Why was it difficult to travel in the interior of Australia?

Answer 1

Australia's interior is a vast, dry area. In early years, before the invention of strong, sturdy 4WD vehicles, and in areas where the trains did not run, people had to rely on horses. Horses need water regularly, and they could not endure the conditions for long distances or extended periods of time. Some people used bullocks, which were hardier, but also had their limitations, and were certainly not as versatile as horses. Also, the heat in summer was intense, and this impacted on both the travellers and the horses.

Early explorers attempted to use camels, but camels were difficult to handle, and often required experienced cameleers. Although camels could go for up to two weeks in harsh conditions without water, they still had to find a permanent water source eventually. A single exploration party with camels would empty in one sitting wells which could support the indigenous people of the desert for an entire year.

In addition, incidents such as this, and the fact that early travellers were encroaching on the territory of indigenous people, often resulted in hostility between the whites and the Aborigines. Early explorers through the arid interior, such as John McDouall Stuart, tended to find themselves on the receiving end of an aboriginal attack.