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In some ways, Australian explorers Burke and Wills could be regarded as heroes. They were persistent and determined, both hallmarks of a hero. They endured a massive trek across the continent in horrific conditions, and gave their absolute best for their mission.

Burke was perhaps less of a hero: he was ill-tempered and impatient, traits which had a great deal of influence on the tragic outcome of the exploration. His motivation for exploring was primarily to impress the girl he wished to marry, who promised she would marry him if he went on the journey.

Wills, on the other hand, could be regarded as a hero. He did not have Burke's arrogance or impatience. He had more of a scientific interest in the exploration and sought to follow the orders of the colonial government in Victoria. He sought to hold the exploration party together where Burke's interest was to complete the task as quickly as possible, at the expense of good judgement.

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How did Burke and wills marry?

They didn't.


When did Burke and wills arrive at the Gulf of Carpentaria?

Burke and Wills reached the tidal flats of the Gulf of Carpentaria on 11 February 1861.


Were Burke and Wills friends before the journey?

No. Burke and Wills did not know each other before being appointed their positions in the exploration to cross the continent.


Did Burke and Wills meet aborigines?

Yes. Explorers Burke and Wills did meet Aborigines. Initially,the indigenous people tried to assist the explorers by feeding them. However, Burke became suspicious of the Aborigines and fearful that they were stealing supplies, so he frightened them off with gunshots. As a result, the indigenous people abandoned Burke and Wills, although they did keep John King alive.


What is named after Burke and Wills?

Because Robert O'Hara Burke and William Wills were the first to travel through western and northern Queensland, there are several places named after them in that part of Queensland.BurketownBurke RiverO'Hara's Gap in the Selwyn RangesBurke and Wills were both from Victoria, so there are numerous sites around the state commemorating the two men.Burke Museum, Beechworth (where Burke was Superintendent of Police for some time) and a minument to Burke in Castlemaine, where he was also SuperintendentA monumental bronze statue, currently in the centre of Melbourne, but which has previously been in various other locations around MelbourneA memorial cairn in Melbourne's Royal Park, the point of Burke and Wills' departureA Burke & Wills memorial fountain in Ballarat's main streetA monument in the main Bendigo CemeteryThe Dig Tree, the Burke Tree and other monuments at Cooper Creek, where the men spent their final weeks awaiting rescueA huge memorial in Melbourne General CemeteryThe Victorian electorate of Wills is named after William Wills.In addition:The Haast Pass area of New Zealand was being explored about the time of the searches for Burke and Wills. Julius von Haast named several features after them, There is the Burke River, and the Wills River, both extraordinarily different from the country of their patronym's exploration country.