Looking-into-Leichhardt_catalogue_Oct2013_Gannon+friends

VII INTO THE VALLEY OF LAGOONS April 1845 By late autumn 1845 they were battling their way north-west along the rocky edge of the Burdekin River, past today’s Charters Towers, where they encountered a valley that had recently received heavy rains. It was aptly named Valley of Lagoons. Despite their earlier hardships this interlude lifted their spirits and they described the grassed river flats as 'the most beautiful country' . The expeditioners worked, ate and slept reasonably well during this period. Sunrise and sunset colours were dramatic. Just prior to entering the valley they made Campsite No. 118 on 12 April 1845 and named it ‘Campsite of The Three Rocks’ on account of basalt on the western bank, a limestone outcrop across the river and a granite bank to the east.

120 x 80 cm oil on board 2013

Leichhardt's 1844-45 route

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