1. Crossing the Great Australian Bight: In 1873, Giles led an expedition from Adelaide to Perth, becoming the first European to cross the vast and waterless desert regions known as the Great Australian Bight. During this journey, he discovered several waterholes and springs, expanding the knowledge of available water sources in the area.
2. Exploration of Central Western Australia: Giles conducted several expeditions into the previously unexplored parts of central Western Australia. He traversed extensive salt lakes, sand dunes, and spinifex grasslands, charting new regions and naming many geographical features, including mountains, lakes, and valleys.
3. Journey Across the Gibson Desert: In 1876, Giles undertook a challenging journey across the harsh and waterless Gibson Desert. He relied on camels, which were introduced to Australia for exploration purposes, to transport supplies and water during this trek.
4. Discovery of Gold: During his 1875 expedition in Western Australia, Giles discovered gold in the Murchison River region. This triggered a gold rush in the area, further opening up the state to mining activities.
5. Mapping and Naming of Features: Throughout his journeys, Giles produced detailed maps and provided information about the environmental conditions, soil quality, and geological formations of the unexplored regions he traversed. He named numerous geographic features, many of which still bear the names he originally assigned.
Ernest Giles' discoveries contributed to the geographical understanding, mapping, and development of Western Australia. His explorations played a vital role in the expansion of European settlements and opened up opportunities for economic activities such as agriculture, mining, and pastoralism in the previously little-known regions of the interior.
