description Robert O'Hara Burke Overview
Robert O'Hara Burke (1821-1861) was an Irish-born soldier, police officer, and Australian explorer. He led the Victorian Exploring Expedition, later called the Burke and Wills expedition, which set out from Melbourne in 1860 to cross the continent to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burke and a small party reached northern Australia but failed to complete the final approach to the coast and died during the return journey at Cooper Creek. The expedition became a major episode in the history of Australian inland exploration.
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Who was Robert O'Hara Burke?
Robert O'Hara Burke was an Irish-born soldier, police officer, and Australian explorer. He was born in 1821 and became leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition.
What was the Burke and Wills expedition?
It was the Victorian Exploring Expedition that left Melbourne in 1860 to cross Australia and reach the Gulf of Carpentaria. Robert O'Hara Burke led the expedition, with William John Wills serving as its surveyor and second-in-command.
Why is Robert O'Hara Burke remembered in Australian history?
He led one of the best-known attempts to cross the Australian continent from south to north. The expedition reached the Gulf region but the return journey ended in disaster, and Burke died in 1861.
When did Robert O'Hara Burke die?
Robert O'Hara Burke died in 1861 during the return phase of the expedition. His death occurred after the expedition's attempt to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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