Looking-into-Leichhardt_catalogue_Oct2013_Gannon+friends

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

Leichhardt's 1844-45 route

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