1860s


The famous but ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills succeeded in reaching the estuary of the Finders River on the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1860-61. 

St Lawrence served as a port and a place of entry for communication and supplies to Clermont and Peak Downs mines. 

Lizard Island was being used by beche de mer fishermen harvesting the sea cucumber which was a popular delicacy in Asia.

© Ian Hughes 2013