Top 50 Aussie Explorers

By Ben Stephens.

Have you ever climbed Cradle Mountain in Tasmania? When you do, the feeling when you hit that summit is crazy. You feel like you are on top of the world and with only a small number of people at the top, you feel you might be the first to have conquered the beast. In reality, sadly, you weren’t, Aboriginal tribes used the area for creating tools from the rock at the foothill of the mountain and as a ground for hunting. From the European world, it was first topped by Henry Helllyer in 1831. Though this shouldn’t put you off getting out there are exploring. When it comes to exploring there seems to be a certain passion for it in the Australian history and to celebrate this deep lust, the talented curators at the Australian Museum here in Sydney are exhibiting, Trail Blazers: Australia’s 50 Greatest Explorers.

The museum is putting some of the bravest Aussie souls on show, the ones that traversed oceans, deserts or even entire continents. At the fresh age of just 15, Jess Watson sailed into Sydney Harbour, having completed a solo, unassisted circumnavigation around earth (a massive feat for anyone, let alone a grommet) earning her a spot in history, the Order of Australia and of course a spot in the top 50 Aussie explorers. Alongside J.Wats, Bungaree, a member of the Kuring-gai mob, helped map Australia over a ten year period from 1790, a true legend from the beginning. There are 48 other names that all mean something to how we live today, I urge you to check out the full list HERE.

To top up the old tank with a fresh batch of inspiration, the boys behind Crossing the Ditch, Cas and Jonesy, will be on hand to talk about the future of exploration. The lads went on an an unsupported kayak mission from Australia to New Zealand in 2008 and the 2012 journeyed over land ski trip, setting out from the Antarctic Coast to the actual South Pole. This talk will be on July 14, also known as Bastille Day, a time to celebrate those early explorers to our land, like Baudin and La Perouse. The ticket price includes some fine champagne and cheese to match. The event is hosted by National Geographic and with tickets selling fast, be sure to grab yours HERE.

Trail Blazers: Australia’s 50 Greatest Explorers is on until July 18 at the Australian Museum Sydney.

Hero and social image: Jessica Watson Facebook