The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.
This lengthy poem traces the evolution of Australia through geological periods, and human evolution, to the point where explorers reach Australia. It celebrates their achievements by sea and land, and the subsequent transformation of the wilderness to 'peaceful homesteads.' 'Mysterious solitudes' have been enlivened by 'railway whistles,' etc. , in a series of contrasts which enlarge the theme of honouring the 'stainless name' of the 'old explorers.' (CT)