Reading a modern reproduction of the fascinating diary kept by Charles Darwin on his HMS Beagle sojourns around the world, I came across an interesting account from his visit to Australia.

Journeying on horseback to Bathurst from Sydney, Darwin stayed at a large property, ‘Walerawang’ (surrounding the present-day township of Wallerawang some 150 km west of Sydney), and went hunting early the next morning. To quote him:

“We continued riding the greater part of the day, but had very bad sport, not seeing a kangaroo, or even a wild dog.”

and

“A few years since this country abounded with wild animals; but now the emu is banished to a long distance, and the kangaroo is becoming scarce …. It may be long before these animals are altogether exterminated, but their doom is fixed.”

Written less than 50 years after the arrival of the First Fleet!

‘Walerawang’ Homestead

And Darwin’s final comment on departing our shores:

“Farewell Australia! You are a rising child, and doubtless some day will reign a great princess in the South: but you are too great and ambitious for affection, yet not great enough for respect.”

Which compares starkly with Fitzroy (Captain of The Beagle), who wrote at the same time about Sydney:

“It is difficult to believe that Sydney will continue to flourish in proportion to its size…..Other rising colonies have advantages in point of situation and climate, which the country about Sydney does not possess…”

Obviously, the recently established Melbourne, with its English climate, went on to become the saviour of Australia!

– Charles Darwin, The Voyage of The Beagle, Zenith Press, ISBN: 978-0-7603-4813-0. (Article by Greg Holland.)