The State Library of South Australia’s latest Treasures Wall exhibition celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first successful south to north crossing of Australia through the centre by John McDouall Stuart.
Stuart led six expeditions which explored north-western South Australia, then north towards the centre of the continent, and then onwards, finally reaching the north coast of Australia on 24 July 1862, on his sixth expedition. He then led all of his men safely back to Adelaide despite being gravely ill himself, and carried on a litter borne by the horses. Stuart’s route would be used later by the Overland Telegraph Line, and is commemorated today by the Stuart Highway.
The exhibition covers Stuart’s early years in South Australia including some years as a private surveyor on Eyre Peninsula before looking at his explorations. The years of remembrance after his departure from South Australia and death are also examined.
This exhibition runs until September 2012 at the State Library of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide.
Poster announcing the successful return of Stuart.
Courtesy SLSA
