Important expeditions in pictures

This year marks the 150th anniversary of John McDouall Stuart's return from his expedition across the Australian continent, from north to south. And 2013 marks 200 years since the expedition of Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William Charles Wentworth across the Blue Mountains. To commemorate these important expeditions, Australia issued a series of beautiful stamps.

Expedition over the Blue Mountains

In 1813, the European explorers traveled Blaxland, Lawson en Wentworth about the Blue Mountains, a part of the Great Dividing Range (Great Dividing Range). The mountains owe their name to the blue haze often visible overhead. This is because there are many eucalyptus trees in the area, and the oil contained within them evaporates and lingers above the trees. The Blue Mountains presented a huge obstacle for the first colonists. For years, a passage was sought in vain. In 1813, Blaxland, Lawson, and Wentworth succeeded in finding a route through the mountains and were able to search for fertile farmland and pasture on the other side. The British colony could now expand inland as well.

From south to north

Fifty years later was Stuart the first European to cross the Australian continent from south to north (and back). It was the third attempt by the Scottish explorer. With nine companions, he left South Australia in October 1961 and reached the coast at Van Diemen Gulf on July 24, 1862. On December 17, the group returned to the south, arriving in Adelaide. Stuart's success is attributed to his experience and his egalitarian leadership style. His expedition led to the construction of a telegraph line between Adelaide and the Darwin and Stuart Highway.

Related stamps

The expedition over the Blue Mountains was also commemorated by Australia in 1963. As far as I could ascertain, a stamp had never been issued for the other expedition. A search for stamps featuring the explorers yielded two stamps by William Charles Wentworth. One issued by Australia (1973) and one by Nordfolk (1990). And an Australian stamp from 1962 depicting John McDouall Stuart.

History on stamps

I think that's wonderful: a piece of history on stamps. Great for an album, but also as support for history lessons at school. And that way, you also bring stamps to the attention of young people; killing two birds with one stone.