John Oxley. Journal of an expedition into the interior of New South Wales (2 parts, 102 pp., 82 pp.), 06 April 1817-29 August 1817

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File 2

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The exploring party comprised Oxley, the surveyor George Evans, the botanists Allan Cunningham and Charles Fraser, and nine other men. They left Sydney on 6 April 1817 and after a short stay at Bathurst set off westwards on 20 April. The journal describes Oxley's impressions of the Lachlan River, which Evans had discovered in 1815, and his journey downstream until the river divided into branches and became lost in marshes. On 16 May he decided to abandon the Lachlan and travel south-west, hoping to reach the southern coast of Australia at Cape Northumberland. The country was harsh, with impenetrable bush, and days were lost searching for water. On 6 June he changed course and headed west across desolate and barren country. On 23 June he unexpectedly reached the banks of the Lachlan River, which he followed until it again entered marshes. On 20 July he decided to return, heading north towards the Macquarie River, eventually reaching fine country suitable for sheep. He discovered the Wellington Valley and reached Bathurst on 29 August 1817.

The journal was forwarded by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to Lord Bathurst, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on 13 December 1817.

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