward John Eyre born?
Australian explorer Edward John Eyre was born on 5 August 1815.
When did Edward John Eyre die?
Edward John Eyre died on November 30, 1901 at the age of 86.
Did Edward John Eyre get sick on the boat?
What boat? Edward John Eyre was an overland explorer, not a sea explorer.
When was Edward John Eyre High School created?
Edward John Eyre High School was created in 1968.
