1835-1897

Australian explorer who forged a route from central Australia near Ayres Rock to the west coast. Although a highly skilled adventurer who knew how to survive in the daunting Australian bush land, Giles's first expedition (1872-1874) ended in failure, as he ran out of water and supplies. A second attempt, sponsored by the Victorians and the government of South Australia, in 1876 was successful. Unfortunately, his companion, Gibson, succumbed to the hardship of the trip and died before reaching the west coast.