Adventures, hardship and a scientific legacy: Ludwig Leichhardt’s 1843 journey to Mt Royal in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Ludwig Leichhardt's 1843 expedition to Mt Royal, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, reveals a largely unchanged landscape and rich scientific legacy. His diary and herbarium records document plant and animal species, specimens collected, and landscape descriptions that provide insight into his early botanical exploration. The study highlights the significance of Leichhardt's plant specimens in Sydney and Melbourne herbaria, relating to his lesser-known journey from Newcastle to Moreton Bay. This expedition offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by 19th-century naturalists while underscoring the enduring value of Leichhardt's contributions to natural history.

Falding, M., & Benson, D. (2013). Adventures, hardship and a scientific legacy: Ludwig Leichhardt’s 1843 journey to Mt Royal in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Cunninghamia, 13, 305–330. https://doi.org/10.7751/cunninghamia2013.008