E05 –Bound for South Australia – Charles Nantes and the Tragic Trek

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Embark on a remarkable journey with us as we navigate little-known events in early South Australian history.  Picture young Charles Nantes, in early 1830’s England, a man pursuing a fresh start away from the shadows of his father's scandalous legacy.   In 1836, Charles boards the Africaine, bound for South Australia, alongside other colonists like Captain John Finley Duff and businessman John Hallett.  We uncover the rich mosaic of dreams and ambitions that propelled these pioneers towards uncharted lands.  Through personal diaries and firsthand accounts, we breathe life into the stories of those who dared to pioneer a new world.

 Our exploration widens as we step onto the rugged terrain of Kangaroo Island, first sighted by Matthew Flinders in 1802.  Imagine a place teeming with kangaroos yet devoid of First Nations people, offering a new start for European settlers.  Encouraged by Captain Sutherland's report of fertile expanses and bountiful wildlife, Charles Nantes and five other young men begin a trek across Kangaroo Island.   Experience the gritty trials of survival in a land of scarce resources and formidable landscapes through their eyes.  

 We shine a light on the controversies shadowing Sutherland's report—tales of conspiracy and tragedy involving the trekkers, Slater and Osborne, that demand further exploration.  

 Join us in illuminating the indomitable spirit of early explorers in their quest for discovery and survival is brought to life.  These captivating stories, where history blends seamlessly with personal accounts and unsolved mysteries, offer a richer understanding of Australia’s past.

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