Ernest Giles (1835-1897) was a distinguished English-born Australian explorer whose intrepid expeditions significantly contributed to the cartographic and cultural understanding of Australia's harsh interior landscapes during the late 19th century. A foundational figure in the annals of Australian exploration, Giles's passionate incursions were driven by an innate curiosity and desire to unveil the secrets of the then largely unmapped central and western Australian deserts. His magnum opus, 'Australia Twice Traversed' (1889), stands as an enduring testament to his journeys, illuminating the trials, discoveries, and landscapes encountered across five major expeditions between 1872 and 1876. In this seminal work, Giles details his experiences with a literary flair that combines precise geographical observations with eloquent prose, revealing the human struggles against nature's implacable forces. His writing style, categorized by its narrative vigor and evocative descriptions, offers readers a glimpse into the ethos of colonial exploration and its complex legacy. Giles's contributions extended beyond his written accounts; his fieldwork laid the groundwork for subsequent explorations and became integral to Australia's growth as a nation. Despite facing several obstacles, including limited resources and at times sheer survival crises, Ernest Giles's unwavering determination and his pioneering spirit are immortalized in his writings, which continue to be referenced by scholars and enthusiasts of Australian history and exploration.
Book I: 1. From 4th to 30th August
1872. The party; 2. From 30th August to 6th September
1872. Milk thistle; 3. From 6th to 17th September
1872. Progress stopped; 4. From 17th September to 1st October
1872. Search for the missing horses; 5. From 1st to 15th October
1872. A bluff hill; 6. From 15th October
1872
to 31st January
1873. Move the camp to new creek; Book II: 1. From 4th to 22nd August
1873. Leave for the west; 2. From 22nd August to 10th September
1873. A poor water supply; 3. From 10th to 30th September
1873. Leave for Mount Olga; 4. From 30th September to 9th November
1873. Native encampment; 5. From 9th November to 23rd December
1873. Alone; 6. From 23rd December
1873
to 16th January
1874. Primitive laundry; 7. From 16th January to 19th February
1874. The kangaroo tanks; 8. From 20th February to 12th March
1874. Journey south-west.
