Burke and Wills Original Map
Burke and Wills Original Map. This map is dated 1860, and is believed to be the most accurate according to the manuscripts.
Our Journey
The historic map above follows the Burke and Wills journey as we know it ( there is still debate on the exact path used by the group ). But the yellow line is what the Royal Historic Society Victoria believe to be true and correct from 1860. Our journey in 2014 is the blue line. Note how close our two paths will be. The only reason I cannot follow the exact 1860 route is that today there is no roads of any sort along that path, but there is 128 private stations that I do not wish to contact and ask permission to enter. So I have planned the journey as close to the original on public roads. But be assured that we will be stopping and camping at known Burke and Wills camp sites that are well established and known tourist stops. We will draw water and rest in many of the same places the men rested in 1860. We will look up at the same night sky and enjoy our country from the same place they did in 1860.
Phone Coverage
WILL MY PHONE WORK? Good question. This map shows Telstra coverage around Australia. Clearly we will have no contact via mobile from Camerons Corner to Boulia.
Day 1
It’s time to get going. Day 1 finds us all packed and ready for an easy yet historic ride through some of Victoria’s most beautiful country. With the Royal Park behind us we will take HIWAY ”43” north to leave Melbourne behind as we follow the exact path taken by Burke and Wills in 1860. Let’s not repeat their departure by breaking down less than 10klm up the road. Our first days ride will stop at the following towns, Lancefield, Mia Mia, Heathcote, Elmore, Terrick Terrick Swamp, Tragowel
Lancefield
Our first destination is the small town of LANCEFIELD. The little town of Lancefield is one of those places rich in history yet widely unknown by most. Ancient times saw this area as a quarry for local Aboriginals to gather flint like stone to be used as axes. In more recent times it was also a haunt for the famous Ned Kelly, and it was this very town where a detective was sacked by the Vic Police for his poor handling of the Kelly investigation. But our reason to stop here is something all together different. The Burke and Wills expedition camped at Lancefield on their journey to cross Australia on 23 August 1860 and made their fourth camp out of Melbourne. A marker at the site of the original town at Mustey's Bridge on Deep Creek commemorates the site of their camp. Lancefield is only 1 hour out of Melbourne, so this is a good place to stop, rest, check all harnesses and straps and pose for a photo as we enjoy a quiet moment in a beautiful country town.
Farming machinery
Guys we ARE in farming land, so its very important to look out for farming machinery, and farmers daughters ! juuuuust kidding! back to Day 1.
Mia Mia
From Lancefield we head along a road that I’m sure will put a smile on everyones face as we head for Mia Mia. The road is named “The Burke and Wills Track”. This short ride will find us making our way past some of the most beautiful farms in Australia. We will constantly pass vineyards and be in search for a Burke and Wills wine that will be opened many days and hardships later way up north. Mia Mia is a remarkable town. Burke and Wills arrived here on Saturday, 25 August 1860 and made Camp 6. During our stop here it is a MUST that we see the monument to John Duigan who built Australia’s FIRST AEROPLANE. Mia Mia is home to the first ever all Australian built plane, and a monument now stands proudly for all Australians to see. Imagine the wings of Australian being born in this beautiful town.
Burke and Will Winery
On the Burke and Wills Track, we must stop at the " Burke and Wills Winery" in Mia Mia. THIS IS A MUST, as it is here we will purchase wine to drink in memory of the great explorers and their men. A minimum of 4 bottles will be purchased and opened during specific times along the way. Sadly we cannot stay and do wine tasting as tempting as the offer may be, as we have many more miles to ride.
Tragowel
More than 8 hours of touring for the first day will find us pitching our tents in Tragowel. This beautiful part of Australia wakes early in the morning to milk the many thousands of cows in the area for the milk Victoria wakes up to drink. This place is VERY special in our Burke and Wills ride as its historically recorded that it was HERE the men had an extended rest period, due to the terrible weather and condition of the roads. For us, its a time to park the bikes, pitch our tents and cook a well deserved meal to celebrate a good days ride.
Tragowel Sites
Camping under the stars
That's it. Now its time to test all that camping gear we've all been buying or locating from various contacts. From tents to foldout chairs, camping tables and bush showers.. lets give it all a shot and see how it works.