Wylie (Australian explorer) facts for kids

Wylie and Eyre when they first saw the ship.

Wylie (born around 1825) was an Aboriginal Australian from the King George Sound area near Albany in Western Australia. He became known for his important role in an exploration journey across Australia.

In May 1840, Wylie traveled by ship with explorer Edward John Eyre to Adelaide. Wylie was supposed to join Eyre's big trip to explore inland Australia that June, but he became sick. Later that year, Eyre was at Fowlers Bay and Wylie joined him there. He arrived on the ship Hero, which was bringing supplies for Eyre's expedition.

Wylie's Journey Across Australia

In 1841, Wylie joined Eyre and John Baxter on a very difficult journey. They were trying to cross the Nullarbor Plain, a huge, dry area of land. Two other Aboriginal people, Joey and Yarry, were also part of the group.

Challenges on the Nullarbor Plain

The journey was incredibly tough. At one point, Wylie and Joey left the group for a short time. This happened while the party was resting at sandhills near what is now Eucla. They soon returned because they could not find any food on their own.

Loyalty to Edward Eyre

Several weeks later, Wylie showed great loyalty to Eyre. The other two Aboriginal companions, Joey and Yarry, left the group. Wylie chose to stay with Eyre for the rest of the long and challenging journey. They eventually met French whalers in Rossiter Bay, who were impressed by Wylie's large appetite after such a long trek.

After the Expedition

After the journey was finished, Wylie returned to Albany. For a short time, he worked as a native policeman. Edward Eyre, who kept in touch with Wylie for many years, also helped him get a government pension. This was a regular payment to help support him.