Aboriginal domestic scene from Blandowski’s 'Australien in 142 Photographischen Abbildungen, 1857 Murray/Darling expedition'
Source: Haddon Library, Cambridge University
The 150th Anniversary of William Blandowski's expedition from Melbourne to the Murray River.
In April 1857, William Blandowski's exhausted party established their base camp Mondellimin, at a site that is now known as Chaffey Landing.
It was here that Blandowski and his assistant Gerard Krefft formed a fruitful partnership with local Aboriginal people.
Based on respect and mutual curiosity, the relationship resulted in an unparalleled collection of mammals, birds and fishes.
The rich array of images and written accounts from Blandowski's scientific encounter provide a unique picture of life on the River at a moment of profound social and environmental change.