Author: Bourke, Richard,
Title: Journal, manuscript
Date: 1837.
Accession Number: MS5176
Transcript Number: pp0001-010-0


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Country having the appearance of an English Park.
Thence over a very arid plain of coarse grass to the Salt River -
salt at crossing place but fresh ½ a mile higher up & off the
road. halted here for the night the Dray having been overturned
and repair reqd. Distance gone from Melbourne 8 miles.

March 10


Started at qr past 5 distance to the ford over the Ex or Weareaby
15½ miles. The whole line across a flat open Country great part
of the herbage lately burned. No water. Soil poor - grass
hardly of the value of that on Goulburn Plains. Visited in the
Evening the Station of Simpson & Wedge. Situation bleak in winter
& cold for Sheep. Water abundant in the Weariby - which however is
affected by the tide 1 mile below. Distance this day 14½

March 11


Started at qr past 5. Distance to Little River 8 qr miles, found
good water in large holes or reaches. Station Peak abt 6 miles
distant. Country open but undulating & therefore affording shelter.
Grass also better than on the preceding day's journey.
To Cowey's Station 14½ miles. After leaving Station Peak on the R
Plains become bleak & herbage coarse. great part lately burnt.
About Coweys soil on the Hills improves & the valley of the
Marrubal below is fertile & beautiful. Encamped there close
to the River. distance gone this day 23 miles.

March 12


Sunday Halt. at 12 read prayers - Capt Machonochie
arrived this day from V. D's Land and Mr Roach
leaving Revenue Cutter from Sydney with despatches.
Answd despatches &c.

March 13


Went to Geelong Harbour first to Corroia Bay &
thence towards Point Henry from whence crossed over
to the Barwin reaching it where it flows thro’
a morass about 8 miles from the mouth. Traced it
upwards to Fisher's Station a short distance below
which it is not affected by the Tide. There are
fine Valleys and flats along the Banks of this
River for a long way upwards. Crossed the height
from the Barwin again to Corroia chiefly to
examine whether the waters of that River could
be readily brought to supply a Township near
the Sea at Corroia. Found the project too
great for the present state of the Settlement.
If a Town must be established for Geelong it
should be placed on the Barwin not far
from Fisher's Station. Probably Store Houses at
Corroia will answer for the present or some
where

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