Uploaded January 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Footage of the 1939 Simpson Desert Expedition, led by Dr. Cecil Thomas (C.T.) Madigan, with a team of nine.
In 1929 CT Madigan undertook a series of aerial reconnaissances of central Australia and in 1939 followed this up with a scientific expedition into the Simpson Desert. His expedition crossed the desert in 25 days with a party of nine, pioneering the use of mobile radio communication, and making extensive zoological and botanical collections, which included 14 new species of spiders. The geology of the desert was also recorded. This was the first scientific examination of the Simpson Desert and only the second complete crossing by a European. Madigan's expedition was financed by AA Simpson of Adelaide. His book of the journey is titled' Crossing the Dead Heart'.
Viewers are advised that this film contains footage that shows Aboriginal people who have passed away. Care and discretion should be used when showing this film.
Reference number PRG 43/4/1
http://www.catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au:80/record=b2632883
Footage of the 1939 Simpson Desert Expedition, led by Dr. Cecil Thomas (C.T.) Madigan, with a team of nine.
In 1929 CT Madigan undertook a series of aerial reconnaissances of central Australia and in 1939 followed this up with a scientific expedition into the Simpson Desert. His expedition crossed the desert in 25 days with a party of nine, pioneering the use of mobile radio communication, and making extensive zoological and botanical collections, which included 14 new species of spiders. The geology of the desert was also recorded. This was the first scientific examination of the Simpson Desert and only the second complete crossing by a European. Madigan's expedition was financed by AA Simpson of Adelaide. His book of the journey is titled' Crossing the Dead Heart'.
Viewers are advised that this film contains footage that shows Aboriginal people who have passed away. Care and discretion should be used when showing this film.
Reference number PRG 43/4/1
http://www.catalog.slsa.sa.gov.au:80/record=b2632883
