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William Ernest GilesPrint Page 
The monument was erected in memory of William Ernest Giles (1835 - 1897) and his crossing from Geraldton to Peake Telegraph Station in 1876. The monument was repaired in 1985.
On 6 May 1875 Giles` party, which included, W. H. Tietkens, J. Young, A. Ross, Peter Nicholls, Saleh, Jimmy and Tommy, left from Beltana Station for their trip north and across the Great Victoria Desert. This time he was successful and reached Perth on 24 November 1875.
After a spell at the Western Australia Capital the party returned to South Australia. They did not take the easy way but went back via the Gibson desert finally arriving at the Peake on 23 August 1876. They had been gone for 15 months and travelled more than 8,000 kilometres. After returning the camels to Beltana Station they went on their way to Adelaide. They attended several parties in their honour at Beltana, Blinman, Burra, Gawler and Adelaide.
Location
| Address: | Oodnadatta Track, 90.4 kilometres south near Peake Telegraph turnoff (PAR12 access track), Oodnadatta, 5734 |
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| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -28.142794 Long: 135.821707 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Exploration |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 06-May-1875 |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | |
| Actual Event End Date: | 23-August-1876 |
| Approx. Event End Date: |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Monday 23rd August, 1976 |
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TO THE MEMORY OF
WILLIAM ERNEST GILES
Who Reached Peake Telegraph Station
23rd August 1876
Having Recrossed This Continent From
Geraldton To Peake Station
This Monument Was Erected To Honour This Achievement
By Christian Brothers Colleges Of
Rostrevor, Gilles Plains And Whyalla
23rd August 1976
Monument Repaired By A Party From Rostrevor College
25th May 1985
