19th-Century Australian Travel Writing
Rosamond (1825-1902) and Florence (1829-1919) Hill, were social reformers and educational administrators, born in Chelsea, London. They dedicated the narrative of their sojourn to Australia to the friends that they made during their visit. In their 'apology' for their travel narrative, the Hills noted that the concept of such a journey being undertaken by ladies was generally considered eccentric and extraordinary. The work was not an exhaustive account of the colonies they visited, but rather a description of their travels; through their narrative they discuss issues ranging from society balls, to convict life, to Australian Indigenous languages in a relaxed and conversational manner.
