by the Central Australian Exploration Syndicate, Limited, 1898-1900

Allan A. Davidson

Allan Davidson is one of Australia’s least-known inland explorers, yet his two expeditions north of Alice Springs yielded, as fellow explorer Charles Winnecke writes, ‘a very material contribution to the topography and geology of a space hitherto blank in the map of Australia’. He discovered indications of gold at Tanami and The Granites which led to the later development of the gold mines there.


Until now little has been known about Davidson apart from what is in his very readable journal. Valmai Hankel’s introduction reveals for the first time details of his busy and adventurous life, and includes the first photographs of him to be published.


Trained in surveying, metallurgy and mining engineering, Davidson wrote a daily journal which is important as a geological description of the territory he covered. In an entrancing narrative style he has written a lively and at times amusing tale of his experiences.

The only version of this important journal appeared as a parliamentary paper in 1905. The text has now been reset, in keeping with the other titles in the Friends’ Australian Parliamentary Editions series, and the publication includes superb coloured topographical and geological charts in a matching case.


Limited to 300, with 99 individually numbered and hand bound in quarter leather, and 201 standard in decorated cloth boards.

Deluxe Sold Out
RRP Standard $99
Members Price:- $89