Giles (1835-1897) was an explorer who travelled through western New South Wales from 1861 to 1865 (to assess its pastoral uses) and across large tracts of central Australia from 1872 to 1876. His first trip to central Australia (1872) was as part of Dr Mueller’s exploration team. Much to Giles’ dismay the party turned back once they reached the inaccessible Missionaries’ Plain. During his third attempt to go deeper into the desert, one of his co-explorers died and the Gibson’s Desert was named in his memory. Finally in 1875, with camels for transport, Giles achieved his long-term goal of crossing from South Australia (Beltana) to Western Australia (Perth). He took a different route on the return trip and passed through Murchison, the Gibson’s Desert and Rawlinson Ranges. Giles eventually returned to Victoria where he worked as a land classifier then moved to Coolgardie in Western Australia where he was a clerk in the warden’s office. Ernest Giles published several works detailing his travels across Australia and was made a knight of the crown of Italy and an honorary member of many Continental societies. His biggest award was receiving a fellowship and gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society in London. ; Australian explorers; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 30 pp

Australia Ernest Giles (1835-1897) Exploration Biography