17
Leichhardt's 1844-45 route
II
AWE AND CHALLENGE
November 1844
The first few months were slow and arduous. The party was soon reduced to eight when two of the
men turned back. By the end of November 1844 they had reached the Dawson River. This linked up
with Robinson Creek, near today’s Taroom, which took them north-west up high ranges and into
deep gorges. They anticipated a very demanding expedition but remained optimistic. Leichhardt and
John Gilbert (described by Leichhardt as the‘talented zoologist’) climbed a precipice at Robinson
Gorge about which Leichhardt later wrote
“…From the extremity of the range we enjoyed a very
fine and extensive view…a sunrise with light fleecy clouds to the west-north-west”
.
80 x 120 cm
oil on board
2013
