The Murray Explored

To mark 160 years since William Blandowski undertook an expedition to the Murray River in 1856, Museum Victoria's team of scientists, historians and curators camped along the Murray to undertake a special anniversary 'expedition'.

William Blandowski was the first scientist appointed to the newly opened Victorian Museum in 1854. He immediately started documenting the rich biodiversity found in Victoria through a series of expeditions. His first major expedition was to the Murray River in 1856 with basecamp established in the Gannawarra region.

In October 2016, Museum Victoria and Gannawarra Shire Council, together with Parks Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the North Central Catchment Management Authority, collaborated to explore and profile the rich nature on offer in the region and its deep cultural and historical connections.  

The teams surveyed through Gunbower National Park and Gunbower State Forest, the river and surrounding areas.

This video showcases the incredible work that Museum Victoria did during their expedition in October 2016.