The Quest for Sturt’s “Underground Room” (1845)

What is the aim of the Project? To archaeologically survey, document and verify the location of the Sturt expedition’s (1844-1846) underground room at Depot Glen, near Milparinka. What is the “Underground Room”? The “underground room” is a subterranean bunker dug out by Sturt’s expedition team in 1845 to escape the heat of the summer, and … More The Quest for Sturt’s “Underground Room” (1845)

Sir Thomas Mitchell’s Field Notes and Sketches (1828)

New light is being shed on a set of early survey sketches of Newcastle by Sir Thomas Mitchell.  Final Year Civil, Surveying & Environmental Engineering Student Tim Chisholm has completed an analysis of Sir Thomas Mitchell’s 1828 survey notes and sketches of Newcastle. The full title of the report is Sir Thomas Mitchell’s Field Notes … More Sir Thomas Mitchell’s Field Notes and Sketches (1828)

Quest for Macquarie Pier Foundation and Inscription Stone (1818)

In recognition of Macquarie 2010, The University of Newcastle’s Coal River Working Party will embark on the quest to find the Foundation and Inscription Stone laid in Newcastle by Governor Lachlan Macquarie back in 1818, and believed lost for over 190 years. Governor Lachlan Macquarie laid the foundation stone for the Newcastle breakwater, named in … More Quest for Macquarie Pier Foundation and Inscription Stone (1818)

In Search of Two Carved Trees from the 1801 Expedition

On the 208th anniversary, the University of Newcastle’s Coal River Working Party embarked on a pilgrimage to Mt Elizabeth. Mount Elizabeth was the furthest west that the original 1801 Survey party led by Colonel Paterson reached on the 10 July 1801. On the peak they left two blazed trees with their initials and date 1801 … More In Search of Two Carved Trees from the 1801 Expedition

Two Surveying Reports Released

We have today posted two surveying reports by the University’s Emeritus Professor John Fryer on our Coal River Working Party and Aboriginal Sourcebook sites. Both reports pinpoint important locations in the region’s history including the site of Threlkeld’s mission house at Belmont and the location of Barrallier’s camp site during the early survey mission in … More Two Surveying Reports Released